Making a Sound Business Decision

A well researched plan will greatly reduce the risk associated with digital pathology and will enable you to make a sound business decision. If you follow the previous four tips you will have the information you need:

• Tip 1: Understand What Digital Pathology REALLY Is
• Tip 2: Identify Competitive Advantages with Digital Pathology
• Tip 3: Build a Business Case
• Tip 4: Discover Your ROI

However, the decision may be to 1) implement all  2) implement some or 3) implement none of the proposed solution.  No matter what the decision you must keep to the facts and not allow personal beliefs, emotions, or the influence of third parties to sway the smart business decision.

Follow Through

Whatever you decide you must put the plan into ACTION!

Action is the foundational key to all success.

~Pablo Picasso 

 The next steps will be to create an implementation plan with milestones to mark your success and keep track of where the project is. Then assign a team to manage the project.  Make sure you engage your team members and the laboratory and medical staff; learn what they will need to be successful with digital pathology.  And last but not least, always have a “Plan B” or backup strategy.

If you are trying to create a plan for financial success and need help, contact Digital Pathology Consultants.

I am one of the many people stranded in Europe because of the volcanic ash cloud.  I have a new departure date of Wednesday; five days after my scheduled return home.  However, risk is high and there are many variables that could impact my new departure date even IF the airport reopens.  As a result, it is time to create a plan B.  As I think about my plan B, I recommend you think about the projects in your life that involve significant risk and many variables; then design your own Plan B.

Digital Pathology is a perfect example of a project that requires you to understand your variables and create a plan B.  A few risks include:

• Long term viability of hardware and software manufacturers
• Workflow disruption
• Technology acceptance by laboratory staff and pathologists
• Changes to industry standards and pathology regulations

If you have implemented digital pathology, or have a plan to implement, there is risk for one or more of the items above. This is not to discourage you; actually, quiet the opposite. The goal is simply to make you aware so the risks can be overcome.  Dissipate the risk with a plan B; not only will you feel more confident about your decision to implement digital pathology, I guarantee you will be more successful.

As for my plan B, it will include a ferry, a bus, or a train to another country who has departures scheduled for the United States. I really hope I do not have to use my plan B; but if the time comes, I now know my options and how to put them into motion.