“A Project Management Methodology that Works”

SurePath is a comprehensive methodology designed to support the efficient and effective implementation of new systems and business processes. Based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge developed by the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org), Surepath provides the guidance, tools, and templates to ensure successful implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), or any new system that affects a broad range of people.

The Challenges of Implementing A New System

Most people only participate in projects of this scope a few times in their careers. Even senior managers don’t typically have extensive experience in running such projects. The challenges include the following:

• Estimating the project effort is difficult. Without guidance, the potential for significant cost and time overruns is high.
• New technologies are often being installed, involving a learning curve and potential surprises within the IT function.
• Since your people don’t know the new system well until they use it, it can be difficult to know up front what options will provide the best results.
• Certain business processes will change – sometimes in fundamental ways. People need to be guided through the reasons for these changes as well as the details of the new system.

Even with a core team dedicated to the project, many tasks must be accomplished while your people are performing their daily jobs.

But the single biggest challenge is to avoid disruption to the business. A ‘shakedown’ period and adjustment is to be expected when a major new system is turned on, but dramatic delays in key business processes such as taking orders, making deliveries, or processing payments can hurt customer relationships and lower stakeholder value.

A Well-Structured, Well-Managed Project is Key to Success

It begins with a thorough plan that identifies all key tasks, assigns clear responsibilities, realistically considers project team capacities, and incorporates a solid understanding of the environment, the technologies, and the capabilities of the new applications.

SurePath – The Support You Need for the Results You Expect

Using SurePath, we address project challenges and establish the framework for a well-structured, well-managed project. We also supplement your project team and in-house staff with the guidance and resources you need to rapidly and effectively implement the new system in your environment.

You expect streamlined business processes, improved competitive performance, and a positive impact on the bottom line from your new system – with SurePath, you can realize these goals faster and more confidently with:

A Proven Methodology

The SurePath project template takes the guesswork out of defining what needs to be done, who should do it, and the scope of the effort. It also reduces project start-up time by quickly developing:

• Project phase definitions
• Detailed task lists, with clear responsibilities
• Realistic time and cost estimates

A library of work package and deliverable templates reduces the effort and ensures the quality of output from many project tasks. Tools include:

• Current process assessment guides
• Conference room pilot scripts
• Leading practice guidelines and performance metrics

Expert Guidance

An experienced senior project consultant will outline comprehensive project management tools and controls to track progress, recognize potential problems early, and avoid common problems such as ‘scope creep.' Your SurePath consultant can act as an advisor or as project manager depending on your needs. He/she can also help with tasks such as:

• Business case alignment for senior management
• Business process assessment and re-definition
• Knowledge transfer

The SurePath Solution Assurance Process focuses on a achieving a smooth cut-over to the new system. It includes developing key tools such as:

• Project Implementation Strategy
• Conference Room Pilot (CRP) plan
• Post CRP Review
• Go-live Plan and Readiness Assessment

Together, these key aspects of SurePath combine to provide you with what you need most from your implementation project:

• Predictable Cost
  With SurePath, you begin with realistic estimates of the effort and associated costs. Extensive pre-defined tool-sets reduce the effort and cost of many tasks, while attention to project controls provides early management visibility to potential costs before they occur.
• Faster ROI
  With SurePath, your project is more focused and efficient, with less potential for time-consuming sidetracks. With qualified resources to supplement your staff, more tasks can be performed in parallel. You can move to the new system sooner and begin to reap its benefits.
• Less Risk of Disruption
  With the SurePath ‘Solution Assurance’ process, you are ready when the day comes to turn on your new system. The ‘shakedown’ period is shorter, and you are positioned to quickly address the issues that inevitably arise.
• Better Results
  Most importantly, with SurePath you will more fully and effectively use AXIOM/mx Open’s capabilities to realize your goals for streamlined operations, competitive advantage, and an improved bottom line.

Tailored to Fit Your Unique Environment

The SurePath project template will be tailored to fit your environment and needs. The first step in the SurePath process is to use the standard template as a guide to develop your project plan to match the relative size and complexity of your company structure, operations, and systems environment. Task responsibilities will be allocated to your staff and the SurePath team based on the skills required and the resources you have available for the defined tasks. The entire SurePath process focuses on getting started — and completing — your implementation as fast as possible while ensuring the desired results.