2010: A silver lining?
The Builders Merchants Journal recently ran a feature on predictions for 2010, asking a number of industry leaders for their thoughts on the future. Here Progressive's MD Arthur Duffy compares running a business to rebuilding a plane ...whilst it's in flight!
Running a business is like rebuilding a plane in flight. We all have to react to what we are presented with each day but, at the same time, we need to keep the whole operation going forward. Therefore I think merchants will need to be more proactive in determining what lies ahead and software companies such as ourselves, who are well aware of this, will continue to develop more powerful and effective methods of forecasting.
Continuing with the flying analogy, flying by daylight with clear visibility is completely different from flying in the dark by instruments. But I still see so many businesses continuing to make major decisions 'in the dark' when the correct metrics, forecasting and reporting tools are now available and so easily accessible through good business management software.
Software technology will not of course be the answer in itself to the business challenges ahead, but rather will serve as a solutions provider, helping to illuminate the answers to crucial strategic questions — and certainly giving you a better chance of landing safely before it goes dark.
© 2009, reproduced courtesy of Builders Merchants Journal.
