Each project is different, however, an implementation of a sophisticated system generally follows well-structured and practised steps:
- Needs Analysis
- Start from an existing requirements document or create a new one
- Workshops
- Collect input from all stakeholders
- Review & validate requirements statements
- Reference Visits
- Get ideas from how other organisations are doing it
- Make important network connections that will become useful during later implementation stages
- Visual Prototype
- There is value in the old maxim 'a picture is worth a thousand words'
- Early exposure to a visual mock-up can be valuable in driving development in the right direction
- Functional Prototype
- The next stage puts a working system in the hands of users
- Feedback here can eliminate costly mistakes
- Users involved in this stage of review often become extremely bought in to the process and ambassadors for the completed solution
- Pilots
- Useful to test the completed solution in a working environment prior to abandoning old practises
- Fine tuning of the software can be made at this stage
- Increases user buy-in even further
- Smooths the training load on the organisation as new users gain expertise and can pass this onto others
- Project Management
- Vital throughout the process to ensure timely, efficient and cost-effective delivery
- Project Managers on both sides of the supplier/customer partnership working together
- Regular reviews and progress reports
- Issues raised and resolved early on in the process