Industry Changes and Challenges in the next 5 to 10 years
Strategic Project Solutions
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- www.StrategicProjects.ca
- Rob@StrategicProjects.ca
- (431) 998-4624
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/robratcliffe
Hi Rob. Thanks for accepting the invitation. Tell our readers a bit more about yourself.
I’m Rob Ratcliffe, Managing Director of Strategic Project Solutions. I’ve been in business since 1994. My credentials include BA (commerce and economics), MBA, PMP, PRINCE2, Enterprise Risk Management, PROSCI Change Management, ACMP training, and ITIL certification.
Tell us a little bit about your line of work.
StrategicProjectSolutions is a boutique consulting firm. We specialize in finance and human resource management as a subject matter expert (SME). The company has grown to add Project and IT management expertise. We’ve dealt with enterprise-based systems (Oracle, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards) to departmental (components of Human Capital Management such as recruiting or payroll). Additional accreditation in Enterprise Risk Management, Change Management, and ITIL enables a deep tool chest and experience to draw upon.
We are now pleased to be a certified partner of ArtInTech. They provide means to digitize clients who still use paper and likely rely on spreadsheets. The focus is on warehousing, inventory control, quality management, and supply chain management. StrategicProjectSolutions is well-positioned to analyze and prioritize business requirements, recommend components of ArtInTech, and implement the new system. If change management is required, then we can address that.
How will your industry change in the next 5 to 10 years?
When cloud technology first emerged, it was expensive and focused on large organizations with limited applications. Prices have come down, and better tools have arisen. Smaller niche players, such as ArtInTech, are designed to fill in the gaps in a business process. This trend will continue. Larger ERP software solutions are out of reach for businesses with 1 to 200 employees. Eventually, medium-sized ERP systems will be more affordable, occur within five years, and be refined in the following five years.
How do you suggest new entrepreneurs get ready for these changes?
The economic challenge is likely inevitable. We are seeing rising interest rates, higher costs, and supply chain issues. Today’s small companies need better, quicker information to make informed decisions; be cost-effective; improve processes; and reduce operational costs. New entrepreneurs, as well as established companies, must be lean without compromising quality in order to survive the harsh economic landscape they face. New entrepreneurs should focus on the business value of their products or services. Have a business strategy and plan and an IT management strategy and plan that aligns to support the business to become successful. This process needs to be led by an experienced consultant who will act as their business partner.
A key point is to not re-event the wheel. Outsource services where it makes the most sense. Rely on other companies for their technological solutions.
Once again thanks for your time and the great insights.
Thanks for inviting me.
