Navigating Challenges and Maximizing Returns
Investment management is a fast-paced, data-intensive space where efficiency and competitiveness are crucial. Enterprise software plays a vital role in delivering on business objectives, but implementing it does not come without challenges like cost overruns and disruptions. In this article, we will explore a value-driven approach to software rollouts, providing insights on navigating these hurdles to maximize returns.
1. Defining Value in Software Rollouts
Investment managers rely on software to achieve goals like cost reduction and improved customer offerings. A 'value-driven' approach is key, focusing on delivering these benefits effectively.
This strategy stresses the importance of setting clear goals and actively pursuing them. According to Samantha Springall, a leading expert in the field, "securing early wins can be as impactful as realizing the entire business case to drive momentum and achieve confidence, leading to success". In essence, successful software rollouts in investment management require a strategic focus on delivering value at every stage.
2. The Value-Driven Approach
How does a value-driven approach differ from traditional methods? Unlike traditional approaches, which often focus on big goals, a value-driven approach prioritizes delivering small, incremental benefits. It sets clear goals and uses agile methods to steadily achieve them.
At HUB, we focus on identifying key 'value drivers' to guide our approach. Our goal is to optimize for time to first value (TTFV), rather than aiming for a major transformation all at once. By focusing on reaching smaller milestones, we make steady progress toward our larger objectives. In a world where 'as a service' proliferates financial services, 'Vendor as a Partner,' or VaaP, should be the idea of partnering for joint success to truly deliver great business outcomes.
3. Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Investment management firms must remain vigilant of common pitfalls that often afflict software changes. These include underestimating time and effort, not allocating enough resources, making harmful assumptions, and failing to show progress. Prolonged delays in realizing value from a rollout can disrupt business operations and affect return on investment (ROI).
4. Software Selection
Considering your vendor in terms of VaaP is key, not only should the firm be reputable and have the required expertise, but they should align with your values and support your objectives. Selecting the right software solution is critical. Investment management firms must consider several factors, such as ROI, usability, feature functionality, and how well the software aligns with their specific business needs.
5. Data Security and Compliance
Data security and compliance are top priorities in software rollouts. While value cannot be overlooked, compromising the security of data and processes is never worth it just because it appears there is a good deal on the table. It is imperative that early software access is granted with utmost data and user information security. This will allow the user to understand exactly what they are dealing with from early on.
6. Success Stories in Value-Driven Software
PIMCO and other firms have achieved success through value-driven approaches, resulting in cost reductions, enhanced client offerings, and improved customer experiences. PIMCO's journey highlights the successful impact of such rollout in investment management.
7. Benefits of Incremental Value
The incremental approach enables ongoing projects to offset their own costs, fostering sustained stakeholder engagement throughout the journey. Additionally, users do not need to grapple with the entire system all at once, making for a smoother transition.
Future Trends
The landscape of investment management software rollouts continues to evolve rapidly. Emerging trends include the integration of AI for generating test cases and refining data analysis, adoption of collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Slack for seamless communication, and leveraging cloud environments to facilitate real-time issue debugging.
Conclusion
In the investment management realm, adopting a value-driven approach to software rollouts is a game-changer. By prioritizing incremental value, sidestepping common pitfalls, and carefully weighing key factors in software selection, investment management firms can revolutionize their operations and strive to attain the desired ROI. With a keen focus on future trends and a steadfast commitment to data security, these firms are primed for success in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
How HUB Can Help?
At HUB, we acknowledge investment management firms' unique challenges during software rollouts. The HUB solution addresses common issues such as cost, prolonged timelines, and the complexities of achieving high returns on investment.
Book a demo today with our team to learn more.
