Once you have decided to enter the online business scene you have taken the very first step, although the task ahead is not very simple. A reputed research company, the Gartner group, states that approximately 75% of the e-business projects that are started do not succeed as a result of planning that is not adequate and also due to very high expectations that are not realized. The profits that are actually estimated in the planning process does not get realized when the e-business solution is put into practice because the management of affairs and the execution of the plans are not as desired. Management of the business affairs is what is at fault in most cases where the implementation of the ebusiness solution fails. Some common mistakes that are seen are inability to understand the project, not being able to conceive the larger picture and expectations that are too high.
Pitfalls of E-business solutions installation process
Considering a case where a huge distribution firm has made the decision to use a new technique of managing an online supply chain. Those who were actually supposed to execute the solution had very little knowledge about the system and did not believe that the new system could be successful. Due to hurdles like these, it took approximately a year for the company to put the new system into practice. The time delay led to cost overrun and the cost incurred was very much higher than that expected. This is a common problem faced by many companies in the successful implementation of their ebusiness solution.
There could be several problems like the people who are to actually execute it do not really believe in it and thus, do not spend enough time to understand the ebusiness solution. Without knowing it themselves they would not be in a position to pass on appropriate orders lower down. They are unable to lay down any specific objectives and targets. Thus, they do not make a whole hearted effort in the execution of the new e-business solution as they don’t expect it to achieve any great results.
There may also be cases wherein the IT related infrastructure is not sufficient to support the latest ecommerce solution. Due to a lack of understanding and communication the funds allocated and the time spent for the execution of the solution is not adequate. Sometimes the new ecommerce solution formulated would be such that it complements the old solution and thus, if it does not involve proper planning then it may result in incompatibility problems.
How to avoid pitfalls
The implementation of ecommerce solutions has a far reaching impact on the company and therefore, proper planning must be done for successful implementation of ecommerce solution.
Preparation
The ecommerce solution must be prepared after careful planning and taking into account the requirements of the different user groups. The ecommerce software devised must have answers to questions like:
• The aim of the ecommerce solution
• The areas the solution is meant to address together with a great ecommerce web site design.
• Is it economically viable to implement the ecommerce solution?
• The target that the solution aims at meeting
It is important that you have a team of experts or a good web design company who would look after matters related to the implementation of the solution. The resources required for implementation must be allocated and the deadlines specified. The experts must at every stage consider the developments taking place and must see to it that the targets are met from time to time.
Education and Training
Education refers to finding the right team of experts who would be able to implement the solution successfully. The objectives and goals to be achieved must be laid down clearly and the staff must be trained so that they understand not only the details regarding the solution but also how significant it is for the organization. Evaluation must be done from time to time and the progress must be compared with the targets to ascertain if the targets are being met or not.
Implementation
The ecommerce solution must be implemented as per plans so as to employ the resources efficiently and ensure that the targets are met. The senior management must evaluate the performance on a regular basis to see that the program goes as per plans. The solution must be evaluated at every stage and must consider the requirements of all the user groups. The satisfaction of all the user groups is very important for the successful implementation of the solution. Understanding the technology required for the implementation of the solution is very important, if need be employ the services of a professional so that you not only save on cost but also effort.
One must however, understand things and thus, have realistic expectations. The ecommerce solution is going to take time for bringing about the desired results and a change overnight should not be expected. A step by step plan and evaluation is necessary to ensure its success. Some of the ebusiness solutions that help in attracting customers include business portal, e-marketplace and the like. First of all, the business must consider the various factors and determine if there is a requirement of a new ebusiness solution for the business and whether it is economically viable to implement it. It would be helpful to keep abreast of the changes in technology and also the strategy implemented by the competitor.
Related Articles
The Wonderful World of Ecommerce and Its Many Advantages
By: Anne Catherine | 07/01/2008 | Information Technology
Ecommerce is one of the most essential tools for conducting modern business. The wonderful feature of e-business is that you don’t need papers, desk and table to conduct your business, of course you need to have a computer and an Internet connection; but that’s all it needs for a successful online venture.
How to Exploit the Tremendous Opportunities Ecommerce Provides!
By: Anne Catherine | 05/10/2007 | Information Technology
Computer influences our lives in almost all possible ways. Since the advent of the World Wide Web service a new genre of communication has come into existence; the Internet- a place where you connect to the entire world right at your desk. The world of the Internet is an enchanting place where millions of people from across the globe access people’s internet residences or places of work better known as websites to get what they want.
