{"id":251867,"date":"2026-03-03T14:59:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T13:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/the-solution-building-the-bridge-between-actual-and-target\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T10:11:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:11:59","slug":"the-solution-building-the-bridge-between-actual-and-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-solution-building-the-bridge-between-actual-and-target\/","title":{"rendered":"The solution: building the bridge between actual and target"},"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;]The crew is ready, the foundations have been checked and the compass is aligned. Now comes the supreme discipline: how does the vision become a feasible plan? The solution closes the gap between the status quo and the target image &#8211; transparently, without a black box and, above all, without the dangerous &#8220;guesswork trap&#8221;.  <\/p>\n<p>A clear solution path is more than an Excel list of tasks. It is the charter of a mission. If you only guess in the previous steps, you are building bridges that will never meet in the middle.[\/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-4.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>The 4 pillars of a resilient solution<\/p>\n<p><\/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;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structure is needed to turn vague declarations of intent into real results:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\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><b>Gap analysis (actual vs. target):<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What specific discrepancies separate us from the goal? We do not evaluate options for action based on our feelings, but on their impact on budget, time, benefit and risk. <\/span><\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><b>Methodology &amp; implementation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nHow do we close the gaps in practical terms? What resources and methods are necessary? A feasible plan takes dependencies into account before they become a blocker.  <\/span><\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li><b>Prioritization (timing vs. scope):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nWhat is really decisive? Do we have to meet the deadline first or the scope of functions? If you don&#8217;t make this decision in advance, you will lose control as the project progresses.  <\/span><\/li>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Roadmap &amp; milestones:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nWhat is the very first step that can be implemented immediately? Visible milestones give the crew security and make progress tangible for all stakeholders. <\/span><\/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: Are you ready for implementation?<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 plan is only as good as its reliability. Where does your project currently stand?[\/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;]Procedures and gaps have been roughly identified. A concrete comparison between actual and target is still missing.[\/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;]Key gaps have been identified and solution options outlined. There is a lack of detail.[\/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;]Gaps are documented, solutions appear realistic and are partially prioritized.[\/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;]Implementation path is bindingly agreed. Measures, timings and risks are crystal clear.[\/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>Conclusion of the series: Structure saves money<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;]Clearly defining these four perspectives &#8211; crew power, initial situation, target image and solution &#8211; sounds like a lot of work. And to be honest, it is. <\/p>\n<p>But that&#8217;s the truth: the critical issues don&#8217;t disappear just because you ignore them at the beginning. Instead, they pop up during implementation &#8211; at the worst possible time and with maximum cost consequences. Those who do their homework in these four areas not only minimize risks, but also actively protect their costing.  <\/p>\n<p>Only those who know where they stand and how to get there will make the right platform decision and avoid expensive surprises in the life cycle of a store system.[\/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: The final check before the start<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 style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have we written down all the gaps between the current situation and the target picture?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a concrete solution approach defined for each gap?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a roadmap with clear responsibilities and deadlines?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do we have a &#8220;Plan B&#8221; for known risks?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the first milestone defined in such a way that we can start immediately?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/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\/das-zeilbild-3.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;the picture-3&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-target-image-why-a-feature-list-is-not-yet-a-compass\/&#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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/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>3. clear target image: Where do we want to be at the end?<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;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A target image is much more than a list of features. It defines the business vision, target markets and, above all, the KPIs by which success is measured. While detailed plans are often invalidated by the first problem, a strategic target picture keeps the project on course even in stormy phases.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/the-target-image-why-a-feature-list-is-not-yet-a-compass\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Further information&#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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _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_padding=&#8221;||4px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; 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url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network] [et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;twitter&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/twitter.com\/shopmacher&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network] [et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;youtube&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCLhDymlUEAWiSXjv9wUEpHA&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]youtube[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; 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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;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;30px||30px||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_divider color=&#8221;#858D93&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#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; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; 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M Y&#8221; offset_number=&#8221;5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;74be4b22-f98e-4286-aaa8-8b34bf95a7f2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; include_categories=&#8221;133&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/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. 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Now comes the supreme discipline: how does the vision become a feasible plan? The solution closes the gap between the status quo and the target image &#8211; transparently, without a black box and, above all, without the dangerous &#8220;guesswork trap&#8221;.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":251790,"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":[76,137,78,84],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-251867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digitalization","category-highlight-en","category-items","category-must-read-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251867","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=251867"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":251869,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251867\/revisions\/251869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}