Replacing software or other capital intensive technology is a major undertaking for any organization. The Standish Group, a leading technology research organization, reported in 2001 that less than one-third of 280,000 projects studied were completed on time and on budget, with all features and functions originally specified. The balance of projects were either “challenged” or cancelled outright.
Given these statistics, it would be prudent for an organization to seek advice from experienced practitioners. However, many organizations fail to do this, relying entirely on internal resources or vendors. Would you build a house without hiring a general contractor? Even if you were an experienced home handyman, you might not have sufficient experience – or the time – to successfully manage a complex project like building a house.
RSM Richter’s approach is to act as a “general contractor,” to guide you through the process and act as an independent advisor. Our services can include some or all of the following components:
- Develop a business case to explore options and support new software and other technology investments. If you are uncertain as to whether a new software solution or other technology project is the right move, we can assist you to identify the pain points in the organization, research alternatives and prepare a cost-benefit analysis to support the organization’s decision making process.
- Evaluate options to acquire new software and technology. Historically, companies owned and managed software solutions internally. Today it is possible to acquire software “on-demand” over the Internet, or even to outsource the operation altogether to a third party. We can assist you to evaluate the options by analyzing the impact of each alternative and then reach appropriate agreements and service measures if an outsourced option is selected.
- Assess business requirements and document business processes. Before launching into the selection of new software or other technology, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the organization’s prioritized needs so you can drill into the vendor’s offerings accordingly. Otherwise, all of the vendors’ sales pitches will look attractive. It’s not as simple as compiling a check list for vendors because most vendors will find a way to answer “yes” to all of your requirements.
- Select the right software and vendor. Once your requirements are defined, then it is time to select the appropriate software or other technollogy. We work closely with your selection team to execute a two stage selection process. First, prospective vendors are qualified to arrive at a short list. Vendors must meet a set of mandatory requirements in order to be considered. Once a short list has been determined, detailed evaluations begin. We work with your selection team to develop a balanced set of evaluation criteria, focusing on a variety of factors including the fit with business requirements and the track record of the vendor.
- Advise management on implementation challenges and best practices. Once you’ve selected the right software, we can work with your steering team throughout the implementation phase to advise and direct your team on matters that may impact the risk of the project. Our primary objective in this role is to help you minimize project risk. During this stage we can also assist you to assess your business processes and redesign them to take advantage of the software’s best practices.
- Manage the implementation project. Although the vendor will supply its own project manager, they are primarily concerned with the management of the project from the vendor’s perspective. Your organization also requires a project manager, to oversee and drive the software implementation activities assigned to your team. This is a role that requires a significant time commitment and previous experience. If your organization is unable to commit an appropriate resource, we can provide someone to fill this role.
- Conduct readiness assessments. As the Standish Report indicates, a large proportion of projects fail, often for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the organization is simply not ready to undertake a project of such complexity. In other cases, the project is not managed well and mistakes are made. We can help to highlight these situations. Readiness assessments can be conducted at two key points: before the project begins, and just before “go-live”. These assessments will assist your executive group to understand what risks could impact the success of the project.
- IT Risk Mitigation. Companies also need to address the risks IT poses to the organization. We work with you to assess to assess controls and security mechanisms and to develop business continuity and recovery strategies. Learn more about our IT Risk Mitigation services.
Examples of recent IT Consulting engagements include:
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Optical products distributor implements a new enterprise software solution. RSM Richter assisted the company to define its business requirements and evaluate prospective solutions. Four vendors were invited to submit proposals outlining their experience, approach, system capabilities and fees. Responses were evaluated based on a scoring grid developed in conjunction with the client’s evaluation team. Two finalist vendors were invited to demonstrate their software’s capabilities in accordance with a script based on the company’s business processes. During implementation, RSM Richter provided advice as an active member of the steering group and also directly to the project sponsor.
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Importer removes bottleneck from order fulfilment process. RSM Richter assisted the company to analyze its order fulfilment processes and identify alternative solutions to resolving a bottleneck in its distribution centre. A business case was developed to validate assumptions and lend support to a proposed automated material handling system. Requirements were developed as a means of qualifying prospective vendors and evaluating the finalists. Three vendors were invited to submit responses to a request for proposals. The vendor submissions and presentations were evaluated using a formal evaluation process. RSM Richter assisted the company to undertake significant due diligence during the evaluation process.
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Food wholesaler requires assistance with challenged project. RSM Richter was asked to help intervene, provide advice and project management assistance on a challenged software implementation project. A number of deficiencies surfaced after going live with a new system, most of which could be traced back to a poorly managed project. The client was guided through a corrective action process to rectify implementation deficiencies. Although time-consuming, costly and painful, the organization eventually stabilized the software and is now able to report on its operations in far greater detail.
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Footwear retailer requires project manager. After assisting a footwear retailer with the selection of new enterprise software, RSM Richter was engaged to act as project manager, augmenting and leading the client’s implementation team. Over a six month period, we conducted regular progress meetings with the software vendor, monitored the implementation schedule and maintained an issues list to ensure that the new system met the client’s expectations in every functional area.