You may have heard IT wizards ramble on about tactical solutions, bespoke solutions and every solution under the sun. But what exactly is a tactical solution? And how does it work for businesses? In this article we’ll delve into the Better Technology psyche, and explore exactly what we mean when we say “tactical solution.”

In short, it’s pretty much exactly as it sounds - a plan or software tactically put in place to solve a specific challenge within a business. But there’s a key difference between designing a “tactical” solution and, let’s say, a “strategic” one. It may just sound like a different word for the same old thing, but when it comes to a tactical solution, it’s all about designing a plan or architecturing a piece of software quickly - and generally with a very specific goal in mind.

The buzz-phrase when it comes to tactical solutions is to deliver high on ROI, making sure to invest minimal time and budget from the client, but making as significant an impact as possible. It’s an interim, a quick-fix, and whether or not it’s a stepping stone to a larger plan, it’s a solution generally designed to scratch a very immediate itch.

Not only that, but tactical software and solutions also allow you to quickly see how a fully fledged solution might operate. The benefits of this are vast, allowing for new requirements and issues to be visualised, which can then easily be implemented, as opposed to diving straight into the fully fledged system (eg. ERP, Oracle or SAP). It’d be like bringing a brand-new toolbox full of specialist tools to put up a picture, when in reality your old-reliable hammer and nail would probably do the trick.

As you can probably imagine, a system such as this will take far longer to change, as well as potentially being far more expensive. And that’s not the aim of the game.

Let’s think of it this way.

You’re finally moving out of mum’s place, but you’re relying on a bicycle to move all of your stuff. Unsurprisingly, It’s a time-consuming venture, not to mention unreliable and generally more of a hassle than it’s worth. You’d like to start using a lorry, but unfortunately, that requires training and a significant monetary investment well above your budget and time constraints.

Do you:

• Keep using the bicycle, despite taking forever to move all of your things?
  
  
• Find a car within your budget and start using that in the interim until you have the required money and training for the truck?

• Take out a huge loan so you can afford an intense HGV training course and shiny new Globetrotter?
  
  

Realistically, option two is probably the way to go. In this scenario, you may even discover that a Lorry was never actually necessary, as your trusty Ford Focus provides adequate space for all of your dusty vinyls and records. Although you’d be done in one trip, the ROI just isn’t there; huge debt, possibly months of driving lessons and good luck parking your new lorry outside your city-centre flat.

As you probably guessed, the car represents a bespoke, tactical solution. Even if you’ve got your eyes set on a brand-spanking-new HGV, the car will certainly tide you over until you’ve got the time and money.

So, why choose a tactical solution?

Whether or not a tactical solution is the right fit really boils down to what makes a tactical solution, tactical. More often than not, there’s going to be multiple possible solutions for every problem. There will be cheaper or more dear solutions, limited or more flexible options, quick-fixes and more long term solutions, but the tact comes from designing an interim solution which is the perfect fit for your business’ specific requirements.

And that’s where we come in. At Better Technology Consulting we understand that there’s never a one-size-fits-all fix, and every single business or problem is unique. Bringing a juicy combination of business know-how and technical ability, we design bespoke plans and software that put the business first, not the tech. This means that each bespoke piece of software will be precisely what you need, so you can cash in on high ROI without breaking the proverbial bank.

If you’re looking to scope up a project and need a helping hand, get in touch with us today.