Critical Success Factors in Strategic Implementation

by Michelle Boardman

Critical success factors (CSFs) define key areas of performance that are essential for an organization to accomplish its mission, whether that mission is to implement new software, complete a project or define an organizational mission statement. When correctly targeted, CSFs allow stakeholders to track the success of the mission. They vary based on the type of project, industry, product and overall business model or strategy under which the project operates.

Software Implementations

Implementing a new software application can be a costly and resource-intensive proposition. A strategy for the implementation should be clearly defined, with the metrics to measure success concisely documented and measured before and throughout the project. Some common CSFs in strategic software implementation can include metrics regarding end user support, training and software uptime. CSFs should also measure criteria specific to the type of software. For example, if implementing a new accounting program, measure if the program is fulfilling business requirements. If the program should reduce the amount of time to record accounts receivable, then a CSF would be time invested in that specific activity.

Project Management

Projects have a defined beginning and termination date, or at least criteria to determine when the project is completed. Measuring the success of a project can be as simple as determining if the project was completed on schedule, on time and within budget. CSFs for a project, however, are specific to the goals of that particular project. They are the unique variables that are the essential elements for the project to achieve success.

Mission Statements

A business must perform well in key areas that differentiate it from competitors to achieve its mission. These key areas are unique to the organization and the industry in which it competes. For example, if a company's mission is to serve fresh, organic orange juice, then CSFs would include measurements on the amount of preservatives needed, times to get juice from the farm into the hands of customers or tracking of the use of pesticides.

Product Strategy

When implemented correctly, CSFs will drive a product's strategy forward. For example, if a product's goal is to allow a runner's feet to stay dry during long runs, then a critical success factor would apply metrics to measuring the dryness of athletes' feet after runs of varying lengths. The CSF will keep the vision of the product at the forefront.

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