Key SME Skills

A COTS software project SME typically needs a combination of technical expertise, business knowledge, and project management skills. Below are some of the key areas of experience that are valuable:

​

1. Software Implementation Experience: Hands-on experience implementing similar COTS solutions, understanding configuration vs. customization tradeoffs.

2. Business Process Knowledge: Deep understanding of the business domain/functional area where the COTS software solution will be deployed.

3. Requirements Analysis: Ability to translate business needs into software requirements and match them to COTS capabilities.

4. Gap Analysis Skills: Experience identifying gaps between COTS functionality and business requirements.

5. Integration Expertise: Knowledge of how to integrate COTS solutions with existing systems.

6. Change Management: Skills in helping organizations transition to new systems and processes.

7. Testing Methodologies: Experience with test planning and execution specific to COTS implementations.

8. Training Development: Ability to create training materials and support end-user adoption.