Many SAM / ITAM projects start with a tool implementation, followed by onboarding a number of publishers in the implemented tool. Sometimes followed by an ITAM assessment, process design and implementation.
TIP #42 - May 2020:Tips, experiences and lessons learned of an ITAM implementation Project Manager
Tips and experiences of an ITAM implementation Project Manager
As Project Manager I have led many ITAM / SAM projects and learned hard lessons. The above-mentioned order is not necessarily correct. It is true that implementing and setting up a tool leads to insights that are often not available in, especially complex, organisations. That profit is indeed achieved. However, the organisation of ITAM processes means that awareness is cultivated, responsibilities are shared, repeatability can be applied and progress can be measured.
The momentum of the project is often used to set up the tool and it is true, this works. All necessary resources can be used for this project, because after all, a job has to be done. The end result is a tool that is implemented and set-up, with License Position Reports as icing on the cake.
The project has ended and, with a bit of luck, success is celebrated, and deliverables are transferred to the ITAM department.
And then ... it's up to the ITAM department. The License Position Report, as the name suggests, shows the position of the use of the entitlements, it does not mean that one is compliant. The License Report is full of advice and mitigation actions to reduce the risk of incompliancy. So, the organisation really has to get working. Now, it gets tricky. The momentum of the project is gone and ITAM processes are either not set up or are not clear to the responsible departments. The result: the project, which is so successful, appears to be rapidly losing value.
A project manager would like to see results, not only for the short term but preferably also for the long term. An organisation should be able to reap the benefits of the project result, as the start of the ITAM journey.
Lessons learned
My lessons learned: invest time and energy in the ITAM process design, and make a good start in implementing the processes before you start the project. The result will be that the implementation of the project will be a lot faster and more efficient. After all, the parties are already "ITAM aware" and know what the project needs all that information for. The ITAM wheels start to turn slowly, which means that the ITAM train starts to speed up after the project.