AST Blog Series: Selecting the Right Implementation Partner for Your Project

implementation-partner

Selecting an implementation partner is a key decision affecting the success of your project.  The market is full of quality partners, each with vast amounts of experience.  It is critical that your firm selects a partner who fully understands both the software and your detailed business requirements.  For instance, if your firm selects Oracle software, you should seek an implementation partner at an appropriate Oracle Partnership level.

Oracle Partner status is not easy to achieve, and the level of partnership defines the expertise of the systems implementer.  Partners must demonstrate mastery of each subject area through employee certification and demonstrable customer satisfaction. 
Business/Industry Knowledge:  Apart from being a certified partner for your selected software, you should always validate their level of familiarity with your line of business or industry. Ask how many implementations they have successfully completed for similar business entities.  It is important to know how mature the partner is in handling your type of project and what industry best practices they have to offer. If you decide to partner with a firm that has a successful track record in your industry, chances are high that they will do a great job and add value to your implementation project.
Reference Cross-check:  The reference check is a proven method to find the right implementation partner. Communicating with customers in your industry can provide a deep insight into the vendor’s implementation methodology and success claims. It is important to reach out to at least three previous clients of the partner. Be sure to discuss what went well and how issues and risks were addressed.  Every systems implementation will have a number of issues, and the mark of a good partner is not the absence of issues, but rather the way the issues were addressed.
Implementation Approach: It is essential to know your implementation partner and their methodology well. An experienced partner with an extensive successes rate is worth considering, so make sure the partner has industry-driven methodologies. The consulting world is very competitive and cost is a major factor in partner selection. Many consulting firms are adopting off-site/offshore methods. This business model may help them bring down costs and remain competitive, but this approach may not be suitable for your organization. It is crucial to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the implementation partner’s business model before making your selection. 
Thanks for joining us!  Next week, we’ll discuss selecting the right team for your implementation project.

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