We are always asking ourselves if there is a better way to do what we do…how we can deliver more value with every client engagement. That is why we started rethinking how ERP projects are implemented and became one of the first in our industry to adopt agile methods. Regardless of size, number of sites, and where in the world we’ve deployed Microsoft Dynamics NAV, we’ve had some very impressive results.
Upgrade Technology excels at managing a wide range of client projects, from concept through planning and execution to controls and completion. Our experience ranges from managing small, short-term projects to developing complex schedules and cost controls for multi-million dollar, multi-year contracts. Our project management staff employs the latest project management approaches and project controls to ensure the end product meets our client’s goals and is delivered on schedule and on budget. Our approach includes five key elements that must be determined and managed together to achieve success:
Planning is key to a successful project, and an important element of Project Management. Taking the time to prepare a comprehensive project plan saves time and money, and helps avoids potential problems. Our staff begins with a clear determination of who are the stakeholders and the needs of the stakeholders, and we develop a Project Charter to outline the key goals and scope of the work and the people and organizations (stakeholders) involved. Next we determine a list of tasks the project needs to deliver, and when the tasks need to be completed. Within our master schedule, details
regarding staff needs and the time needed to carry out each required tasks are included. Our team understands that proper planning is the first step in delivering a successful project on time, on budget, and per the stakeholder’s specifications. Our planning includes:
Upgrade Technology utilizes current best practices in project controls to ensure the delivery of effectively managed projects. Software such as Primavera, Smartsheets, Jira, Azure, MS Teams, MS Project are used to provide timely, accurate information as a project progresses. Our team coordinates activities and serves as liaison among internal and external teams. Our reporting processes enables sharing of information among stakeholders, allows for fine-tuning, and keeps everyone informed of status throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Our approach to project controls includes using the people and tools required to determine:
Developing a Baseline Project Schedule is an initial step in carrying out a project to its successful completion, whether the project is a major construction project or implementation of enterprise software. A schedule involves listing milestones and all tasks and deliverables with start and finish dates. The order of each task is key to a project’s progress, as many tasks are dependent upon successful completion of other tasks. Our staff utilizes work breakdown structures (WBS) to plot out activities into smaller, more manageable components. In addition to tasks and sequence, a Project Schedule also incorporates resources, including the people and tools that will be needed to complete each milestone (sometimes called resource loading). After developing the Baseline Project Schedule, we monitor and update the schedule including identifying any new risks, and communicate with the Project Team.
An Agile Approach To Implementing Your next Technology Project.
We are always asking ourselves if there is a better way to do what we do…how we can deliver more value with every client engagement. That is why we started rethinking how projects are implemented and adopted agile methods.
The agile adaptive framework is built around the reality of project implementation: Regardless of how carefully you plan or how airtight the approach is, a project plan cannot account for every unanticipated event and requirements will change throughout the lifecycle of projects because business and markets change.
But the agile framework is also built around opportunities. Because business and markets are always changing, there are always opportunities to take advantage of these dynamics, and the agile approach makes it possible to do so, even in the middle of a project implementation—and that means adding value.
The agile adaptive framework uses an iterative approach that involves your organization early on in the process, and keeps you involved throughout the project. Each iteration provides the opportunity for both your organization and the project team to assess progress and determine if adjustments are warranted. This approach results in mitigated risks, significantly higher project success rates, and, most importantly, maximized business value—much more value than traditional methods.
Contact us today, to discuss your next project.