Lesson 1: Innovation flourishes when human insight takes the lead
The Post Office scandal exposed the consequences of sidelining the human element in software development. Software Development companies should think critically and be open to improvements. In the scandal, the repeated denial of bugs caused the downfall of many innocent sub-postmasters.
But even without such awful outcomes, listening to frustrations or suggested improvements can lead to a better, more innovative, solution. We should not only learn from past mistakes but use feedback to develop a more creative and robust solution.
Lesson 2: Collaborative partnerships mitigate risks and amplify success
Communication challenges between technology companies and clients can result in severe consequences. A Post Office investigator, under questioning, said he thought there was only one call-centre for the Horizon software.
There was also a Fujitsu run Helpdesk. Breaches in communications leads to misunderstandings, and often mistakes. Collaboration is the cornerstone of success. Not only does collaboration and communication between the client and the development house ensure a clear understanding, it also means minor issues are quickly resolved, mitigating the risk of any significant faults.
Lesson 3: True accountability should be ingrained in the culture
We challenge you to find a perfect piece of software. Bespoke or off-the-shelf, it is built by human developers, and one pitfall of being human is not being perfect. This does not mean it can’t do a fantastic job for the users. True accountability in software development involves recognising imperfections, maintaining transparency, and actively tackling errors throughout the lifetime of a software. This cultural approach not only improves the quality of the software but also fosters trust and reliability.
In conclusion, the Post Office scandal underscores the critical importance of the human touch in software development. Three critical lessons emerge from this unfortunate event: first, innovation thrives when human insight guides development, encouraging open-mindedness and continuous improvement. Second, collaborative partnerships are essential to mitigate risks and amplify success, emphasising the need for clear communication between technology partners and clients.
Lastly, true accountability, ingrained in the development culture, acknowledges the inherent imperfections in software, promoting transparency and ongoing error management. These lessons not only elevate software quality but also nurture trust and dependability in the dynamic realm of technology.
To explore collaborative technology solutions, feel free to contact Objective, a dedicated technology partner based in Essex, UK. With a commitment to being friendly, forward-thinking, and flexible, we offer bespoke software development, data analytics and consultancy.