by … Then invest in your Functionals.
I live and work in the PeopleSoft world where our skillsets with the software are broken down into two major groups: Functionals and Technicals. They have other names too, but this is the basic breakdown: Business experts who apply the software to business and geeks who code.
For the record, I’m a Geek who codes.
We live in a complex technical world, and everyone wants more Technicals: people who understand the architecture and toolset. Changes, fixes, new functionality and new regulations need implemented… yesterday. You want more experienced Technicals in the shop. They work faster and they know where all (most) of the levers are. The recruiters are on the job.
Out of necessity, your better Technicals will become Techno-Functionals: a geek with a deeper functional understanding of the modules they’re supporting. Besides coding, they have a good grasp of that slice of the business. Sitting in a functional meeting, you might not realize, at first, that this is a Tech.
In my opinion, this is where some businesses start to go astray. Maybe it’s more efficient just to have that Techno-Functional replace the Functional? Or maybe an experienced Functional is not required, just have a smart person with test scripts and a PeopleSoft video do the job. After all, you have that experienced Technical as a backstop.
Bottom Line: Not so much. And no offense intended to that undertrained smart person doing the best they can in the Functional role.
To understand the “Why” of this idea, I think we need to further define what the Technicals and Functionals are doing.
Technicals
Technicals use code and configuration to create and maintain capabilities for the business. We always have more new requirements, changes to existing code lines, and new technologies to implement to keep the platform relevant and capable of interacting with other systems.
Technicals provide new and maintain the existing assets a business uses to operate and compete.
Functionals
Functionals are the bridge between the software system created by the Technicals and the practical application to the business environment. They possess a deep understanding of the company’s processes, goals, and challenges. This knowledge allows them to leverage the capabilities of the software to drive business success. Functionals translate these technical capabilities into actionable strategies that align with the company’s objectives.
Our Functionals identify opportunities for optimization and performance enhancements. Moreover, they provide critical insights for the Technicals so the assets created best serve the business.
And who else than the Functionals is better to not only ensure the system is correctly configured in the first place, but to train our end users to efficiently use all those expensive assets the company is continuing to pay for?
It’s time for an Analogy… or two
I’m known for my extravagant overuse of analogies, so here’s two.
Have you ever heard of an F-1 Racing Team say “We don’t need an experienced driver because we have great engineers and mechanics”?
Have you ever heard of the Navy saying “We don’t need trained, experienced pilots because we have great designers and maintenance crews”?
No. The answer here is No.
Both are examples of expensive, complex assets, created and maintained by Technicals, which can only return their massive investment when put in the hands of a trained and experienced Functional.
Need that F-18 for defense? Bob, though a great jet engine mechanic, can’t be the pilot you need given a pile of checklists and two hours of watching “Top Gun” with Tom Cruise.
The Cost of Neglecting Functionals
When companies decide not to invest in the education and development of Functionals, they inadvertently devalue the investment in both the software and their Technicals. Without proper training, Functionals cannot leverage the software’s full capabilities, resulting in underutilization and inefficiencies. This, in turn, undermines the Technicals’ efforts to create and maintain a robust system, as the potential for delivering value remains unrealized.
Furthermore, neglecting Functionals can lead to increased operational costs. Inefficiencies and errors arising from the improper use of software can result in wasted resources and missed opportunities. Technicals may find themselves constantly addressing issues that could have been prevented with proper functional oversight, diverting their focus from innovation and strategic improvements.
Neglecting your Functionals makes your entire software implementation even more expensive.
The Benefits of Investing in your Functionals
Investing in the education and development of Functionals brings numerous advantages to a company:
1. Enhanced Software Utilization
Functionals possess the expertise to exploit the software’s full capabilities, ensuring that it aligns with business needs and objectives. Their knowledge allows them to customize the system, streamline processes, and maximize efficiency, translating into tangible benefits for the company.
2. Competitive Advantage
By leveraging the capabilities of your Functionals, companies can gain a significant competitive edge. Functionals identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction, enabling the company to outperform competitors and drive growth in the market.
3. Cost Savings
Functionals play a crucial role in reducing operational costs. Their ability to optimize processes and eliminate inefficiencies translates into cost savings. Additionally, their insights prevent costly errors and disruptions, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing resource wastage.
How many times have we customized existing code, built Bolt-On modules, or worse, implemented new third-party software because we didn’t know PeopleSoft could already do what was needed?
4. Improved User Experience
Functionals ensure that the software configuration meets user requirements and expectations. Their training and support enable employees to use the system effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and productivity.
Great Functionals translate to happy, productive users.
5. Focus on Innovation
By investing in Functionals, companies free up Technicals to focus on innovation and strategic improvements. With Functionals handling day-to-day operations, technical experts can dedicate their efforts to enhancing the software’s capabilities and exploring new opportunities.
Bottom Line…
Functionals bridge the gap between the users and practical application of the technical assets. Neglecting their education and development leads to underutilized software, increased costs, and diminished value delivery… And all too often, project failure.
To unlock the full potential of their software systems, companies must prioritize the education and development of Functionals, not just look for more, smarter Technicals. By doing so, they will not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.
So, that smart person from HR that we just gave a pile of test scripts and link to a YouTube overview of a PeopleSoft module: How about that be the beginning of their training and not the total sum.
If they show promise and interest, send them to class for not only that module, but every module that interacts with their area. The Payroll Functional must understand both Core HR and Benefits modules. Pair them with other great Functionals so they learn the full scope of role the business requires.
You do need more, good Technicals on your project. The only way to justify that expense is to have great, well trained Functionals.
My TLDR point is that businesses need to invest in their Functionals to get the most out of their Technical team.
So, what do you think? Should businesses invest in our Functionals to provide that deep understanding of the system or is just learning by doing with Test Scripts and OJT good enough to serve the business?
Maybe somewhere in the middle?