{"id":251864,"date":"2026-03-03T14:59:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T13:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/the-target-image-why-a-feature-list-is-not-yet-a-compass\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T10:20:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:20:16","slug":"the-target-image-why-a-feature-list-is-not-yet-a-compass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-target-image-why-a-feature-list-is-not-yet-a-compass\/","title":{"rendered":"The target image: Why a feature list is not yet a compass"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;45px||0px||false|false&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;90%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||15px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;display: flex;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_nav show_next=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_nav show_prev=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;25px||0px|||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#b4bbc2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;30px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_title title=&#8221;off&#8221; author=&#8221;off&#8221; date_format=&#8221;j. M Y&#8221; categories=&#8221;off&#8221; comments=&#8221;off&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; meta_text_color=&#8221;#858D93&#8243; meta_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||15px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_post_title meta=&#8221;off&#8221; date_format=&#8221;j. M Y&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;Montserrat|800||on|||||&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#252020&#8243; title_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; title_line_height=&#8221;1.2em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px||15px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#252020&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]If you start without a clear destination, you shouldn&#8217;t be surprised if you end up somewhere completely different. Many companies make a classic mistake here: they confuse the detailed route planning with the actual destination. But while a rigid plan collapses at the first obstacle, a real target image gives the crew orientation even in stormy times.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#252020&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/guessworktrag-bg-3.jpg&#8221; min_height=&#8221;300px&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;45px||0px||false|false&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10px||10px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px||15px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Compass instead of route plan: The 6 pillars of the target image<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]A viable target image is not a static set of specifications, but a strategic framework that rests on six pillars:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_type=&#8221;square&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mission &amp; vision:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat do we want to achieve in the long term? The vision is the fixed star, not the checklist for the next sprint. <\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><strong>Markets &amp; stakeholders:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat sphere are we playing in? Who are the target groups and what barriers do we need to solve for them?<\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><strong>Benefits &amp; added value:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat specific problems do we solve for the user? A good target image thinks in terms of the experience, not the feature catalog. <\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><strong>Priorities &amp; scoping:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat is the starting requirement and what is just a &#8220;nice-to-have&#8221;? If you build everything at the same time, you won&#8217;t finish anything. <\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><strong>Success criteria (KPIs):<\/strong><br \/>\nHow can we measure that we are on track? Who can evaluate our success? <\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><strong>Framework conditions:<\/strong><br \/>\nBudget, time and technical limits are not obstacles, but the rules of the game. A goal without limits is just a pipe dream. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dsm_pricelist _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dsm_pricelist][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>The maturity check: pipe dream or real project?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Does everyone involved in your project really know when the mission is accomplished? Do the check:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_tabs _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; tab_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; tab_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; tab_line_height=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;50px||40px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_tab title=&#8221;INITIAL&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Targets are poorly documented. Total costs (TCO) are only roughly calculated.[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=&#8221;BASIC&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Initial definitions exist, use cases are partially known, rough prioritization is in place.[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=&#8221;ADVANCED&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]All key points and KPIs are documented. The economic TCO analysis has been completed.[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=&#8221;READY&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Fully coordinated, technically and economically viable target image. Accepted by all stakeholders.[\/et_pb_tab][\/et_pb_tabs][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Closing the &#8220;Gap to Good&#8221;<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]A clear target image minimizes risks and makes success predictable. If important cornerstones of your project are not yet sufficiently clear, the risk of guesswork trap increases. A goal-setting workshop helps to turn a vague idea into a feasible plan with real traction. Only those who know where they want to go can make decisions that make sense today and are still viable tomorrow.   <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Checklist: Is your target image stable?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_type=&#8221;square&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can all stakeholders describe the project objective identically in two sentences?<\/li>\n<li>Have we defined clear metrics (KPIs) that go beyond &#8220;go-live&#8221;?<\/li>\n<li>Do we know exactly what we will not build in the first step (scoping)?<\/li>\n<li>Is our target group analysis based on data or on assumptions?<\/li>\n<li>Is the target image compatible with our budget and the technological roadmap?