[RBM] "R"​ - How to prepare the right modernization proposal?

• Limit your modernization proposal to under 6 pages
• Decision-makers are drowning in information
• Make their choice easy with a compelling, focused case
• Respect their limited time with clear, concise content

• Instead of reporting "high database query times"
• Explain how this means "customer checkout times have increased by 30%, potentially costing us $10,000 in lost sales per day"

• When business leaders see direct value for their teams
• They'll fight for your proposal in ways technical stakeholders rarely can

• Executives focus on competitive positioning
• Operations leaders on efficiency metrics
• Security teams prioritize compliance obligations

• Secure early supporters by rebuilding your proposal with key stakeholder input
• Create the buy-in needed to move forward

• Balance optimism with realism
• Credibility comes from providing conservative estimates you're confident of exceeding

• Best case, Expected case, Worst case
• This approach shows thorough analysis and builds trust with financial decision-makers

• Terms like "API latency" or "asynchronous processing" might be everyday language for you
• But sounds like a foreign language to executives

• Even technically sound solutions can fail due to poor user adoption
• Stakeholder resistance can derail projects if people's aspects are neglected

• The CFO scans for financial returns
• The COO wants operational improvements
• The CEO might focus on strategic positioning or competitive advantage

• This pragmatic approach often accelerates approval
• It reduces perceived risk

• Teams facing workflow disruptions
• Staff requiring significant retraining
• Addressing concerns proactively prevents being blind sided during approval

• This positions your initiative as an investment rather than an expense
• It aligns with the organization's future direction

• Your document should serve as a starting point for productive conversations
• Not an inflexible blueprint
• Willingness to incorporate feedback determines success

• Subjects like: Change management, Training, Temporary productivity dips
• Realistic cost modeling builds credibility and prevents painful budget conversations later

• This approach reduces perceived risk
• Creates natural checkpoints to demonstrate value before proceeding

For more inspiration, visit my blog at Caterpillar Garden | Substack

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