Microsoft Dynamics™
NAV Deployment Methodology
The Microsoft Dynamics NAV product provides clients with a powerful state of
the art business management system designed to improve efficiency across all
parts of an organisation. However, installing a solution with this degree of
functionality requires careful thought and detailed planning to ensure
minimal disruption during the transition phase.
The Anglia Business Solutions implementation methodology
is based on large system deployment techniques devised by Business
Development Director Andrew Gardner. During the course of his career, Andrew
spent a number of years working on the implementation of the industry
leading SAP Enterprise Resource Planning system.
As Andrew comments “The powerful functionality now
provided by the Microsoft Dynamics NAV system will provide middle range
operations with virtually all of the functionality of a tier one system at a
fraction of the price. Furthermore, unlike tier one offerings, it is far
more flexible and can easily and cost effectively be changed to reflect
changes in the client’s market conditions. However, to gain the maximum
business benefit, a partnership approach based on shared objectives must be
incorporated into the implementation process right from the start. Our
approach is pragmatic rather than prescriptive and is designed to ensure
that the introduction of new technology and ways of working is integrated
with the clients existing business culture and objectives”.
The methodology consists of seven key elements that are described as
follows:
Step 1 Solution model
The solution model process is designed to provide a
blueprint of the complete system. The details of how this works can be found
in the Solution Model section.
Step 2 Planning
This is the stage at which we set out how Microsoft Dynamics NAV will be
deployed throughout your company. We discuss and review the Solution Model
with the team of key users and agree the implementation strategy. We also
set out terms of reference for essential project activities such as
communication and reporting procedures.
The project plan is fully reviewed and developed from that set out in the
Solution Model.
We believe it is important to involve the project team and key users in
developing the plan to ensure it is practical, achievable and to ensure
ownership remains within your organisation and not with us. The initial
training plan for the project team is also developed to ensure that a full
understanding of Microsoft Dynamics NAV and the benefits that integration
across the enterprise will bring.
Also during this stage the project is formally launched and we employ a
number of communication tools to ensure that everyone in the company is
aware of what is happening, its impact on them and their involvement with
the project.
Step 3 Design
This is a key critical step and it is where we process map at a detailed
level the current business processes. Then, through a combination of
education workshops and product training, the team design the TO BE model of
how the system will work in the future. The senior team signs off this
conceptual model before progressing to the next step.
The executive sign-off is also a key aspect of this step. It is imperative
that key business managers are aware of and understand how the business they
are managing is going to change in the future, particularly if they are not
involved in the day-to-day project activities.
Step 4 Development
This phase of the project ensures that Microsoft Dynamics NAV matches your
exact requirements. Jointly we take the conceptual design model and turn it
into a fully functioning Business Solution.
Based on the TO BE model Business Requirement specifications and Technical
Specifications are produced on which to base the build and testing.
Enhancements to the core product are also developed and documented. Ongoing
user documentation is also produced to reflect the new ways of working.
Step 5 Conference Room Pilot
For the project team this step is the most important element of the entire
project. Up until this point we have concentrated on ‘getting the system
ready for the business’ the Conference Room Pilot ensures that ‘the business
is ready for the system’
We run a real-time simulation of your business in a managed and controlled
environment. Here the project team ensure that the procedures they have
developed, and the total integrated system are tested to destruction. We do
this by developing and documenting all the business scenarios that your
business is likely to have to manage and in parallel develop ‘just-in-time’
training materials to support the next step.
Step 6 Go Live
For the business this is the most critical phase of any implementation. This
will be the first time that the majority of users will see the new system
via the end user training that is run during this step. In parallel a
detailed cutover plan is developed and we will introduce our Support Manager
to your business to ensure a smooth transition to a maintenance environment
following cutover.
The final phase of the project is the actual cutover itself which leads to
live running on the new system. During this phase, our deployment
consultants are in attendance to handle any last minute issues that arise
and to provide end user clarification on any of the system facilities.
Step 7 Support
Support is a key part of any system deployment and is designed to establish
and maintain user confidence in their system. The service is provided by a
dedicated Microsoft Dynamics NAV helpdesk manned by experienced personnel.
They operate using a combination of telephone assistance, dial-in facilities
and site visits when required. To ensure that the service is tailored to
meet the individual support requirements, a copy of the client Microsoft
Dynamics NAV database is centrally stored and available to help desk
personnel.
Our partnership with you does not stop here. We aim to build and maintain an
ongoing partnership built around a sound understanding of your business and
future information needs. Through customer service visits, our Platinum Club
User Group and ongoing Maintenance Support through our Helpdesk we ensure
that you are kept up-to-date with the latest news and views on your core
information system.