Knowledge, Experience and Expertise are key success factors in the execution and delivery of  all phases of successful software projects. How projects are staffed, with both internal organizational resources and external project resources, is the single largest or primary determinant of project success or failure. 

 

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provide significant value on COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) projects. Their deep knowledge and expertise in the relevant functional areas or domains can help ensure that COTS products are used effectively and efficiently.

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SMEs also help avoid pitfalls, ensure that the product aligns with business needs, and provide expert guidance throughout the lifecycle of the project. Their contributions help ensure the success of COTS implementation and lead to better outcomes for the organization.

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​Internal SME's:

• Are employees.

• Internal organizational subject matter experts in the functional business area of the enterprise software solution being implemented e.g. Procurement, Inventory Mgmt., Manufacturing, Receivables, Human Resources, Payroll, CRM, SCM, ERP..

• Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of an organization’s existing business processes, activities and processes/workflows achieved through a number of years of hands-on/front-line functional experience.

• Are key and critical resources in the Requirements, Solution Design and Testing phases of system implementation projects. 

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External SME's:

• Are external Implementation Consultants/ System Integration Partners and Solution Architects.

• SME = ‘Subject’ Matter Expertise and ‘Software’ Matter Expertise.

• Have deep functional and technical knowledge and experience in architecting and executing & delivering optimal business solutions. Acquired through the execution and delivery of many successful customer implementation projects.

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