Methodology

PeopleSoft enterprise software is a robust tool that has the power to transform your business, but all those benefits can be undone by a poor implementation. For an implementation or upgrade project to be successful, you need to have the right methodology, and it needs to be executed well.

When implementing PeopleSoft applications, Levergent follows PeopleSoft's Compass Methodology, combined with our particular focus on process performance consulting. We take a process-centric approach, looking at the key business processes that drive your business and making sure that you take advantage of the full range of application functionality that drive those business processes. Our attitude is that if you are not using all the functionality available to you in your PeopleSoft system, you didn't implement it right. Our approach focuses on getting maximum utilization of your PeopleSoft software.

The implementation methodology comprises of six phases: Strategy, Planning, Structure, Construct, Transition, and Deploy.

Phase 1: Strategy

In this phase, we assess your corporate objectives and business goals for the project, and develop our understanding of their impacts and measurements. We work with you to understand your critical business processes, current infrastructure, and application portfolio. We look at your goals and business drivers, and how we can enhance your competitive advantage. At the end of this phase will have two deliverables:

An Executive Strategic Outline that includes a comprehensive list of your organization's major business drivers and business objectives.

A high-level assessment of the major features to be included to achieve your business objectives.

Phase 2: Planning

During the Planning phase, we define the project mission, objectives, and performance measures based on your strategic objectives and business drivers for the project. We build a framework for the team's understanding of the project. This is the basis for developing your project plan. The deliverables at the end of this phase include:

• A framework for the project charter, explaining how the project will be conducted
• A list of objectives for the project.
• An initial project plan with key milestones and defined deliverables.

Phase 3: Structure

During the Structure phase, we establish the framework for your project. From the information gathered in the Planning phase, we identify, analyze, and prioritize any affected business processes, and we assess the software fit within this context. We show you how the internet will impact your business processes, enabling you to make decisions for gap solutions. At the conclusion of the Structure phase, you will have:

• Documented your business needs and identified and prioritized affected business processes.
• Assessed the fit of the software solution and identified gap solutions.
• Developed a comprehensive technical architecture strategy and scope.
• Defined the technical and functional specifications for the project.
• Developed a training plan for your project team.
• Finalized the project charter and scope.

Phase 4: Construct

Working closely with you, we design, build, and configure your new system. As part of this work, we help you conduct initial system tests, prepare critical plans, and write documentation. The deliverables for this phase include:

• Constructed workflows and expected outputs.
• Complete test plans.
• A production support plan.
• A go-live contingency plan.
• A fully configured system into which you can load historical and current data.

Phase 5: Transition

Before going live with the new PeopleSoft system, we update and finalize the system configuration and the setup of base tables. We prepare the production environment and conduct final user, system, performance, and parallel tests to verify that all data is converted and to ensure smooth transition into production. We also help you determine a training approach for your end users, design training materials and a training environment, and conduct train-the-trainer sessions. The deliverables at the end of the Transition phase include:

• A fully tested, production-ready system.
• A complete end user training approach ready for rollout.
• A tested cutover plan.

Phase 6: Deploy

In this phase, we go live with your new PeopleSoft system. Afterward, Levergent consultants remain with you in a support mode, helping to troubleshoot problems and teaching you how to maximize the value of the system you just deployed. At the end of this phase, we will have:

• Closed the legacy system and turned on your PeopleSoft system
• Moved all project support activities to your production support team.
• Trained your users.
• Typically, our consultants will stay on site through the close of the first month's business.