Are Young Online Shoppers your Target Audience?
By: Anne Catherine | 17/12/2007 | Software
Online shopping has become more of a craze today when it comes to teens’ choice. Recent surveys have revealed startling results saying most of the websites and online shopping stores are explored by teens than adults. Even if they don’t carry their own credit cards, they use their parents’. Teens are not that much tech savvy yet about 80% of online teens visit retail sites as per ComScore survey.
Dynamic Tips for Successful Venture in Ecommerce Trade
By: Anne Catherine | 18/12/2007 | Information Technology
So you are all set to target ‘Netizens’ as your potential customers? You have decided to do a full-fledged ecommerce business? Then you must also be aware of the technical know-how’s of online trade and the importance of a dynamic web site. In this generation next era, where cyber sites rule the roost, you may find numerous ecommerce solutions and software. It is a competitive field where you witness a daily tussle among new, vibrant and eye-catching ecommerce packages with....
What Makes Business Tick Today - Ecommerce Solutions
By: Anne Catherine | 12/11/2007 | Information Technology
The internet has made hitherto unthought-of possibilities a reality. Ecommerce or electronic commerce has opened up new vistas of doing business anytime, anywhere. The need for complete ecommerce solutions is daily paving the way for innumerable innovations in the field of information technology. Ecommerce developments have the potential to change the financial equations existing between the nations of the world.
How Website Optimization Can Make a World of Difference?
By: Anne Catherine | 29/09/2007 | Software
Your website is your image on the World Wide Web. You have created a website for showcasing your products and services online in the expectation of attracting a prospective customer and ultimately making a sale. For a sale to occur it is important that the prospective customer knows about your existence online. Website optimization makes a whole world of difference to your online business.
Consumerism : Main Reason Behind the Growth in Online Shopping!
By: Anne Catherine | 09/01/2008 | ECommerce
With the onset of globalization different and new economic concepts have come up. These economic concepts have now gone on to become the backbone of the modern day economy. One such concept that has changed the whole idea of the “buying selling trade” is consumerism. Consumerism has gained larger importance in the modern day world due to the prolific rise in the trend of online shopping or to be more technical e- commerce.
Ecommerce Solution – Ruling the Ecommerce Era!
By: Anne Catherine | 29/10/2007 | Software
Ecommerce is also called as e-marketing by which the buying and selling of goods and services takes place online. The individual or company, who sells the product will have their own website, which explains the details regarding their products or services and are browsed by the customers. If they find the product suitable to satisfy their need, they can buy it online.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Information Technology Articles
What is Data Extraction?
By: Outsource India | 21/08/2008
Data Extraction can be defined as the process of retrieving Data from an unstructured source in order to further process it or store it. Data Extraction is extremely useful for large organizations who deal with huge amounts of data, on a daily basis, that need to be processed into meaningful information and stored for later use.
Nokia N81 8gb: Stylish Life With This Music Edition Phone
By: carlodanie | 19/08/2008
The Nokia N81 is the new Music Edition phone from Nokia. Continuing its endeavour to provide more than just communicating devices to the people, Nokia has designed this novel product as a combined phone and a music player.
Broken Apple Laptop? Need a Cheap Logic Board Repair? Mail in Repair Centers Save Thousands!
By: Apple Logic Board Repair Reviewed | 19/08/2008
When Searching For A Reasonable Authorized Apple Tech Mail In Apple Computer Repair Can Save You Hundreds Or Over One Thousand! There are many things to look for in an apple mail in repair center.
Mobile Phone Deals: Pay Less Get More
By: carlodanie | 18/08/2008
Looking for a change in your tech-savvy lifestyle? Get hold of the latest handset and transform your life. Buy the new handset to stay updated with the latest technology as well as complete your style statement.
Why Web 3.0?
By: Nate Graves | 18/08/2008
Find out what web 3.0 is and what steps are being taken to usher in this new era of the web. Learn what you can do to take steps towards semantics and programmatic access to information.
