JD EDWARDS METHODOLOGY

JD EDWARDS METHODOLOGY

OUR JDE METHODOLOGY Briteskies utilizes a combination of JD Edwards project methodology and our own experiences in implementing and modifying JD Edwards s software. Our collaborative approach uses best practices from both Waterfall and Agile, focusing on the need for frequent and timely project reviews, evaluations, and adjustments. Strict compliance with these practices increases the focus on the project each day, rather than allow distractions that confuse and detract from the project. The typical phases used in our projects are: The following describes the implementation methodology steps in detail: STEP ONE: DEFINE The project definition step determines the project scope and creates the organization and structure needed to complete a successful implementation. The Project Manager plays a key role in this phase by bringing together project sponsors, stakeholders, and the implementation team to agree on scope, requirements, and measurements of success. The activities included in this phase are: Document project scope & requirements Secure an approved Project Charter Conduct Business Process Workshops, documenting the key business processes to be implemented. Conduct a Technology Gap Analysis Complete a detailed project plan Successful completion of the Define phase establishes a firm foundation for the successful completion of the project.

STEP TWO: TRAIN The objective of the Train step is to accurately identify and meet the customer s training needs. Training prepares the customer s project team for the prototype and gives Briteskies another opportunity to identify project issues. Proper training is the only way for the customer s project team to gain the necessary understanding of the capabilities of the software. Understanding the software s rich functionality allows the project team to better identify and establish accurate and realistic goals and objectives during other activities including business process analysis and design, and prototype testing. During classroom training, instructors become aware of many of the customer s software requirements, issues and expectations. Effective communication and debriefing of the instructor allows consultants to assist the customer to refine the scope of business process analysis and prototype testing to optimize their results. Issues uncovered during training can become an integral part of the project s success. Planning and execution activities for training include: Develop and communicate the training plan Prepare training instructors Train the client s implementation team Debrief instructors Plan End User and Advanced Training Each of these activities builds on the prior activity to the completion of the Train step. STEP THREE: MODEL During the Model step, the project team performs a set of tasks including: Conducting Technology Workshops Installing prototype environment software Prototyping the business processes, including: Defining scenarios (test cases) and specific process scripts (business tasks and data) which will fully test and evaluate the planned business processes Configuring a model environment to prototype business processes, based on the specified scenarios and scripts Testing prototype scenarios and scripts in the model environment Prototyping technology solutions Developing a contingency plan»» Documenting issues uncovered during prototype testing which may impact business processes or go live activities

The Model step results in the project team s recommendation, plus customer management s acceptance, of key business processes and supporting technology that best meet the customer s overall project objectives. Business processes will be tested further during the configuration phase and implemented during the Go Live activities. They will become the framework of users day-to-day procedures. STEP FOUR: CONFIGURE The Configure step includes all the activities required prior to Go Live and production processing in the system. It is a focal point for the client s project team. Tasks included in this phase are: Project issue evaluation and identification of resolution action plans Finalize technical solutions, custom applications, data conversions and interfaces Document processes, procedures, and begin developing end-user training materials Complete setup and configuration of test environments to mirror those expected in production Full integrated system testing using the new documentation Readiness Assessment Customer sign-off and acknowledgment of readiness to Go Live The need for strong, consistent project management is critical during each task in this step of the project. Ensuring that all open issues are communicated, addressed and resolved requires constant monitoring and evaluation. Short-cutting any activities in this step may result in a key task not getting completed prior to going live. This can result in dissatisfied and frustrated users, low customer satisfaction, and a less than successful project. Again, consistent project management is the key to high-quality and successful completion. Preparation of the technology environment is a key part of an enterprise implementation. The technology team will be executing the same series of steps as the application implementation team. The technology group will also be performing a gap analysis review.

STEP FIVE: GO LIVE The objective of this step is to begin using the software in the day-to-day operations of the customer s business. This requires that all of the software and hardware components be in place to ensure success and to minimize the impact on the customer s business activities. Going Live is a Process, Not a Milestone. Go Live culminates the efforts put into the implementation. Successful completion of this step concludes the implementation and: Project team members assume previous or new responsibilities within the organization Users perform the day-to-day processing on the system Super Users and other internal support staff assume the role for most of the day-to-day support. At no other time is the customer more vulnerable than when users begin operating the system for dayto-day activities. The process begins with live data entry, continues with performance of daily and weekly processes, and ends when the customer comfortably completes all processes in their business cycles. Activities include: Prepare production environment Process final conversions Begin live processing Evaluate and Close the Project ABOUT BRITESKIES Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Briteskies is a full service solution company for website design, development, integration and ecommerce projects. We re proud to be a Premier IBM Business Partner, a Magento Silver Solution Partner, and an Oracle Gold Partner. Our talented team consists of certified developers in WebSphere Commerce, Magento and JD Edwards, and iseries Application Specialists.