The implementation takes place on a timeline acceptable to us

Description

The implementation of Corporate Performance Management (CPM) Software is a process that must align with the client's time-frame to prevent disruption of business activities. Timely implementation ensures that the software begins delivering value as soon as possible, when it's most needed, and without unnecessary delays. The timeline includes software configuration, training, and roll-out stages and should be agreed upon by both parties before commencement.

Example Use Case

Scenario: A retail company wants to deploy a new CPM system before the beginning of Q4, when the holiday shopping season kicks in, as they need a robust tool to manage, monitor, and analyze their performance during this critical time.

Solution: The selected vendor will develop a detailed implementation plan that considers the company's unique requirements and timeline. This ensures that software configuration, staff training, and final roll-out are completed in time for the busy Q4 period, allowing the company to leverage the benefits of the CPM tool during a peak sales period.

Considerations

Like all business software, expect the implementation to take longer than planned. Adding 20% to the timeframe is a good rule of thumb.

If you are looking to accelerate this, be prepared before kickoff. Understand your requirements, source systems, and the stakeholders in the business who need to be involved. So many implementations are held up because the client isn't ready - their data isn't clean, IT didn't know about the purchase, they need a week for financial close, someone resigned, etc. Be sure to be in a good position to start the project on time. We've seen plenty of projects just die because of delayed starts.

Before going into the purchase process, make sure you're clear on timelines, specifically kickoff. Work backwards from there. Expecting a 2 week go live is usually unreasonable. Most products will take 1-5 months depending on complexity.

Questions to Ask a Vendor

• Implementation Plan: Can you provide a detailed implementation plan that fits our required timeline and includes milestones for configuration, training, and roll-out?
• Our Responsibilities: What do you need from us and when? Do you have examples of preferred formats for data and requirements delivery?
• Risks: What do you see as risks to this project not being live at the agreed upon timeframe? How can we mitigate those risks?
• Involved Staff: Who from our organization should be involved in this project? Do we need IT resources?