Activant Dimensions - Implementation Process; The Phases of Implementation

Introduction
Implementation Process
The basic goals of the implementation process are installing a new computer
system and corresponding software in your place of business and then training
your organization with the tools to successfully and profitably use the system to
operate your business. There are many steps involved in doing this. There are
also many factors that influence the progression of the implementation process.
Some of the questions that need to be addressed are:
¾ How many people do you have on your staff and how much time can they
devote to learning a new computer system?
¾ What is the prior computer experience of your staff?
¾ How many devices (terminals and printers) will there be in your new
system?
¾ Are you using existing computer equipment (computers, terminals,
printers, and so forth)?
¾ Is your business one physical store or perhaps several different locations?
How long does it take to get from one location to another?
¾ Is data from an existing computer system being converted to the
Dimensions system?
¾ Do you have custom programming needs?
¾ Are you using custom or standard forms for documents such as invoices,
pick tickets, statements, and checks?
¾ What are the overall scheduling considerations?
All of the above factors, as well as many others, can impact the length and
progress of a successful computer installation.
The Phases of Implementation
The general implementation process can be separated into 4 broad and flexible
categories.
1 Pre-installation phase Work in this phase prepares the computer for the
installation.
2 Phase I training This is when the computer is installed and the
appropriate software training is conducted.
3 Phase II or “Go Live” is when you begin to using the computer for
“Go Live” training sales, purchasing, A/R, A/P, payroll, etc. More training is
needed at this stage.
4 Follow-up phase Sometimes a follow-up stage is required for fine tuning
the entire system--hardware, software, training, etc.
These categories are only guidelines. Sometimes circumstances may dictate
significant changes to the implementation process. Dimensions will be as flexible
as possible and make every effort to perform the installation according to your
individual needs.
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