Decoding "Solution" in IT

Let’s imagine I was offered a job today as a “Solution Consultant” by a company, and I have to tell my loved ones about this wonderful news. There, a number of my friends approach me and inquire about my work, assuming that I am providing solution to someone’s problem. They are somewhat correct, in fact, but their assumption about what the word “solution” actually implies in the IT industry is too narrow.
The term “solution” is something that is used quite often in the IT industry. But what does it really mean? 

In order to support a group of business or technological capabilities that address one or more business challenges, a solution is the integration of people, processes, information, and technologies into a specific system.
These solutions can be technology-focused, such as IT systems that make it easier to manage financial data or automated chatbots that work as customer service representatives. Solutions can also be business-focused, such as staff management systems or marketing strategies that help increase conversions.

"In short, the term “solution” often means any combination of software, devices, services, processes, and models that make it possible to deliver maximum value to a user or customer."

Let’s understand this clearly with an example. Consider, a client whose primary line of business is a chain of retail stores where customers can buy their goods in person. They go to an IT company to solve this issue because they wish to switch to an online website. An IT company understands the requirement and informs clients of the many software options for deployment on the market such as SAP Commerce Cloud, Oracle Commerce Cloud, Salesforce or Adobe Commerce. Now, these commerce softwares have a set of related software programs, tools and/or services that address almost all the e-commerce related issues in a single package, and, this complete package is what we call a “Solution”, which is technology-focused.

Client’s customer related issues, product/inventory related issues, marketing and delivery related issues are now solved under the umbrella of same package, and, the group of professionals who work in one of these technologies across its various implementations are known as Solution Consultants.

In some organizations Solution consultants are also addressed as Package consultants for the same reason.

SAP Commerce Cloud as a “Solution” solving various issues of Ecommerce under same technology

As an IT professional, your job is to work with clients to define their needs and develop the right solution to meet those needs. To create effective solutions, you will have to combine information technology, business acumen, and the right mix of software and hardware.

It’s important to think holistically when creating solutions. Keep in mind that the end goal when building a solution is to deliver maximum value to the users or customers. Your ultimate goal should be to exceed customer needs and expectations.

For example, when developing an IT system for a retail business, your job is to identify and understand their core needs. In this case, you might need to create an e-commerce platform that can integrate with their existing IT infrastructure and supply chain system. You would also need to ensure that the user interface is easy to use and that customer data is securely stored and protected.

Today, “solution” means different things to different people. Being an IT professional, the understanding of what a solution looks like and how it can help to address the customer’s needs is an essential part of delivering maximum value.