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-solution-building-the-bridge-between-actual-and-target\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;TO THE NEXT PERSPECTIVE&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;b0debc46-85df-48ae-bf34-5ac2babbaee0&#8243; button_text_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;40px|0px|40px||true|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=&#8221;pac_drh_tab_col_two &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; max_width_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; min_height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; min_height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; min_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; height_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; max_height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; max_height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; max_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|true&#8221; module_alignment_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; module_alignment_phone=&#8221;&#8221; module_alignment_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; overflow-x_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; overflow-y_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; hover_transition_duration_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_duration_phone=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_duration_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; hover_transition_delay_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_delay_phone=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_delay_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; hover_transition_speed_curve_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_speed_curve_phone=&#8221;&#8221; hover_transition_speed_curve_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; pac_drh_column_numbers_tablet=&#8221;pac_drh_tab_col_two&#8221; custom_css_before_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_css_after_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;bdbb3f40-2c94-4a5a-ad50-00c5a914af1c&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The other perspectives:<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px||15px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/die-crew-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;the crew-1&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/crew-power-why-the-best-strategy-fails-without-the-right-team\/&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>1st crew perspective: Who does what, how and when?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; width=&#8221;85%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]This is not about organizational charts, but about real role clarity. Who decides what? Who contributes? What does the communication matrix look like? Commitment only arises when the &#8220;you take it, I&#8217;ve got it&#8221; principle is replaced by clear responsibilities. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/crew-power-why-the-best-strategy-fails-without-the-right-team\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;More about the crew&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;b0debc46-85df-48ae-bf34-5ac2babbaee0&#8243; button_text_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;40px|0px|40px||true|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;50px||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px||15px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/die-ausgangslage-2.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;MACH&#8221; title_text=&#8221;the initial situation-2&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-initial-situation-why-a-foundation-made-of-toothpicks-brings-down-every-project\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; align_phone=&#8221;center&#8221; align_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>2 The starting position: Where are we right now?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; width=&#8221;85%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]A project never starts on a greenfield site. An honest inventory of the existing systems (ERP, PIM, CRM), data flows and processes is mandatory. If documentation is missing and only &#8220;legacy knowledge&#8221; exists in the heads of individual employees, this is a massive project risk. But who hasn&#8217;t been told in response to queries in projects: &#8220;Only Klaus knows that, and he&#8217;s not here today.&#8221;[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-initial-situation-why-a-foundation-made-of-toothpicks-brings-down-every-project\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;More on the initial situation&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;b0debc46-85df-48ae-bf34-5ac2babbaee0&#8243; button_text_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Roboto||||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;40px|0px|40px||true|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;85%&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;50px||50px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px||15px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/der-loesungsweg-4.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;the solution-4&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-solution-building-the-bridge-between-actual-and-target\/&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b6de9dc-9290-4ad3-9f67-28ec97e192ef&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;20px||20px||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>4. solution: How do we build the bridge between ACTUAL and TARGET?<br \/><\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;6ef5f875-8750-478a-9764-36675c174ece&#8221; width=&#8221;85%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]This perspective identifies the specific differences between the current status and the target image. It translates the black box &#8220;project&#8221; into a comprehensible roadmap with stages, decision points and clear next steps. 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_module_preset=&#8221;bdbb3f40-2c94-4a5a-ad50-00c5a914af1c&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span>ALSO INTERESTING<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blog posts_number=&#8221;1&#8243; meta_date=&#8221;j. M Y&#8221; offset_number=&#8221;7&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;74be4b22-f98e-4286-aaa8-8b34bf95a7f2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blog posts_number=&#8221;1&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;47&#8243; meta_date=&#8221;j. M Y&#8221; offset_number=&#8221;8&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;74be4b22-f98e-4286-aaa8-8b34bf95a7f2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blog posts_number=&#8221;1&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;all&#8221; meta_date=&#8221;j. M Y&#8221; offset_number=&#8221;8&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;74be4b22-f98e-4286-aaa8-8b34bf95a7f2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you start without a clear destination, you shouldn&#8217;t be surprised if you end up somewhere completely different. Many companies make a classic mistake here: they confuse the detailed route planning with the actual destination. But while a rigid plan collapses at the first obstacle, a real target image gives the crew orientation even in stormy times.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":251792,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,9,133,56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-251864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digitalisierung","category-artikel","category-highlight","category-must-read"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=251864"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":251874,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251864\/revisions\/251874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}