Microsoft Dynamics Crm, Microsoft Dynamics, Ms Crm, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Hosted
By: Marc | 18/08/2008
CRM - It is a business buzz-term right now. But what is CRM? The following information will give an outline to show what CRM is and what it can accomplish. We will review what is CRM in general, what is CRM to your business and what is CRM when paired with Outlook. More specifically we will deal with what is CRM as opportunity management, what is CRM sharing, what is CRM reporting and what is CRM training? With a little research there is a clear answer to the question what is CRM?
5 Important Things to Know About the Network Plus Certification
By: Georgia Stath | 17/08/2008
The Network plus certification is a natural continuation from the A+ certification. A+ teaches you about computers (hardware and software), the net+ teaches you about networking.
5 Important Things to Know About the a Plus Certification
By: Georgia Stath | 17/08/2008
Comptia (the vendor offering this certification) got it right with the A+ certification. It's extremely popular and no wonder why. The A+ is the very first step in our career ladder and a very important one.
More from Anne Catherine
What’s Behind US Support of Israeli Disapproval of Palestinian Unity Government?
By: Anne Catherine | 30/05/2008 | Software
The US has recently seen and faced a lot. Be it on the economic, political, or foreign relations front, the US had to deal with a number of disturbing issues for which it has faced a lot of criticism also from all the quarters. Even internally the Bush government faced a lot of criticisms for its foreign policies especially in the Middle East. The US initiatives in Afghanistan and Iraq has earned for the US worldwide . . . . .
High Grain Prices Make Foreign Investors Apprehensive of Investing in African Nations!
By: Anne Catherine | 29/05/2008 | Software
In the modern times one of the most important and effective ways of strengthening the world economy and the individual economies, is to make strategic collaborations. Collaborations, coalitions, mergers, and takeovers are the go of the day. The countries are trying to reap mutual benefits by making trans border business. These new economic strategies have helped the countries to overcome their weaknesses . . . . . .
The US Hit by the Combined Forces of Stagflation, Inflation, Recession and High Oil Prices!
By: Anne Catherine | 28/05/2008 | Software
The sky rocketing fuel prices has sent the global economy on turmoil. This is probably because any form of growth and development in the current scheme of things is unthinkable and impossible without oil. In addition rise in oil prices is not restricted. The rise is translated in the form of a price hike in the other commodities . . . .
Banks Take to Low Interest Rates to Pacify the Current Economic Whirlwind!
By: Anne Catherine | 26/05/2008 | Software
Inflation and regression attacking the global economy, the top notch financial organizations are finding themselves placed in a very crucial position as they are at their nerves end as to what or how they can provide some sort of respite to the aggrieved population. Not only the common man even the most wealthy people of the world are finding it difficult to combat the hurricane of the financial instabilities in the modern economies. The biggies of the world market are also caught unaware . . .
Internal Political Animosity Greatest Impediment Towards Economic Upliftment!
By: Anne Catherine | 23/05/2008 | Software
Apart from the economic conditions and theories that affect the economy of a given country, the political and social condition of that country is also very much responsible for its economic state. In fact the internal state of affairs of a country matters the most if it has to make the most of the advantageous economic trends of the global economy. It is very important that the political condition of the country . . . . .
Oil Prices are Skyrocketing in the Current Face of Inflation!
By: Anne Catherine | 22/05/2008 | Software
The progress in modern technology as well as the breathtaking development that the human race has achieved in all fronts would have been impossible without the utilization of the natural resource called oil. Oil is a natural resource that has been instrumental in catapulting man into the peak of development he is enjoying today. Taking into account the “never-say-die” attitude of the human breed, we can state that the human beings would have managed to achieve development . . . .
Are We Getting so Intoxicated to Industrialization That We are Forgetting Agriculture?
By: Anne Catherine | 21/05/2008 | Health
It won’t be wrong to say that agriculture is the backbone of any economy. Agriculture is the first and foremost source of livelihood, even in this age of industrialization. An economy is unthinkable without agriculture. Today, apart from the people having agricultural background, no one else is much keen on pursuing a career in agriculture . . . .
Decline in Global Economy is Adversely Affecting Capital Availability!
By: Anne Catherine | 20/05/2008 | Software
The very amazing economic upliftment achieved by the global economy during the last couple of years met its end with a sudden slowdown and economic crash striking the world economy at the start of 2008. Almost all the major stock markets in the world had witnessed major crashes during the initial months of 2008 and this financial crisis assumed complete proportion with economic . . . . .
Computers 
