Shoot, Check, Aim – In business, you need some target-practising before hitting the bullseye
The entrepreneurial cousin of Deming’s circle of PDCA – plan-do-check-act is Shoot-Check-Aim. In business, it is in general better to try out something and see what happens than to keep on planning endlessly.
You could also think of Shoot-Check-Aim as the grandparent of machine learning: shooting millions of bytes into cyberspace to see which one fits the equation and results in positive feedback.
When acquiring a new ERP system, for example, Shoot-Check-Aim would be a good method to apply – pick a solution and try it out in some critical business area. While doing this, refine your requirements and grow your understanding – decide to continue with the chosen solution or shoot for a different solution.
Shooting with cannonballs?
Sadly, the prevailing approach when it comes to acquiring a new ERP system resembles more the shooting of a moving target with a cannon from the medieval period. To shoot such a cannon you need to: dose the right amount of gunpowder, squeeze it tight, load the cannonball, light the fuse, keep your ears and eyes closed and hope the whole thing doesn’t explode.
After the loud bang and when the smoke has cleared up, you can see that probably something was hit, but most likely it wasn’t the intended target.
Practice makes perfect – shoot wisely
If you do want to Shoot-Check-Aim for an ERP solution the correct way, envision a lean archer doing target practices until able to hit bullseye. The arrows you can re-use and shoot again, and after a while, you’ll be able to hit even moving targets.
Shoot-Check-Aim for your new ERP but choose your method and partners wisely.
About the author
Menno Huijben is a Senior Executive at Sofigate and a concept owner of Business Technology Transformations and Data Leadership.
Menno is interested in the realm of decision-making in business, especially where a data-driven mindset meets intuition and experience. His motto is ”Don’t forget the Human Factor!”
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