Posts

Showing posts from November, 2023

Coding Light, Scaling Right: A Tale of SPA Magic with Azure Storage, Knockout.js, and Power Automate

Image
Fast and affordable solutions are more important than ever in the fast-paced world of customer demands within the corporate world. In this feature we'll showcase how to build a low-cost Single-Page Application (SPA) with local storage, JavaScript, Knockout.js, and Azure Storage Blob as the webserver to produce an engaging and dynamic user experience. The solution effectively handles AJAX calls by utilizing Power Automate, particularly its HTTP request triggers, allowing for smooth communication between the SPA and the backend. As over-architected and bloated solution designs become commonplace by outsourced partner resources with the full intention of developing solutions as complex as possible in order to set the vendor-hooks it is important for organizations to realize that committing to a KISS (Keep It Stupidly Simple) mindset is always a preferred approach and proven...

Best Practices Unmasked: A Comedy of Clouds, Codes, and Cunning Vendors

Image
When discussing software delivery and implementation in a corporate environment, the phrase "best practices" is frequently used to refer to a collection of rules or procedures that are seen to be the most efficient for producing desired results. There is disagreement on the actual nature and significance of these best practices due to the wide variations in how they are interpreted and put into practice. On one hand, there's a perspective that contends that certain "best practices" are driven by vendors, buoyed by pay-to-play marketing campaigns orchestrated by influential entities like Gartner and other media organizations. These practices, some argue, might prioritize the interests of the vendors rather than genuinely reflecting the optimal solutions for the end-user. For instance, a software company with a hefty marketing budget might be able to sway perceptions of...

Firm Handshakes to Shattered Dreams: A Tale of Shady Consulting and Corporate Betrayal

Image
Once upon a time, in the heart of the energy sector, there stood a company that was the epitome of success and virtue - Bendini Lambert and Locke (BLL). They were renowned for their unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, their belief in the power of a firm handshake over legal fine print, and their dedication to putting their people first. Operating in the volatile and cyclical energy business, BLL had weathered economic storms with wisdom and conservative spending that set them apart from their competitors. The founders, with their values deeply ingrained in the company's culture, had fostered an environment where employees were valued not just for their skills but as contributors to a greater purpose. As time unfolded, the founders retired, and a new wave of management took charge. Slowly but surely, the new leaders brought with them beliefs t...

ERP Customizations: There's An App For That

Image
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are integral to modern business operations. They offer a broad array of standard functionalities designed to streamline processes and enhance productivity. However, as businesses grow and evolve, they often encounter scenarios where the standard ERP features fall short of meeting their specific requirements. In such cases, organizations must carefully balance the need for customizations with the potential technical debt they can accumulate. This article explores the importance of managing a balanced approach in customizing ERP applications, highlighting how forward-thinking companies can establish thresholds for when to opt for purpose-built applications over invasive customizations. The ERP Customization Conundrum ERP systems serve as the backbone of many organizations, helping them manage various functions like finance, human resources, supply ch...

From Cloud Illusions to IT Realities: The Truth That CIOs Really Need To Hear

Image
Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, it's not without its challenges. IT leaders often find themselves in recurring conversations with their CIOs when dealing with cloud computing and organization staffing strategies. Given that it is time to share and hopefully educate the decision makers as to what is at stake along the cloud journey, we will explore some of the common questions and responses that arise in these conversations, akin to the "5 Whys" technique, to shed light on the issues faced and possible solutions. The "5 Whys" is a problem-solving technique that originated from the Toyota Production System, a methodology for improving manufacturing processes. It is a simple yet powerful method for identifying the root causes of problems or issues by asking "why" repeatedly, typically...