Phase 1: Workshop – Clearly Defining Needs
Phase 2: Implementation – Constructing Your Solution
Phase 3: The Pilot – Rigorous Testing
Phase 4: Rollout – Production of The Optimized Solution
Phase 5: Production – Safe Operation, Competent Support

Initial situation: The date for the workshop has been agreed. You have invited representatives from all the job functions involved in the project management solution (e.g. PMO manager, project manager, IT manager, project staff and administrators).

Approach: The Project Group prepares an EPM prototype for your workshop based on information you supply concerning your company, together with some key data (e.g. on your organizational structure and resources). We also need some details from you about access permissions to projects and resources; project portfolio attributes; and the type of analyses you require.

During the workshop, we gather more details on your requirements and ensure all participants are on the same page. Your requests and processes are then implemented in the EPM prototype we prepared prior to the workshop. As far as possible, we do this using real-life examples.

Next, we run through the life cycle of a project from the viewpoint of all the groups participating, and define how we are going to import existing data into the system. This step enables you to review the feasibility of your requirements. In preparation for the pilot phase, we resolve any questions on project and resource structures; technical system requirements; responsibilities; and training, then schedule the next steps.

After this, we put together the pilot team. Its size will vary depending on the complexity of the project, but we recommend keeping it to a manageable size – usually between 5 and 8 people.

Result: You are now briefed on the necessary scope of your project management solution. You have an EPM prototype populated with your own data and adapted to your processes, and the roadmap has been defined. The Project Group now has a good basis for preparing a tailored proposal for the implementation.

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Phase 2: Implementation – Constructing Your PM-Solution

Initial situation: As a result of the workshop, you now have the requirements emanating from the different user groups; you have also defined the interfaces to and from the external systems, and documented and fulfilled the system requirements.

Approach: Working in tandem with your technical specialists, we install your EPM solution and integrate it into your IT environment. The data we collected during the workshop is transferred to the pilot system. If necessary, we can program extensions to the complete solution and integrate them step by step. Finally, we train the pilot team.

Result: The technical implementation of the solution is complete. The system now has a sufficient range of functions to support the transition to the pilot phase.

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Phase 3: The Pilot – Rigorous Testing

Initial situation: The pilot team starts using the customized solution, extended with interfaces and specialized functions, in their own environment.

Approach: The project team consists of your project manager and specialists from The Project Group. It guides the pilot team and checks on progress.

Pilot team members test the solution in real-life conditions using clearly defined scenarios and test procedures. They document all of their results, which may lead to the pilot system being modified, if necessary.

To ensure the success of this phase, it is essential that both teams meet regularly; we recommend an interval of 1-2 weeks between meetings.

Result: The fully configured solution is ready for production use. The pilot and project teams approve its release from a technical and content-based standpoint.

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Phase 4: Rollout – Production of The Optimized Solution

Initial situation: The EPM solution is released for rollout.

Approach: All of the pre-existing tools are replaced by the new enterprise-wide solution. Our specialists transfer your existing projects and documents to the production environment. Your IT department starts deploying the solution to users’ workstations.

In parallel, we run role-based training for users with up-to-date, company-specific data and structures related to the work processes of each job function. This enables users to see how the solution will make their own work easier.

Depending on the scope of your EPM solution, it might be advisable or even necessary to customize the training documents beforehand.

Result: You achieved your goal! Your professional project management solution is ready to use. It is being utilized by individually trained users in all areas.

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Phase 5: Production – Safe Operation, Competent Support

Initial situation: Your EPM solution is fully integrated and deployed.

Approach: Your personalized project management solution is an investment in people, products, and processes. It will be used for many years and become a part of your everyday work.

The Project Group supports you with regular maintenance, staff coaching, and fast support. If necessary, we can adapt the solution to new system environments or requirements.

The data and knowledge amassed by the system underpin your ongoing productivity improvements.

Result: You benefit from active support during the entire lifecycle of your solution.

Security and Reliability for the Future
As our customer, you are assured of long-term access to all of our services, including our range of innovative add-in products for Microsoft Project and our internationally recognized top-flight expertise. You always have a competent contact person at your disposal. And that guarantees you even more reliability, both now and in the future.

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