At its core, the idea behind the proof of concept (otherwise known as a POC) is a simple one: it acts as the evidence needed to demonstrate that a particular design concept, business proposal or other overarching project is actually feasible. Prior to the beginning of work, you take the time to determine whether this proposed project can actually do what you need it to do – all while working within the necessary timetables and budget restrictions that may be at play.
Make absolutely no mistake about it: when it comes to implementing business analytics at any organization, a proof of concept isn’t just important. It’s one of the most crucial steps needed to guarantee that the results you’re after are actually within your reach.
Why Your Business Analytics Proof of Concept Matters: Breaking Things Down
When you implement any type of business analytics solution within an organization, it needs to be purpose-driven. This is about more than just embracing modern technology for the sake of it, or because “that’s what everyone else is doing.” It needs to be an organic part of your organization’s very DNA – one that is laser-focused on solving your unique challenges and answering your unique questions on a daily basis.
Whenever you’re talking about something with that kind of scope, mistakes are going to be made – and the proof of concept lets you make them BEFORE you pass the point of no return.
A proof of concept can be an invaluable way to determine whether your vendor partner does or does not live up to their claims, for example. If they say they can deliver a fast product, they need to be able to do that. If the proof of concept doesn’t reflect that, it’s “proof” that someone isn’t living up to their end of the deal and a hunt for another partner is probably in order.
But most importantly, your business analytics proof of concept is the hard, irrefutable proof as to whether your ultimate solution actually meets your needs in the first place. Your requirements will be documented, validated and re-validated again. You’re getting an essential chance to guarantee that everyone involved in the project is on the right page and is headed in the right direction.
Imagine investing an enormous amount of capital into a solution and deploying it, only to THEN discover that it can’t support you on your journey to become data-driven. At that point, you don’t just have to “start all over” again. You’ve potentially given away your competitive advantage to all of your competitors while you burned through a staggering amount of cash with nothing to show for it.
Yes, all of this represents an incredible amount of time and effort for something that doesn’t actually represent the final deliverable. But remember what the stakes are, here. You’re trying to come up with a solution that will finally bring to the surface all of those trends and patterns that would have otherwise gone undiscovered. You’re attempting to provide organizational leaders with the actionable insight and intelligence they need to make better and more informed decisions moving forward. If executed properly, this business analytics solution could pave the way for a decade of incredible success and beyond.
When you think about it within that context, and when you consider that there are so many different points where a business analytic solution can go astray, a proof of concept is more than just “the beginning stages of a larger project.”
It’s the rock solid foundation upon which everything you’re about to do will be built.
Contact us today to discuss application development for your company!
