This topic is especially relevant to me as I type this. I’ve just spent the better part of 3 weeks focused on learning a new client’s business process for service management. While things like this can be tedious, they are also tremendous opportunities for new ideas and new products. That’s exactly where I am right now. I’m in the middle of 2 rather large development projects, but I’ve just been struck with several ideas that people are asking for!!!
So, how do you balance that. I’m struggling right now. I just want to pull up one of my original products and begin adding some new features to it… I want to start developing a brand new application that I see is a perfect fit for several customers I’ve recently talked to… But, I’m in the 75% complete for one our brand new production offerings. And I’m a third of the way done in converting my first product from BSP to ABAP Web Dynpro. Both of these are already more than I should be trying to handle at one time… but I need to shift gears from time to time to help avoid burnout.
So, here’s what I’m doing… I’m taking really good notes and adding items to my to-do list. I’m trying to get my head back in the game on what I need to finish first. Why you might ask? you have a request from a customer? an actual need!!! true. But we also have a business plan… and my partner and I agreed to it. We believe this new production product can be huge. And while the Service Management side of our offerings is starting to gain traction, we will never get the same traction on the Production Execution side if we don’t finish the offering. Plus, several half finished products equal ZERO revenue =)
So just remember, you started with a plan… stick with it unless there is reason to deviate. And even then, work with your team. It’s easy to get excited about “potential”, but until someone signs on the bottom of your contract, it doesn’t mean anything. it’s just something that someone asked for, but might never be willing to pay for. There will be time later to reset priorities… and that’s exactly what I plan to do after the SAP MFG conference =)
As always, thanks for reading and don't forget to check out our SAP Service Management Products at my other company JaveLLin Solutions,Mike