Implementing the Optimal Solution for Your Needs
Even the most seasoned project managers face unique challenges when planning and executing high-cost projects, whether it’s SAP or Microsoft.
Our extensive experience in designing and implementing IT solutions spans all project levels. At NAV IT, we follow the blend of Agile, Waterfall and Activate methodologies to gain the best out of them, and we developed ATTAIN, NAV IT’s proprietary framework, to enhance the quality and success of complex projects. Our ATTAIN project approach is time tested and highly efficient that delivers quick results and fast yields. We also customize our approach further if required to align with our clients’ project governance framework and the specific characteristics of their projects.
Our team of SAP and Microsoft experts possesses extensive experience and a proven history of successful implementations across various industries. We meticulously attend to every detail, working closely with you to understand your unique business needs and objectives. We then guide you through every step of execution and launch, ensuring your project meets both time and budget constraints.
Our ATTAIN methodology is based on six phases. These phases are Identify, Prepare, Explore, Realize, Deploy, and Run.
The Identify phase is where the customer realises there is a need for a solution to satisfy their business pain points. At this stage, we conduct an initial assessment by analysing the business needs, business data, identify possible solutions, prepare Proof of Concepts (POC), and finalize the To-Be solution. We also develop clear project objectives to establish a strong foundation which includes high-level roadmap, outlining major milestones and deliverables to guide the project lifecycle.
Deliverables
- Business requirement document
- BPM workshop plan
- BPMN charts
- Business data analysis document
- Solutions comparative analysis document
- Key Decision Documents (KDDs)
- High-level project plan
- Project organization
During this phase, we focus on Project Setup. We establish the project team, define roles and responsibilities, and set up the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, we conduct a kick-off meeting to align all stakeholders on project goals, timelines, and expectations.
Deliverables
- Finalized project plan with team structure
- Define goals and milestones of explore, realize and deploy phase
- Refine BPMN charts
- Fit/Gap list
- Knowledge ramp up
- Rough estimation
- Scoping document
- PM initiation
Under this, we conduct a Fit-Gap Analysis, comparing SAP/Microsoft solution capabilities with business requirements to identify gaps and determine customization needs. We also develop prototypes to validate solution design and functionality, providing an early preview of the final solution.
Deliverables
- Solution design
- Business requirements' specifications
- Workflow, report, interface, conversion, enhancement, and forms (WRICEF)
- Fit/Gap refinement, quick prototypes
- System architecture
- Detailed estimation
- PM planning / execution / controlling
During this stage, we customize and configure the SAP/Microsoft solution based on identified requirements, tailoring it to specific business needs. We perform extensive testing to ensure the solution functions as intended and meets quality standards.
Deliverables
- Functioning system (Dev and Quality)
- Functional specification document (FSD),
- Technical specification document (TSD)
- Customizing document
- Migration plan / cutover plan
- COEX (Co-existence) phase concept
- Key user training concept
- PM planning / execution / controlling
- Functional unit test (FUT) and system integration test (SIT) cases
At this stage, the SAP/Microsoft system goes live and begin full-scale operations. We transfer data from legacy systems into the SAP/Microsoft production system ensuring data integrity, followed by testing and validating roles and authorizations for all users. We also prepare a post-go-live support plan and conduct end-user training and provide necessary documentation to facilitate smooth adoption.
Deliverables
- Final system integration testing
- Performance testing
- User acceptance test (UAT)
- Training materials and key user training
- Cutover and conversion activities
- Go-live
- Hypercare
- Project conclusion
During this phase, we provide ongoing support and continuously optimize the solution to meet evolving business needs. We regularly monitor system performance and conduct maintenance activities to ensure stability and efficiency. Our experts address any outstanding issues and offer go-live support. This is also when the users and support team begin working with the new system.
Deliverables
- Change request documents
- Defects
- Upgrade documentation
The ATTAIN framework is NAV IT's unique project management methodology that blends Agile, Waterfall, and Activate approaches to enhance the speed, quality and success of complex projects.
NAV IT uses the ATTAIN framework to leverage the strengths of various project management methodologies, ensuring flexibility, structure, and rapid deployment throughout the project lifecycle.
The Waterfall methodology is effective in the Identify, Prepare, and Explore phases but has drawbacks in the Build and Deploy phases. ATTAIN incorporates lessons from various projects over the past two decades and recommends using an Agile approach during the Build phase, making it more adaptable and efficient.
While Agile is excellent for product development, it is not the best end-to-end methodology for entire implementation projects. ATTAIN is a dynamic methodology that leverages the best features of widely accepted methodologies, ensuring successful implementation projects from start to finish.
The Activate component in the ATTAIN framework emphasizes rapid deployment and immediate engagement, enabling teams to quickly start working on deliverables and gather early feedback to refine and improve the project.
In the ATTAIN framework, Agile's iterative and flexible approach complements Waterfall's structured and sequential planning. Agile allows for quick adjustments and continuous feedback, while Waterfall provides clear milestones and thorough documentation, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive project management approach.
ATTAIN is flexible and can be used for any project. It becomes more Agile when the project scope and duration are small but incorporates Waterfall elements in the Identify, Prepare, and Explore phases for large projects, focusing on harmonization and standardization across plants and countries.
The benefits of using a blended methodology like ATTAIN include:
- Increased flexibility and responsiveness to change.
- Enhanced collaboration and communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Improved risk management through structured planning and adaptive execution.
- Greater alignment with project objectives and stakeholder expectations.
The key components of the ATTAIN framework are:
- Agile: Focuses on iterative development, customer collaboration, and adaptability.
- Waterfall: Provides a structured, sequential approach with clear milestones and documentation.
- Activate: Emphasizes rapid deployment and immediate engagement.
The ATTAIN framework enhances project quality by combining the best practices of different methodologies, allowing for thorough planning, flexible execution, rapid response to changes, and continuous alignment with project goals and stakeholder expectations.
ATTAIN ensures successful project outcomes by:
- Incorporating flexibility to adapt to changes.
- Maintaining a clear structure for planning and execution.
- Emphasizing early and continuous stakeholder engagement.
- Fostering continuous improvement through regular feedback loops.
Yes, the ATTAIN framework is designed to be adaptable to various types of projects, from software development to infrastructure projects, by tailoring the blend of methodologies to fit the specific needs and context of each project.
For more information about implementing the ATTAIN framework, you can refer to NAV IT's internal resources, attend training sessions, or consult with project management experts within the organization.