Implementation

Once we have the Prescription completed then it is time to take ation in the Implementation phase.  During the Prescription we identified the projects to be done and the order in which they are to be done.  The steps for each project in the implementation are:

1. Planning
2. Execution
3. Testing
4. Cut-over/Implementation

Planning 

As with everything in life planning for a project is the most important step that is usually overlooked.  The planning function includes the following:

1. Identify the executive sponsor - this is the person in the company that is ultimately responsible for ensuring the project is completed and the change accepted in the organization
2. Select a Project Manager - generally supplied by LJRCS, the role of the PM is to guide the organization during the project and be the key resource for the executive sponsor.  
3. Identify the major milestones of the project and estimated time frame for each milestone - done by Project Manager and Executive Sponsor
4. Identify the resources required for the project - this includes human and physical resources. The key to the success of LJRCS projects is the partnership with client personnel from all departments and professional LJRCS consultants.
5. Prepare a project budget - this includes estimated investment, estimated annual savings or revenue enhancement and the estimated return on investment
6. Define Change Management Process - this includes defining all the activities required to manage the business change from the project. Internal resistance is often one of the greatest problems in companies attempting to implement change.  LJRCS has extensive experience and success with building internal teams that breakdown the silos between departments.  These teams work together to define new solutions and as a result tend to have much less internal resistance.

Execution
This is the part of the project where the work is actually done.  The components of the this step are:

• Execute the Project Tasks
• Facilitate team discussions to define solutions
• Identify and Resolve Issues that arise as the project proceeds
• Execute Change Management tasks
• Manage Resources and Project Tasks

Testing
There are multiple stages of testing.  Each stage is based on the status of the execution and are organized to ensure that functions in the system and/or process support the business as required. The test stages are:

• Unit or individual testing - test a single individual function or sub-function to determine if it meets requirements
• Functional Testing - test a complete data flow such as order to cash, financial close process, purchase process, AP payment, reconciliation, etc. There are usually multiple iterations of this test with corrections.
• Conference Room Testing - testing of integrated business process and systems preferably by the end users.  There are usually multiple iterations of this test with corrections.
• User Acceptance testing - this is the final test designed to confirm that the system and processes function correctly and are ready to be moved to production processing

Implementation/Cut-over
This is the process of moving the systems and processes that have been tested into the production environment.  This usually includes:

• converting data from the old system to the new system
• validating & balancing converted data
• training all users in the new processes and system
• transferring the system programs to the production environment
• implementing security procedures
• implementing new hardware and network

LJRCS works with clients to prepare detail cutover plans and coordinate all the activities.  Call us at 818-227-5025 or email info@ljrconsultingservices.com for a free consultation!