Avoid Over Complicating Value Follow-Up and Reporting Value Realisation

The biggest challenge project teams or investment owners face is often the same: how to follow up on the benefits once a project is complete.

When it comes to an IT system implementation, a good place to start is with usage metrics. Simple indicators can tell you a lot:

• How many people are logging in

• How long they are using the system

• The health and accuracy of the data being entered

  
  

One of my clients once told their employees that unless they logged into the system and updated their personal profiles, they wouldn’t receive their bonus payout. I wasn’t surprised when they later shared that 100% of employees had suddenly started using the system. This matters. Usage drives adoption, and adoption drives behaviour — both of which are key to realising the value of your investment.

Discovering Hidden Benefits

Once a system goes live, something interesting usually happens: the discovery of previously unknown benefits. These aren’t always about user satisfaction. Often, they reveal a knock-on effect—an improvement elsewhere in the business that no one predicted.

For example:

• Intangible benefit: Increased trust in data and systems

• Tangible outcome: 60% faster decision-making cycle, measured through workflow timestamps in the new software

  
  

A Real-World Example

One of my clients, a manufacturing company, invested in a unified system to track shipping. Before the change, containers would sit unnoticed in shipyards for months. Getting teams to commit to the project’s benefits was difficult — until we started identifying and quantifying both tangible and intangible gains.

Not long after the system went live, various purchasing departments began requesting licenses. The benefits quickly became obvious:

• Reduced auditing fees

• Greater visibility into shipping delays

• Improved negotiation power with suppliers

  
  

In the end, the teams were able to negotiate harder, save more, and repay the investment almost instantly.

Start Simple, Then Grow

Sometimes, the most effective KPI is right in front of you. Start measuring what’s easy and relevant. Once you begin tracking and benchmarking, you’ll be able to report progress and demonstrate real outcomes — without overcomplicating the process.

Maximizing Your Investment

To truly maximize your investment, focus on continuous improvement. Regularly review the metrics you’ve established. Are they still relevant? Are there new areas to explore? By staying proactive, you can uncover additional benefits that may not have been apparent at the outset.

Consider setting up regular check-ins with your team. This will help maintain momentum and ensure everyone is aligned with the project goals. Encourage open communication. Ask for feedback on the system’s performance and any challenges users may face. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

The Importance of Training

Another critical aspect of ensuring your system's success is proper training. Invest in comprehensive training sessions for your team. Make sure everyone understands how to use the system effectively. A well-trained team is more likely to embrace the new technology and leverage its full potential.

Remember, training doesn’t stop after the initial rollout. Offer ongoing support and refresher courses as needed. This commitment to continuous learning will pay off in the long run.

Embracing Change

Change can be daunting, but it’s essential for growth. Embrace the changes that come with new technology. Encourage your team to adopt a growth mindset. Remind them that challenges are opportunities for improvement.

Celebrate small wins along the way. Recognizing progress can boost morale and motivate your team to keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following up on the benefits of your IT system implementation is crucial. By focusing on usage metrics, discovering hidden benefits, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, you can ensure that your investment delivers real value.

Call to Action:

Discover how BlinC helps organizations unlock the hidden power of intangible benefits. Get in touch today to make your business case complete.

About the author

Monica Laszlo is a value management leader who has been part of the discipline since its early days. Guided by curiosity and care, she helps organizations turn purpose into measurable impact and believes that true value begins with understanding the “why.”