No system is perfect

No system is perfect

When working with my clients on the selection of a new system (whether it's an AMS, a CMS, or any other software product) I stress over and over again that they will not find a "perfect" system. (As I like to joke, if a perfect system existed, I would own it and be rich!) It's important to set this expectation. Every system will be missing something.

Put another way, every system comes with trade-offs. For example, if you want the system to be incredibly easy for the average customer to use, you're probably not going to be able to manage every unique scenario that arises. By definition, "average" and "unique" are exact opposites and it is unlikely you'll find a system that can manage both easily. It will be one or the other. A trade-off.

There are no perfect systems. There are always trade-offs. Understanding and internalizing these two points will lead to much higher rates of success and satisfaction.

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