Ownership is Required

Ownership is required

When asked for the most common reason AMS implementations fail, I typically respond "lack of testing." But implementation is only the first step in the process. Long-term success for the AMS requires ownership.

What do I mean by ownership? I mean that someone (or a team) internally has actual responsibility for the long-term success of the AMS. Too often what happens after implementation is each department takes ownership of only its own area, which ultimately leads to silos and, longer-term, to a system that is no longer working at optimal levels.

Once you're past implementation, someone (or a team) has to have responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and support of the system. If your organization doesn't or can't have a single individual do this, create a team of representatives from key areas (typically membership, events, and finance, along with others) that are responsible for working together to keep things on track. (Click here to read more about these teams.)

But whether it's one person or a team, the "owner" has to be clearly identified and has to focus on the long-term success of the system. The system will not take care of itself!

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making

April 16, 2025

Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making When I work with my clients on any type […]

Honoring an industry legend

April 9, 2025

Honoring an industry legend I’m taking a break from my usual data management tips to […]

Never burn a bridge

April 2, 2025

Never burn a bridge My children have reached the age where they have, or are, […]

You CAN compete with the big guys…

April 2, 2025

You CAN compete with the big guys… In my experience, associations often undersell their actual […]

Join (or start) your users group!

March 26, 2025

Join (or start) your users group! Today’s message is simple: If the AMS you’re using […]

They don’t care, until they care.

March 19, 2025

They don’t care, until they care. One of the more common questions I get from […]

Longfellow and data management

March 12, 2025

Longfellow and data management “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing while […]

Do you really need all that historical data?

March 5, 2025

Do you really need all that historical data? A question I’ll often get from my […]

AI actually requires thinking

February 26, 2025

AI actually requires thinking “I don’t think AI introduces a new kind of thinking. It […]

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond

February 19, 2025

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond Recently a client was complaining about a bug that […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top