Copyright 2021 Dynago
As with any partnership, the success of an ERP implementation mainly depends on the attitude and expertise of both parties as well as the quality of the work invested. As far as Dynago is concerned, we approach every client implementation project with the same attitude and methodology, whether it’s a smaller-scale implementation involving simple processes or a larger and more complex system. We stay true to our philosophy and only develop well-functioning, high quality systems that fully comply with the relevant accounting and other legal requirements and are aligned to the client’s specific needs and processes. This is guaranteed by our methodology and maximum compliance with the implementation project schedule.
Methodology
The methodology that we stand for is a combination of the well-known ‘Microsoft Sure Step’ (waterfall) and ‘Agile’ approach, which works well in practice.
Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, but we use a combination of both to ensure that the implementation project is ongoing and trackable by the client without demanding and diverting excessive resources from productive business operations. We follow the Sure Step methodology in the first (assessment) phase of the project, and the Agile approach during the planning and development phase, where we build a customized version of the new ERP system according to pre-agreed development sprints. An adequately organized and operated project management process is required to achieve this, increasing project organization efficiency and ensuring the sustainability of the project’s timeframe and budget. Without this, we don’t believe that successful implementation is possible.
Project phases
Assessment
An accurate and highly detailed assessment of our client’s needs is one of the most important parts of a successful implementation. During assessment, our consultants present the complete process map of the specific field, in addition to demonstrating the capabilities and features of the system on which our solution is based. At the end of the assessment process, a document (fit-gap) is delivered, which describes the full functionality (project scope) of the system to be developed after consultation with the client, and is to be realized in the next steps.
Planning
In this phase, the implementation of the final project scope, developed during the assessment, starts by setting parameters for the individual functions of the future ERP system, and the functions that address specific client needs are defined in the form of a development plan by means of specifications. The end result of this phase is also a document (FDD), prepared by consulting the client, describing the future operation of the ERP system in full detail.
Development
As the name of the project phase implies, the system functions and processes that cover specific needs are delivered in this phase according to pre-agreed schedule and stages (sprints). The main advantage of this is that the managers responsible for each field can review the functioning of the subsystems more easily, and there is no need to try validating the operation of a yet unknown full system all at once in a way that’s difficult to track. This is also where sub-process testing (functional testing), one of the most important elements of a successful ERP implementation, starts.
Migration, training
This phase is also crucial for success. To make it easier and quicker for our clients to understand how each function works, it is essential that the data handled by the system at the time of implementation can easily be interpreted. Data migration is key. The same type of client-specific, real-world data as that which will be used in subsequent, productive operation needs to be transferred. To this end, we help our clients by providing and filling in system-specific templates. Training is another essential element. Our staff responsible for the field in question will present the basic operation of the system and the specific processes developed during the project to the users appointed by the client, and train them on how to use these. We believe that without this training no implementation can be successful and customer satisfaction can’t be achieved.
Process testing
At this phase, the system is considered nearly ready and testing of the complete processes that simulate real operation can begin. After the training sessions, clients will be able to review the complete system and its fault-free operation with the help of our consultant staff. If the system does not work according to the plans and approved documents, it is still possible to identify errors at this stage.
Going live, and support after going live
After a systematic and thorough completion of the previous project phases, the ERP system can be put into live (productive) operation based on a joint decision with the client, to achieve the goal that was defined with the client at the beginning of the project. Of course, since in most cases a new, previously unknown system is being implemented, there may be minor operational problems, the elimination of which is in the best interest of both parties. To this end, we do not abandon our clients after the go-live and provide support to users until the first VAT return, which is the first important milestone of the system’s lifecycle. This, strictly speaking, is still part of the implementation project. After the successful completion of this last phase, the project is considered completed and can be transferred to the support phase.
