
The Innovation in Implementation Series
Bringing an agile approach to systems transformation: Download paper #2
Agile working is about eliminating the barriers to getting work done efficiently, with the greatest flexibility and fewest constraints.
Agile has been around for a long time but, when applied in practice to an enterprise systems implementation project, is easy to get wrong.
In the Innovation in Implementation series, various individuals from Alfa draw on their talent and experience to discuss how you can work in an agile fashion to deliver quick and often. The newest paper in the series, #2 Agility in Data Migration: Onboarding Portfolios Efficiently and Effectively, is out now.
Historically, systems replacement projects have focused on large ‘big-bang’ milestone deliverables that transform complex systems landscapes overnight. Such projects often span multiple products or countries, build in a large number of integrations, and refresh all of the operational procedures - all as part of one single, giant effort.
In Derisking Your Systems Replacement Project through Phased Implementation, we discuss how the lessons learned from the industry, alongside the rise of agile methodologies, have prompted alternative, phased implementation approaches which present an exciting opportunity for companies to move away from the traditional models that bring a high level of risk, complexity and cost.
Phased Implementations
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Working in a phased manner is difficult to perfect – especially for early phases – and project teams must adapt to continuous delivery whilst retaining a strong focus on the overall vision.
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A phased approach not only allows companies to add value sooner, but also empowers them to make more informed and pragmatic decisions for subsequent phases, creating a stronger – and more balanced – overall solution.
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Agile projects usually require a clearer vision of scope that often drives pragmatism in decision-making throughout the project. This enables delivery to occur in an incremental fashion.
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Solving the challenges of the phased approach, and converting them into opportunities, hinges on clear communication and commitment within the organisation, starting with executive leadership.
Download Article #1
The second paper in the series focuses on what is often thought of as the most challenging aspect of an implementation project: data migration.
This usually takes the form of either migrating existing portfolios from legacy applications as part of a system implementation, or onboarding newly acquired portfolios to an established production system. Common to both is the need for data to be migrated in an effective and efficient manner, with a pragmatically balanced data selection crucial to successful delivery.
In Onboarding Portfolios Efficiently and Effectively, we explore how agile techniques can minimise risk when manipulating large volumes of sensitive data. We also discuss how cross-functional teams, empowered to drive pragmatic scoping decisions, can accelerate the delivery of business value and provide robust support for future onboarding.