Microsoft Sure Step methodology
THE MICROSOFT DYNAMICS SURE STEP METHODOLOGY
ERP implementation is done by Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step and because of it, the project can be carried out faster, more effectively, and at a lower cost. Microsoft’s Dynamics Sure Step methodology is a collection of various tools, good practices, and guidelines to successfully implement the ERP system. The methodology has been developed based on Microsoft’s consultants’ and partners’ experience.
The methodology was launched in 2007. Well-experienced Microsoft specialists who worked on it for many years took part in the creation of the methodology. Thanks to this publication a set of templates and essential tools was introduced so as to enhance the whole process of implementation. As a result, 5 types of projects were distinguished: Standard, Rapid, Enterprise, Agile, and Upgrade. Each of them differs in complexity in the implementation area, however, they all share similar project phases such as Diagnostic, Analysis, Design, Development, Deployment, and Operation.
Phases of the ERP System Implementation – Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology
PHASE introduction – DIAGNOSTIC
The first pre-implementation phase aims to help the customer to determine the right solution to meet the needs of the organisation.
PHASE I – ANALYSIS
The ERP implementation phase. It allows to prepare further processes and define the necessary activities and plan them. It is also a phase with Kick-off meetings when the project team meets the implementation company. Such meetings are conducted in a form of a workshop in order to work better and more effectively on customers’ business models. Conclusions after the meeting are written down in a document, including the most crucial one which is the Project Charter which includes the timetable and individual implementation phases.
PHASE II – DESIGN
The implementation company’s team carries out the project by taking previously written expectations of the customer into account. A test environment for the system is designed. This phase finishes with a document entitled ‘the concept’ which defines how the particular implemented solutions work.
PHASE III – DEVELOPMENT
The development phase aims to build and test components previously approved in the analysis phase. Moreover, the functionalities are developed so as to meet the customer’s requirements. Next, interfaces are created and a test data migration is processed. The result of this phase is a creation of a fully configured system. What is more, the codes are written and interfaces are configured. The development phase is completed when the customer approves all components.
PHASE IV – DEPLOYMENT
The transition of certain activities to a new system takes place in the deployment phase. The implementation company’s team conducts necessary end-user trainings. Eventually, there is the final testing, then, Go-Live system approval, and an actual cutover to the ERP system.
PHASE V – OPERATION
In the operation phase, the implementation company launches the system. The instruction and the most crucial information on the system operation are provided. Finally, an audit of implementation quality is made.
CROSS PHASE PROCESSES
Cross-phase processes include a set of activities that are comprised of a few implementation phases. These activities are performed across particular phases and that is why it is possible to define the roles and responsibilities of project team members precisely.
The Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step methodology distinguishes 9 cross-phase processes grouped in these three areas.
Organisation
- System management
- Training courses
- Company process analysis
Solutions
- Requirements analysis and configuration
- Dedicated solutions
- Testing and quality assurance
Technology
- Infrastructure
- Integration and interfaces
- Data migration
Benefits of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step
Methodology:
- The possibility to control processes and expenses.
- Clear structure comprised of a few phases which can be monitored by a committed team.
- Processes can be monitored by the company that supervises the implementation of the ERP system in order to assure that it meets expectations and agreed assumptions.
- A greater sense of security.
The project monitoring
- The identification of customers’ needs is crucial.
- The provider helps to figure out specific business requirements and define the industry so as a result supports the organisation to select the ERP system properly.
- It is pivotal to identify the organisation’s needs since it has got an insight into every phase of the project.
Transparency
- Transparency in terms of communication, implementation, planning, and sharing duties among the participants of the project is provided.
- Every company’s employee and the implementation partner know plans and their responsibilities.
- A reliable documentation that summarises findings and conclusions on specific project phases is kept.
- The customer can be sure that activities are performed in a reliable way.
