This is the slideshow I used yesterday at SharePoint Saturday DFW 2013 in Dallas at Microsoft's Las Colinas Campus in Irving. #SPSDFW for many great presentations by industry leaders.
The Business Case for SharePoint was put together to share the story of why Tait Environmental Services chose to use SharePoint for their environmental compliance system. I discussed the history of previous versions of TECS Online - Tait's Environmental Compliance System - and what the company's current needs are. It's one thing to meet needs - why would we want a system as complicated as SharePoint? TECS is mission critical to our company, and the decisions surrounding it are given the greatest importance. So why SharePoint for TECS Online? That's what the presentation was about.
The reasons for our selection / decision are probably similar to many other businesses, which is why it may be helpful for you or others to know this particular example. Some short answers to 'why' are:
SharePoint does so much more than what we currently use it for, so there are other functionalities we may take advantage of without purchasing additional software/platforms/systems/licenses - we can continue to grow or advance the technology in our company without additional expense.
SharePoint is a Microsoft technology that will continue to be developed at their expense. Proprietary systems would be developed at additional expense to us, but we know Microsoft will continue investing their own funds to improve SharePoint.
We already have the licensing in place, and have SA - software assurance for SharePoint. That means we are able to upgrade to the newer version included in the costs we are already paying. The upgrade will be from SharePoint 2010 --> 2013.
We had great questions from the audience, and I appreciate the open forum discussion and opportunity to share at Microsoft. Email, tweet or text me for more information. I hope you find this helpful.
From beginning in 1964, gas stations & continued entrepreneurial growth
We do – process of guys going out into the field, etc.We use – many forms, regulatory agencies etc.
Positives – one point of contact, quick turnaround on changes or new formsNegatives – dependent on builderWhat happened – builder response slowed, limited system development
Expectations – to be able to make changes and do development internallyReality – dependent on the consultants to make changesSet up for SuccePositives – since a company, able to replace individuals that moved onNegatives – multiple (4=) Project Managers during the first 2 year period, lack of control - dependent on developers, more difficult to communicate since language barrier, no structured knowledge transfer, not enough training for TES to continue development intrenallyWhat happened – builder response to growing number of documents was to increase the query threshold which ultimately resulted in the system slowing to a halt, should have been re-architected earlier – the need to re-architect should have been stressed with more importance – lack of guidance by the consultants
Identification of issues with current system – saw it ‘break’, then agreement to fund next version/re-architecture
Giving examples specific to TECSWorkflow of Testing documents – discovered needed loop at end of the workflowCertifications – communication between forms and the server
Realization, consideration of funding to be allotted, process to take place, moving forward
Other OptionsProprietary SystemAdobe LiveCycle for forms and workflowExcel with Macros – development would be neededOthersAs complicated – because it’s worth it! Additional functionality beyond needs
Decided SharePoint still, but re-architected and upgrade to newer version SP2013
Any system like this will never have an apples to apples comparison. The best we can do is compare apples to oranges to determine which fruit matches our taste palate the best
CFO - Has bigger picture plans for future development *Franchising / Relationship development with SubContractors *Income from FormsExecs - Process Driven, needs for every day scenarios.Know the business. Built previous versions. Understand needs of external and internal users *Forms *ReportingFrustrated Influencer - Understands need, has already been through versions 1 & 2 not quite meeting expectations & being expensive, does not see value of investing more money into SharePoint *Very influential on Execs and Techs *Needs access/control & will excel *Problem solver and team player – starting to get involved