MVP: Minimum Viable Product

MVP: Minimum Viable Product

In product development there is a concept known as MVP, or minimum viable product. Simply put, this means getting the product out into the market with the least amount of features, in order to get customer feedback and to just get something out there!

This concept can be applied in multiple ways in the data management arena, but two obvious ones come to mind:

  1. Rolling out a new system. Too often, we decide that ALL functionality in ALL areas must be working "just right" before we go-live. And the result is that go-live takes months and months (sometimes years!) longer than it should.
  2. Rolling out new functionality within an existing AMS. Again, too often new functionality is not rolled out quickly because of the mistaken belief that the new functionality must work perfectly before it can be launched.

"Perfect" never happens, so that shouldn't be our benchmark in any case. But too often "it's not quite ready" is an excuse not to launch an otherwise useful new product or service.

MVP is a really good framework to help you avoid waiting and waiting and waiting until something is "just right."

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

Some things are unknowable

October 29, 2025

Some things are unknowable One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new […]

Do we have access to that data?

October 22, 2025

Do we have access to that data? When I work with my clients on a […]

The three “buckets” of contact data

October 8, 2025

The three “buckets” of contact data Broadly speaking, when collecting data on contacts (individuals or organizations), […]

Balancing what is possible with what is realistic

October 1, 2025

Balancing what is possible with what is realistic When I work with clients on technology […]

“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.”

September 24, 2025

“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” “Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” – […]

Data managers vs data consumers

September 17, 2025

Data managers vs data consumers When I work with clients on any data management project, […]

Another universal truth

September 10, 2025

Another universal truth There are many universal truths in data management. Some examples: You will […]

Don’t miss this year’s DAN Science Fair!

September 3, 2025

Don’t miss this year’s DAN Science Fair! I’m taking a break from my weekly tips […]

Just start. And it’s never done.

August 27, 2025

Just start. And it’s never done. Last week I had the opportunity to lead a […]

Don’t ask if you’re not going to answer!

August 20, 2025

Don’t ask if you’re not going to answer! In the past week, on three different […]

Leave a Comment

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

Scroll to Top