ERP System Selection, Design and Implementation

Peak utilizes a three phase methodology to assist with determining the enterprise information system needs. We focus on business processes first and then on the tool (software) needed to support the business. This is done with the business strategy in mind and is conducted with a client's team throughout the project. The methodology is education based and insures that everyone involved is committed to and aware of best practice thinking. By using the three phase methodology, 1) Planning, 2) Design, 3) Implementation, Peak Enterprise Solutions can assist the client in the selection of the system to be used, the design of how how that system will be integrated into the overall business processes and the implementation of that system, including business process changes, with a successful "go-live". Since Peak does not sell or represent any specific system or software, our consultants can be objective for the client's sake and can concentrate on the best practice business processes and the correct usage of the system to support these processes.(more Information)

Systems Planning is the first phase of the three-phased Systems Development Methodology and is the most critical step in the sequence of planning, designing and implementing information systems. Because planning is intended to provide the direction for subsequent efforts, an organized and efficient planning phase is essential. The scope of System Plan is not limited to manufacturing systems alone. It is intended to establish the direction for manufacturing, engineering, marketing, and financial systems for the entire client organization. To achieve this, the scope of work typically includes each major organizational unit and the business processes that support them.

The Systems Planning phase can be divided into three distinct parts: (1 ) business process definition and software features development; (2) software evaluation and selection; (3) implementation planning and project documentation and the phase concludes with the selection of the top two or three software packages to be evaluated for use.

Systems Design is the second phase of the three-phased Systems Development Methodology. This phase defines how a project’s software will be used to meet the specific business process requirements and determines how the system will be implemented.

The work conducted in the System Design process is focused in two project tracks – the business track and the software track – and starts with the final selection of which system to purchase. Most of the work is done concurrently, segment by segment, and concludes with the development of an implementation plan that will result in “going live” with the new system.

Systems Implementation is the third phase of the Systems Development Methodology. This phase represents the most significant amount of work effort of all three of the phases. It includes the tasks necessary to implement the redefined business processes and ready the organization for cut-over to the new manufacturing system.
As in the Design Phase, the work is divided into two parallel tracks, the business track and the software track. The business track segment focuses on the implementation of task forces for the business process changes and business operational problems. The software track focuses on programming and implementing software modifications, training the end users, and performing a final systems test to obtain user acceptance before cut over.