A rapid implementation approach can speed time to benefit and lower your total cost. Three keys to rapid implementation success are:
- Well defined approach
- Tailored to your industry
- Sufficient Internal Resources
Rapid Implementation Approach
A rapid implementation program typically has three key elements:
- A rapid deployment template
- Tailored training and deployment methodology
- Sufficient internal resources
Rapid Deployment Template
A blank slate approach is antithetical to a rapid implementation. Depending upon the type of project a template could include:
- An industry best practice process flow
- A partially pre-configured database for ERP implementation
- Standard integration flows
Templates are a starting point for a project. Elements which are standard are pre-configured with best practices. For example, if an accounts receivable system offers balance forward and open item accounting, the choice is typically obvious for an industry. Why would a consultant need to waste time and ask a question and configure a system for an obvious choice?
Training and Deployment Methodology
Experienced consultancies have implementation methodologies for each project type. Projects begin with a tailoring of the implementation methodology to the unique circumstances of the client. This initial step is streamlined for rapid deployment by tailoring the standard program based upon prior experience in the industry. A well defined rapid implementation program applies this approach to the entire project work plan.
A well defined rapid implementation methodology includes many components, including:
- Implementation checklists.
- Training materials and guide for trainers.
- Data conversion templates and processes.
- Status report templates and procedurs.
- Cutover checklists and procedures.
- Post go live checklists and support
Our SAP Start package for flooring product distributors required significant investment to achieve a consistent reduction in time to value.
Sufficient Internal Resources
Achieving rapid deployment success requires a team that understands the companies operations and has enough dedicated project time. For example, a small business owner may never have implemented an integrated business management system and may not be able to meet with consultants 2-3 times per week to guide the project. If the company does not have an operations manager who understands how one process impacts another, it is unlikely the project will generate the anticipated time to value or return on investment.
The project will require a project champion, with sufficient respect and cloud within the company. That individual must either know the company “inside and out” or have been through a similar project to take the leadership role. The champion ensures that process experts attend the required meetings that tweak the deployment template to meet the companies business requirements.
Maximizing your Return on Investment (ROI)
Digital Transformation is not easy, and typically requires a material investment in time and money. If you are seeking a rapid implementation to shorten your time to value and increase your ROI it is imperative to choose the right partner. The partner characteristics include:
- Industry experience necessary to create a proper methodology and template.
- Demonstrated investment in tools, techniques and staff training to utilize the methodology.
- A willingness to understand your staffing, experience with similar projects and availability for swift deployment.
You may want to start with a Business Blueprint to streamline the final project. Working with a consultant who understands your industry to create a vision of your digital transformation can increase the understanding within your project team and reduce the time to value of your implementation project. We look at the blueprint project as an insurance policy toward the overall project success. To learn more, complete our Blueprint Discovery Questionnaire to schedule time with one of our executives.