When we sign the dotted line, we expect the software vendor to act as a true partner. So it’s frustrating when deadlines keep slipping. What can you do?
Take these steps if your vendor keeps missing deadlines:
- Identify the root cause
Why is the vendor consistently late?
- Are they stretched chasing new business?
- Are we disorganised or slow to provide what they need?
- Have key vendor staff recently left?
Get to the bottom of it.
- Evaluate your options
What choices do you realistically have?
- Can you switch vendors?
- Can you bring in internal resources or a third party to help move things forward?
- Do you have leverage in the contract?
- Decide and act
Choose the best path forward—and commit. Make it clear that ongoing delays are not acceptable.
Remember: missed deadlines are often symptoms of deeper issues. Don’t let them fester. Diagnose and address the root cause quickly.
