Article

Smaller Budgets? No Problem! Product Mode to the Rescue

3 min read

Published on 26 March 2025

Solutions: DXP – Digital Experience Platforms
Smaller Budgets? No Problem! Product Mode to the Rescue
This insight is shared by Tassos Koutlas, Digital Solutions Director in the UK, Nordics and France.

The Problem with a Project-Based Mindset

As businesses navigate shrinking budgets, traditional project-based approaches to digital transformation can be a costly and sometimes inefficient way to manage resources. The project-based mindset treats digital initiatives as one-time efforts with fixed scopes, budgets, and timelines. Depending on business needs, this approach can sometimes lead to delays, scope creep, and solutions that quickly become outdated or misaligned with evolving user needs.

More importantly, when funding is allocated on a per-project basis, innovation can be constrained. Businesses might find themselves locked into cycles of start-stop development, where digital platforms lack continuous improvement and adaptability. With some companies facing tighter financial constraints, they might need to rethink how they allocate resources to ensure long-term value.

The Shift to Product-Mode Thinking

In contrast, a product-based mindset focuses on continuous evolution, ensuring that digital platforms remain relevant, scalable, and cost-effective. In this approach, businesses treat their digital solutions as ongoing products rather than temporary projects. This can allow for steady improvements, better alignment with user needs, and optimised budget utilisation.

Instead of funding a project that will eventually end, organisations fund a product for its lifetime based on business needs. This enables:

  • Flexibility: Businesses can pivot and adapt based on real-time feedback.
  • Ongoing Value Delivery: Investments are made in incremental enhancements rather than large, one-time expenditures.
  • Better Resource Utilisation: Teams focus on delivering business outcomes rather than meeting project deadlines.
  • Improved Risk Management: With continuous monitoring and adaptation, risks can be identified and addressed early.
Product approach_body

Making the Transition to Product Mode

Adopting a product-centric approach requires a shift in governance, structure, and vendor collaboration. However, making this shift is not as difficult as it sounds. Many organisations already have the foundational elements in place—they simply need to rethink how they manage digital initiatives by embracing iterative development, aligning funding with business value, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.


Here’s how organisations can successfully transition:

 

  • 01

    Establish a Product Roadmap

    Unlike projects, which have a clear end date, products require long-term planning. A well-defined product roadmap ensures that investments align with business objectives and user needs. This roadmap prioritises features based on impact and feasibility, guiding the allocation of resources over time.

  • 02

    Adopt Agile Development Practices

    A product-mode approach aligns closely with agile methodologies, allowing teams to work iteratively, respond to changes quickly, and deliver value in smaller, incremental releases. Agile practices enable businesses to optimise spending and avoid large, upfront costs that may not yield the desired outcomes.

  • 03

    Measure Success by Business Outcomes

    Traditional project-based metrics focus on scope, budget, and timeline. In a product-mode approach, success is measured by business impact—such as user adoption, engagement, and revenue generation. This shift ensures that digital investments drive tangible value.

  • 04

    Choose the Right Vendor Partner

    Transitioning to a product-based approach requires expertise in agile delivery and iterative development. Selecting a vendor that understands this model is critical. A suitable vendor will:

    • Guide organisations in shifting from project-based thinking to product-mode.
    • Provide continuous support and agile execution.
    • Help manage uncertainty and risk effectively.
  • 05

    Secure Executive Buy-In and Cultural Shift

    Moving away from traditional project funding approaches require leadership commitment. Organisations must foster a culture that embraces continuous improvement and iterative development. Leadership teams should champion this shift by aligning budgeting strategies and performance metrics with long-term digital product growth.

Final thoughts

With budgets tightening, businesses can no longer afford to operate in a rigid, project-centric way. By adopting a product-mode mindset, organisations can allocate resources more efficiently, drive continuous innovation, and ensure their digital platforms remain relevant and impactful. However, this shift is not as difficult as it may seem. By making small adjustments to governance, funding, and development practices, organisations can transition smoothly and realise the long-term benefits of a product-mode approach.

JAKALA is uniquely positioned to help organisations navigate this transition. With expertise in agile delivery, iterative development, and product-centric strategies, JAKALA provides the guidance and execution needed to ensure successful digital transformation. By partnering with JAKALA, businesses can confidently embrace product mode, turning financial constraints into an opportunity for smarter, more sustainable digital growth.

Learn more about how JAKALA helps businesses develop their technological capabilities,
with our multidisciplinary, data-driven approach.

Want to discuss?

DC_Tassos Koutlas

Tassos Koutlas

Digital Solutions Director, JAKALA UK, Nordics and France.

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