Resolving supplier disputes

You have invested a significant amount in a new IT system but it just doesn't perform as you expected or as the supplier promised. Research shows that up to 74% of IT projects are regarded as unsuccessful by those who initiated them. Disputes with suppliers can arise for a variety of reasons, including:

• Failure to be clear about what the business requirements are, and how they will be met by the system.
• A gap between what was expected and what was delivered.
• Unreasonable and unfair contractual terms.
• Disregard for long term business requirements. Short term solutions quickly become outgrown and short-cuts/work-arounds may affect future maintenance and ability to upgrade the system.
• Failure to effectively project manage the implementation.

We can help resolve IT disputes by:

• Evaluating your position including a review of supporting evidence.
• Providing an unbiased, expert view of the situation.
• Acting on your behalf in discussions/negotiations with the supplier.
• Agreeing a course of action between you and the supplier.
• Project managing the action plan, including 'work-arounds', process revisions, program modifications, report re-design, training and support requirements.
• Working with you to build a case to establish the facts.
• Acting as technical advisers or expert witnesses (with your legal team).

How does this benefit your business?

• We are able to take an objective overview of the situation.
• Provides a working solution to put the project back on track.
• An acceptable course of action is achieved through independent negotiation.
• Our experience of the industry and the issues that can arise can be applied to your specific situation.

If you would like to find out how we can help your business, please contact John Dennison or your local BDO advisor .