Tag Archive
Dynamics GP Projects: or How to Customize my Corporate ERP
Microsoft Dynamics GP is usually sold and implemented through Dynamics GP VAR channel. When your new Corporate ERP system is implemented and you are now in production phase, entering transactions, printing reports from Great Plains, there is less support required directly from Dynamics GP implementation consultants. However, you may decide to launch customization or integration project, where you need software development team, experienced in such technologies as Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect, SSRS or Crystal Reports, Integration Manager, GP SQL table structure. If this is what you plan to do, you may think about the nature of the projects for Dynamics GP and what kind of consulting firm might be the best choice. Your first step is probably to call to your Great Plains consulting partner and check with them – maybe they have Dynamics GP projects and software development department and programming force. But you should be re ready to face the lack or very little level of expertise and proven cases of having something like that done in the past (as chances are high that these people main stream of revenue comes from initial Dynamics GP software licenses, and initial implementation of the application). This is not the end of the World, there are other types of Dynamics GP consulting firms:
How To Manage Technology Projects
As your business grows, you will likely find more ways to use technology to increase production (and hopefully, profits). Making the decision to enhance your technology environment in order to achieve your business objectives is a necessary milestone, but it is equally important to identify the scope and budget of your project before jumping into implementation.
This article explains a phased approach that will help you maximize your budget and provide the greatest results when considering a technology enhancement.
Phase I – Business Need
This initial phase is designed to help you determine if you have answered the “why” questions as it relates to your objectives. You should be able to clearly identify the business benefit (return on investment) for your potential project after completing this phase. Here are the steps that will guide you through this phase:
1. What is the problem/deficiency that needs your investment in time and money to be solved?
2. Does your business challenge absolutely require new or enhanced technology?
a.Do your employees require additional training with existing systems?
b.Can the challenge be solved by changing the workflow or business practices?
3. Once the problem is clearly defined and the solution points to technology improvements, a preliminary budget can be established.
Phase II – Budget & Scope
Six Sigma For Information Technology (IT) Projects
In most IT companies, Six Sigma is being implemented in the core processes such as product development and maintenance. Six Sigma helps by eliminating errors during the product development process, which in turn drastically reduces the probability that the product will not find favor with client needs and requirements.
Many IT companies that have successfully deployed Six Sigma are reaping the associated benefits that come in the form of reduced product redevelopment costs and a drastic improvement in the customer satisfaction levels and brand equity.
Six Sigma Tools and Techniques Employed By IT Companies
IT companies utilize a wide variety of Six Sigma tools and techniques, but if we were to name the most commonly utilized tool, it would certainly be the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Most IT companies are employing this tool because it can be used for the effective management of almost all the core IT processes such as new product development, product redevelopment and enhancements and product maintenance.
This tool works by identifying potential errors and bugs that might surface when the product is finally delivered to the client or end-user. This gives IT companies enough time to take corrective action as might be necessary for reducing the probability of bugs and errors.
The Right Method of Using the FMEA Six Sigma Tool