How often have you had a software vendor or third-party implementer provide “concrete” implementation pricing, although the vendor has not scoped the project? Be prepared to consider many factors when planning and budgeting for an implementation, including resource availability, system integration, training, and change management.
Scoping is an important step.
If you are getting implementation pricing from vendors or consulting firms without proper scoping, all that does is lead you, the client, to believe it is an accurate number…but that assumption may come around to bite you later. This happens far more than you would expect! To get a project contract signed many firms rush through or skip scoping steps. The downstream impact is that you, the client, may end up paying more in the long run due to change orders when you run into your firm needing more hours because configuration took longer than expected or you’re being told elements you thought were in scope, are in fact not.
HRchitect has implemented HCM systems for thousands of companies of all sizes and industries worldwide. The most successful implementations are ones where the project was scoped out in depth from the beginning. And the client has gone through pre-implementation planning efforts.
I’m not saying this to bash vendors but rather to arm you with the information you need. To get more accurate implementation pricing and scope details from a vendor before you sign on the dotted line. This helps you avoid having to clean up a mess later and keeps you from having to ask for additional budget dollars to accomplish elements you thought you were getting in the first place.
What is Phase 0?
Pre-implementation planning, often referred to as Phase 0, is a vital process that enables organizations to “hit the ground running” when they begin an implementation. This process is laser-focused on preparing your organization for the implementation of your selected HCM System. It is a critical step to ensure you are ready to meet your desired system go-live date. Plus, the decisions made, data gathered, and documentation created during the pre-implementation effort will be pertinent to whichever HCM technology you select, adding an extra layer of preparedness and confidence for your team.
Deliverables
The following are the tasks and deliverables associated with HRchitect’s high-level Phase 0 consulting services. These deliverables ultimately prepare you to begin your implementation with confidence, and a clear understanding.
We will work with your team to define your:
- Implementation project scope
- Project team organization and resource planning
- Project critical success factors and metrics
- Project constraints and risks, along with how to create a risk mitigation strategy
- Pre-implementation data gathering requirements while monitoring your data gathering progress
Our experts will also:
- Facilitate the development of change management and training plans.
- Work with your team to define a high-level review, analysis and definition of current and future/“to-be” processes
- Facilitate a high-level definition of system integration requirements
- Prepare you for project kick-off
Prepare for Success
Regardless of what vendor you have chosen, or what modules you are implementing, consider pre-implementation planning from HRchitect. This one of our many consulting services that help to ensure a successful implementation for your organization. It pays to prepare for success.
To learn more about pre-implementation planning (phase zero), contact us.
About the Author
Matt Lafata has over 25 years in the HR industry & has been with HRchitect since 2004. As President & CEO, he oversees HRchitect’s sales, marketing, customer success, partnerships, consulting, finance & global strategy.
Matt extensively studies the HCM and WFM marketplaces and talks to vendors on a regular basis to stay on top of trends in this industry. He maintains a strong commitment to the HR technology vendor community including attending conferences and analyst days, strategizing on joint business opportunities, speaking to sales groups, conducting joint presentations, to name a few. When Matt is not working, you can find Matt travelling, watching his beloved Boston sports teams, or reading.
To read more HCM insights from Matt, follow him on LinkedIn.