Hi Reader,
Why do products perform flawlessly internally yet have challenges when deployed to clients?
It's all about the delivery.
Recently, I spoke with a colleague who owns a tech company specializing in digital solutions. They mentioned that when they deploy one of their AI solutions to a large long-standing client for a single department, the process goes smoothly. However, when the client requests the same AI solution is implemented across multiple departments, the deployment quickly becomes messy.
And what happens when product deployments become messy? It doesn't look good for their company.
I get it, deploying products is not as exciting as making one; but it’s as important.
Products, projects, deployments, and implementations
What's the secret to successfully delivering your products to clients? The truth is, there is no secret.
First, let’s clarify some terms.
A product meets the needs of a specific group of users and could be a good or service.
A project achieves a specific outcome within a set scope, timeline, and budget.
A deployment is making the product available and operational for use by its intended users or customers.
An implementation is the process of integrating a product into use, ensuring it operates effectively within the intended environment.
Now let’s use all these terms in a single sentence: A new product needs to be deployed as a project implementation for a customer.
In my last article When Project and Product Managers Clash, I spoke about the difference between product and project managers, and how yes, it is possible to align our products and projects successfully.
Smooth Product Deployment for Clients
Product companies can’t just hand over a product and expect clients to manage on their own. They need to make that product active. Without established project implementation processes during deployment, clients may struggle, leading to eventual failure.
Deployment refers to the process of releasing a product to a client, while implementation refers to the overall process of integrating, configuring, and adopting the product within the company.
Deployment may include cutover plans and final testing in the new environment. Implementation plans could include end user testing and training. Of course, all of these could vary depending on the type of product.
Many companies neglect the critical implementation phase.
It's essential to collaboratively deploy the product using effective project management techniques, with the implementation team serving as the liaison with the product company to ensure a successful delivery.
To keep things running smoothly when giving a product to a client, make sure you have a dedicated employees, or an implementation company like Projects Pivot, to handle all detailed planning and communication during the implementation process.
A company's product success isn't in making it perfect or making sure every test goes off without a hitch. Product success is measured by the effectiveness of the delivery.
Don’t forget, an excellent product delivery keeps your clients coming back for more! 🙂
We're on a mission to make you love your projects again.
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Barbara Kephart, PMP
Founder and Chief Project Officer
Projects Pivot
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When Product and Project Managers Clash: Reduce the PM divide
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