CHAPTER 2

Where Do We Start?

We are building businesses, and successful information systems are a critical component of a successful business. But an information system is not just computers; a successful information system consists of the correct technologies, tools, methodologies, processes, and people. If any of these are missing, the information system is incomplete.

Step One

The first step in developing a successful information system is to sit down with the employees of the company and talk about what they do and have them sketch it out on a piece of paper. Not what the formal organization chart or business process charts say they do, but what they really do on a day-to-day basis. This is classic business process management.

Have employees ...

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