The Functional Application Manager: Tasks and Responsibilities.
The Functional Application Manager is an IT colleague who can be found in companies worldwide. However, the function often also has a different name.
Functional application management involves managing and maintaining software applications to ensure they meet the needs and requirements of users and organizations. This may include customizing software, troubleshooting problems, providing user support, and implementing changes.
Although the term “Functional Application Manager” may be more common in the US or Europe where IT processes are highly developed, this practice is applied all over the world in companies in various sectors. The exact methods and approaches may vary depending on the specific needs and context of each organization, but the general concept of Functional Application Management is widespread.
What does an Application Support Manager do?
An Application Support Manager is responsible for the management and maintenance of software applications within an organization. Their duties may vary depending on the specific needs of the organization, but generally include:
Application Support: Providing support to users in using software applications, troubleshooting problems, answering questions and providing guidance to promote efficient use of the applications.
Incident and problem management: The managing incidents and problems that occur while using applications. This includes identifying, recording, prioritizing, investigating and resolving incidents and problems to ensure continuity of service.
Change Management: Coordinating changes and updates to software applications, including planning, testing, implementing and documenting changes to ensure they do not negatively impact the functionality and performance of the applications.
Release Management: Managing the release of new versions of software applications, including planning, coordinating and communicating release activities to ensure a smooth transition to new versions.
Reporting and analysis: Generating reports and analyzing data regarding the usage, performance and incidents of software applications to gain insight into trends, problems and improvement opportunities.
Collaboration: Working with other IT teams, such as development, infrastructure and security, as well as business stakeholders to understand organizational needs and meet software application requirements.
An Application Support Manager therefore plays an important role in ensuring the functionality, availability and user-friendliness of software applications within an organization.
What does a Functional Application Manager do?
A Functional Application Manager generally has the following tasks and responsibilities:
Functional management of applications: The Functional Application Manager is responsible for managing the functionality of software applications. This includes understanding the business processes and needs and ensuring that the applications support them.
User support: The Functional Application Manager provides support to users of the applications. This may include troubleshooting, answering questions, and providing training.
Coordination of changes: When changes are required in the applications, the Functional Application Manager coordinates these changes. This may include evaluating change requests, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating the implementation of changes.
Testing and acceptance: The Functional Application Manager is involved in testing new functionalities and updates to ensure that they meet the stated requirements. They also care acceptance testing with end users before changes are implemented.
Documentation: Maintaining documentation about the applications, including user manuals, process descriptions, and change management documentation.
Collaboration with other teams: The Functional Application Manager often collaborates with other teams within the IT department and with stakeholders in the organization, such as business analysts, developers and project managers, to ensure that the applications are managed and supported effectively.
In short, the Functional Application Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation and support of software applications within an organization, with a focus on meeting user needs and supporting business processes.
Organizationally, we can find this officer in both the business units and the IT department.
What does an Application Manager do?
An Application Manager generally has broader responsibilities than an Application Support Manager. Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities of an Application Manager:
Strategic Planning: The Application Manager is responsible for developing a strategy for the management and development of software applications within an organization. This includes understanding the business objectives and aligning the application strategy accordingly.
Budget management: It manages the budget that has been allocated for the development, maintenance and support of software applications. This includes planning costs for licensing, staffing, and other supplies.
Project management: Coordinating and managing projects for the implementation of new applications or updates of existing applications. This includes defining project objectives, allocating resources, monitoring progress, and resolving any issues that arise.
Stakeholder management: Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders within the organization, including management, users and IT staff. This includes understanding their needs and ensuring effective communication on application-related matters.
Technology leadership: Keeping up with developments in software technologies and advising management on new opportunities and trends that may impact the organization.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality of software applications through establishing and maintaining standards, processes and procedures for development, testing and implementation.
Risk management: Identifying, evaluating and managing risks associated with the operational activities of software applications, such as security risks, compliance risks and operational risks
An Application Manager has a more strategic and overarching role in the management of software applications within an organization, focusing on long-term planning, budget management, project management and managing a team of professionals.
What are the important differences between Application Support Manager, Application Manager and Functional Application Manager.
The differences between the roles of an Application Support Manager, Application Manager, and Functional Application Manager can be subtle, as the terminology and responsibilities may vary slightly between organizations. However, below are some common differences we encounter:
Application Manager
Focus: Focused on managing the entire software application lifecycle, including strategic planning, budget management, project management and leadership.
Responsibilities: Developing application strategies, coordinating projects, budget planning, managing technological and operational risks, and leading a team of professionals.
Scope: Has a more overarching and strategic role and is involved in long-term planning and decision-making.
Functional Application Manager
Focus: Similar to an Application Manager, but can place a specific emphasis on the functional aspect of applications.
Responsibilities: May be similar to that of an Application Manager, with a focus on ensuring application functionality, usability and performance.
Scope: Depending on the organization and context, the focus may be on the functional aspect of applications, such as defining and improving functional requirements, coordinating user testing and ensuring alignment with business processes.
Application Support Manager
Focus: Primarily focused on providing support to users and resolving incidents and problems related to software applications.
Responsibilities: Manage a team of support staff, handle escalations, ensure effective incident response and maintain short-term operational stability of applications.
Scope: Generally has an operational focus and is more focused on day-to-day support activities.
While these roles may go by different names, it is important to understand that the exact responsibilities and terminology may vary depending on the organization and its specific needs and structures.
The Conclusions
The conclusion of this article is that Functional Application Management plays an essential role within organizations, because it ensures that software applications meet the needs and requirements of users and the organization. Various functions, such as the Functional Application Manager, Application Support Manager and Application Manager, are involved in managing and supporting applications at different levels, from operational to strategic.
Although the roles mentioned are closely related and complementary, they differ in their responsibilities, focus and level of involvement in strategic decision-making within an organization.