Drawing on over two decades of experience in implementing association management systems, Protech has developed a clearly defined implementation process that is based on principles from the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology, as well as specifications developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Sure Step utilizes proven disciplines and field-tested best practices that enable us to most effectively work with you throughout every stage of your project, minimizing your risk and helping ensure your solution is delivered on time, on budget, and on spec. Even after your implementation is complete, our proven Sure Step Methodology helps minimize the total cost of ownership of your solution, empowering you to focus on growing your association with the confidence that Protech will be supporting you every step of the way.
SURE STEP ASSESSMENT
Prior to the start of your implementation, Protech will conduct a thorough Assessment to ensure that your business and solution requirements are clearly understood. The Assessment phase starts during the sales process and ends with an accepted proposal and creation of this statement of work for the next part of the implementation project. The goal of the Assessment phase is to gather enough information in order to define the high-level project and make a confident proposal for the implementation phases. Following the Assessment phase, the sales representatives that have worked with your organization thus far will hold a knowledge transfer meeting with members of the implementation team to convey critical information and ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of your project.
SURE STEP IMPLEMENTATION
Phase 1: Initiation
The Initiation phase represents the official start of the implementation project. It begins with planning activities that are focused on a formal assembly of the project teams, including your consulting and staff resources, transferring knowledge from the sales team to the project team, preparation of a preliminary project plan, and Project Kickoff.
Phase 2: Planning
PROJECT KICKOFF
Project Kickoff is an opportunity for all of your project’s key players to come together for a highly interactive meeting at your offices. Depending on the scope of your project, Project Kickoff will take up to three days and will include the Protech Project Manager, Conversion Consultant and Solution Consultant, and key members from your organization that will be participating in your project. The objectives for Project Kickoff include defining project management protocols and building a project plan; documenting key business processes and identifying customization requirements; and performing a data analysis.
Phase 3: Execution
CONFIGURATION
The goal of the Configuration stage is to define how the business requirements will be implemented. Configuration includes the design of both the overall Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Protech Business Solutions configuration and the design of specific customizations and integrations needed to satisfy business requirements identified during the Sure Step Assessment phase.
APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
The goal of the Development stage is to execute the project plan by developing the customizations, integrations, and data migration processes. The major deliverables are the completed feature customizations, system configuration, reports, integrations, training, data migration, and testing and acceptance.
REPORT DEVELOPMENT
During this stage, your required SQL Reporting Services (SRS) reports will be agreed upon, developed and tested.
Phase 4: User Acceptance Testing
User Acceptance Testing enables key members of your organization to test the data, setup, customizations, and reports that are required for the Go-Live of your system.
DRESS REHEARSAL
Prior to the Dress Rehearsal phase, all configuration and development activities have been completed and tested for accuracy and validity. Dress Rehearsal includes all the activities related to final system testing, end user training (if not already completed), data migration and acceptance, and the cutover to the new production environment.
Phase 5: Go-Live
Go-Live is the point in time when you stop processing transactions in your existing system and start live transaction processing in your new Protech Business Solutions application. Go-Live is also a time to review any open items previously scheduled for a post-live environment. Working closely with your Protech Project Manager, we will collectively develop an agreed-upon timeline for open issues and/or change orders that may be required.
SURE STEP CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Following Go-Live and acceptance of post-live implementation tasks, your relationship with Protech will progress to one of ongoing support, where Protech will be available to address support tasks under the terms of your selected service plan. During this phase, you will receive your final project, software, and project review documentation, and you will enter into your preferred service plan contract. From this point forward, your support will be provided through Protech’s expert CustomerCare team.