Once you’ve defined your business objectives, work backwards to identify the related processes that will be involved. For example, if achieving faster time to market is your priority, identify all the things that go into the new product development and introduction process. Include stage-gate project management, resource planning, marketing, compliance, change workflows, etc.

When you know all the elements, you can prioritize and phase your roll out to get the greatest business benefit for your resource investment in shortest amount of time.

If you’re stuck: If you started by automating 3D CAD data management, you’re probably stuck. Go back to your objectives.  Analyze the supporting process elements holistically and take another run at it.

In other words, do not spend 90% of your time and resources automating a process that affects roughly 5% of your business.