04/26/2024

Avoiding the Technology ‘Pilot Paradox’

This article highlights the critical importance of getting it right

I thought it was a wonderful concept, and it has driven my thought process in many technology implementations. Over time, however, I realized that there were too many projects that stalled somewhere between the "Start Small" and Scale Fast" phases.

Technology projects play a crucial role in driving organizational growth and innovation, but moving these projects from the pilot stage to full-scale application can be a major challenge. This phenomenon is not just a minor hiccup in the world of corporate technology deployment; it represents a critical barrier to progress and efficient resource utilization. In this article, I’ll explore why many of these undertakings don’t make it past the pilot stage and, even if they do, why they often struggle to scale effectively across an organization. I’ll offer some suggestions on addressing these issues earlier in project planning to better prepare for the challenges of scaling.

In a recent article, McKinsey states that "Innovators dominate headlines, but Scalers dominate markets."In other words, successful CEOs are as passionate about scale as they are about strategy. According to the article, 40 percent of digital and AI transformations stall out at the scaling phase (and that was from a 2019 study — I think we can safely assume the percentage has climbed over the past few years). This highlights the critical importance of getting this right! 

Please select this link to read the complete article from DSG.