Are you in a position where you need to integrate your systems and infrastructure with other institutions. Have you thought through all the challenges you may encounter and how to prepare yourself and your team for what is to come.

I have listed a few items to consider as these would help you develop your plan and manage the change.

Company Vision:

• Are there cultural differences between institutions, and if so how can this be bridged as this could lead to resistance or conflict.
• Are there any regulatory challenges. Are the goals aligned across the institutions.

Managing Stakeholders:

• Once identified, determine interest and level of influence within their institution.
• Maintain regular progress updates with all.
• Identify the executives that are always willing to help address concerns and challenges as they arise.
• Ensure the right people (decision makers) are on the steering committee.
• Always keep all stakeholders in the communication loop (based on the communication matrix).
• Is management buy-in universal or are some still on the fence.
• Try to keep all stakeholders engaged, especially if there are some that demonstrate resistance to change.

Maintaining Communication:

• Keeping channels of communication open with all stakeholders can be cumbersome across the institutions but vital for success.
• The key is to have regular meetings and updates with a centrally accessible document repository.

Technical Challenges:

• Carry out a full systems assessment documenting overlaps, compatibility and migration challenges.
• Ensure there is a clear and achievable integration plan.
• Plan should list all systems, infrastructure, data and their dependencies.
• Plan should be in phases based on complexity with clearly defined risks from each institution with mitigation strategies.
• Agree on the validation, migration and testing plan always with security and compliance in mind.
• Agree on the plan to manage vendors, reviewing and updating contracts if necessary.

Silos of Information:

• There is often a risk of institutions hoarding information as “information is power”.
• Silos need to be broken down by promoting the sharing of knowledge and information.

Interpersonal Friction (Politics):

• Different working styles with conflicting personalities can hinder collaboration.
• Could the Manager’s struggle for increased visibility and power affect the project.
• How does ego play out and how will you manage this.
• Relationships could be more difficult in situations where there are job security concerns post integration.

I have not listed any possible solutions here as it would depend on your circumstances. However I am happy for you to contact me if you would like to discuss or have questions..