Implementation

Phase I   –   Define and Plan

The objective of this phase is to build a strong foundation for a successful implementation. We’ll work with you to establish the framework and strategy for all four phases. During Phase 1 we will help you define the project scope and goals, identify your internal and external resource needs, define the training program, and establish timelines and milestones. The result is a high level roadmap customized to fit your business and ensure your success.

During this phase we will acquire a snapshot of your data, enabling us to use our analytics to “scrub” your data and establish a “pre-Go Live” system. This can be used to train your core project team, allowing them to provide a high level validation, learn fundamentals of the system, establish hands on experience, and provide them a foundation for building new business practices.

Phase II   –   Model and Configure

Phase 2 activities build on the knowledge and experience of Phase 1.  Now the work begins to prepare for training and rollout. In phase 2 we will be installing the software, establishing a production environment of HIMPACT for the implementation phase on your production server. We verify that all automated data exchanges between your host system and HIMPACT are working; providing a solid working environment for the next phase.

Our best of breed solution helps ease the pains of implementation. It does not require a “Go Live” Date where the system changeover is 100% on day one. Instead our approach allows both a phased implementation and supports running HIMPACT parallel with existing systems. You can add new vendors to the environment, validate the results, and then move them to production at the speed matching your learning curve and your business cycles.

Other activities that take place during this period include formalizing your new business processes, initial system set-up, and finalizing the details of your training program. Other tasks during this phase include building a rollout schedule along with identifying information and reporting requirements.

Phase III   –   Training and Rollout

A series of buyer training classes will be scheduled based on the size of your group. Each class lasting 2-3 half days. In these classes buyers will be doing hands on training with their own data, utilizing the same 7 Steps of Buying methodology that thousands of buyers have used successfully over the last 20 years. By the end of the second day they will be able to validate HIMPACTS’s buying decisions and identify vendors for movement into “production.” With this hands on approach your team learns rapidly, gains confidence and is able to recognize the tangible results. On to the next vendor!

During this period any optional modules will be activated. Additional training and rollout will be scheduled for those additions after the buyer rollout is completed.

Phase IV   –   Support and Refine

Once the solution is live our customer service team is charged with supporting any daily issues if the need arises.  Your implementation consultant is not only available, but will be maintaining regular contact with your team to monitor their progress.

After the system has been live for several months, a systems audit will take place. Our consulting services group will conduct a thorough review: checking the integrity of the solution, validating that the system is running smoothly, and compare key performance results to the project goals. This audit covers all key performance metrics of the system.

The services group will make recommendations for systems parameter adjustments, supplemental training, or suggestions for further process enhancements. If your team feels the need for supplemental training for whatever reasons, we can accommodate this with a webinar, a lunch-and-learn, or an on-site session.