Protech Computer Systems - Services

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The framework under which a project is controlled is of vital importance. In all cases, the first level of control is an agreed project plan produced in consultation with the client and their users. The plan identifies the relevant activities, resources, responsibilities, time scales and milestones.

Detailed project planning meetings are scheduled throughout the life of the ProTech Computer Systems follows the PRINCE 2 methodolgy of Project Management project to ensure the plan is navigated correctly and any issues are resolved promptly. ProTech Computer Systems uses the PRINCE-2 Project Management methodology as a means of managing and controlling projects to ensure a successful, timely implementation.

ProTech will prepare a detailed project plan covering all aspects of the implementation and training, from project commencement through to system hand over and acceptance.

Methodology

ProTech utilise ‘best practise’ methodologies which are primarily based on the PRINCE-2 project management methodology which is a proven project management tool for application on projects of varying scales. The approach we take is overlaid with any specific requirements that our end clients may have with regard to project management and control and any specific anomalies highlighted for the particular project. Once approved by both parties, the methodology is documented and maintained in accordance with decisions taken throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Process & Procedures

The activities undertaken during the lifecycle of this project will be carried out in accordance with ProTechs’ methods and procedures. This will ensure that all activities are carried out in a controlled and effective manner.

ProTech uses the PRINCE-2 Project Management methodology as a means of managing and controlling projects to ensure a successful, timely implementation. The following section describes how the project will be managed in accordance with Prince methods and procedures.

Project Management

The project will be divided into stages to ensure that focus is maintained at each key stage of the project and that the project does not proceed to the next stage until the client is satisfied that ProTech has met their expectations in terms of quality and validity of deliverables.

The following are the stages that ProTech recommends the project be divided into:

Initiation
Requirements specification
Technical and solution design
Development and prototyping (including unit and integration testing)
Data migration (can be undertaken as a parallel activity)
System testing
User acceptance testing
Business readiness
Training
Pilot implementation
Production implementation
Post implementation review

In addition to regular project review meetings, at each end stage the client will be asked to provide formal confirmation that the project can proceed to the next stage. ProTech will provide an end stage report which will form the basis for approval.

Project Planning

It is essential that a detailed, robust project plan is developed to support the overall project and each project stage. The ProTech Project Manager will develop high level and detailed project plans that will require approval from the client before the project commences. ProTech uses Microsoft© Project as the project planning and management tool. Following approval from the client the project plan will be baselined and progress measured against this baseline. Project plans will be provided in Gantt chart format.

Meeting Schedule and Agenda

Progress meetings will be held between the client and ProTech throughout the life of the project. The project progress meetings will take place at agreed regular intervals with an agenda.

Progress Reporting

Progress will be monitored against the baseline project plan providing early warnings of any deviations from planned cost and timescale. Project team members will liaise with the Project Manager on progress. The ProTech Project Manager will liaise with the client Project Manager to report progress.

Quality Assurance

All project deliverables will be subject to ProTech quality assurance procedures.

The Project Engagement Control Structure (PECS)

We are keen to reinforce our experience for delivering projects on time, to budget, to the required specification in a well managed, disciplined fashion. Given the profile, application scope and business significance of the Institution’s project engagement to us both, we recommend adopting a formal project control structure to ensure that the project is managed and controlled to the satisfaction of both parties.

PECS, the Project Engagement Control Structure, is a best practice discipline and is primarily based on the PRINCE-2, project management methodology. This is a proven project management tool for application on projects of this scope. PECS defines roles and responsibilities including resource involvement.

The objectives of the Project Engagement Control Structure are as follows:

To ensure that the project has the correct level of sponsorship and focus within the client organisation (this person has the ultimate responsibility for the delivery of the project)
To ensure that project management controls exist both within ProTech and the client to ensure that activities are carried out to the satisfaction of both parties
To ensure that there is an appropriate level of user involvement from the clients user community, this ensures commitment and buy-in to the project and that requirements and functionality represent the true needs of the users. With a high degree of user involvement it is also possible to set realistic expectations on deliverables
The support of a project co-ordinator/administrator to perform day-to-day administrative duties (such as updating documentation) allows the Project Manager to focus on delivering the project
Rapid access to skilled consultancy resource ensures that issues are resolved in a timely manner
Focus on training and implementation ensures that the project takes account of the business issues related to an implementation of this scale. The implementation consultant and training manager will work directly with the users to ensure that user testing is performed to an appropriate level, training plans are implemented and delivered and that all relevant aspects of ‘business readiness’ are taken account of
The ProTech project team will maintain close working relationships with ProTech’s highly skilled, user-focused development team. This will ensure that requirements are clearly translated, issues are resolved in a timely manner and focus on delivery is consistently maintained.

Methodology
Process & Procedures
PECS

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