IT service provider IOCORE has introduced a product-independent Architecture and Blueprint Service to offer business decision-makers a "bigger picture" approach to implementing ERP systems where IT processes are aligned and integrated to meet business objectives.
IOCORE`s ERP Division has customised the A&B Service, originally launched internationally by Oracle Corporation, and is using it to complement its ERP competencies by bridging the gap frequently found between a customer`s business and IT needs that ultimately determine their system requirements. Says IOCORE ERP Manager, Daniel Robus: "We have done extensive work on ERP implementations for our local clients, and we still find that there is a divide between IT systems and business objectives."
Although still new, IOCORE is successfully applying its A&B Service to several of its clients who are already experiencing the added benefit of this intervention.
One example of such a client is Wesbank where IOCORE implemented an Accounts Payable system and introduced its A&B Service in the early stages. Says Karen Strydom, Senior Business Analyst at Wesbank: "Most of our information is not documented and exists in our heads. It was beneficial to have such comprehensive documentation available to aid decision-making. We were also able to use it to motivate for the project requirements we had already requested."
According to Robus, IOCORE`s A&B Service involves a strategic planning approach that identifies and documents business objectives and maps them to IT-based architectural components to make up a solution blueprint. The solution blueprint is then mapped to products and finally to an implementation roadmap, which shows how short implementation phases accrue business benefit as the envisioned architecture is developed. "Once a company identifies the need for an ERP system and appoints IOCORE as its business partner, we introduce a series of focused workshops with the business users to identify key objectives for the next 18 to 24 months. These are reflected in business rather than technical terms and are an indication of where the business is going. The workshops and one-on-one sessions with executives serve as the basis for identifying appropriate action points which are grouped, scrutinised and prioritised."
Robus says specific projects are then identified according to business objectives and business initiatives (BOBI). A requirements list called MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have and Won`t have) is also created and provides a cross-reference between the business initiatives, the high level requirements and the solution components. "The resulting solution blueprint provides decision-makers with a holistic view of the planned processes and enables them to prioritise requirements and manage IT spend."
According to Robus, this approach is different to the standard practices where system needs are identified in isolation - without taking other IT initiatives and business objectives into account. "IOCORE`s A&B Services is a simple, easy to understand process that enables executives to highlight their business objectives ensuring that the underpinning IT infrastructure is exactly what is required to achieve their goals."
For more information, please contact Daniel Robus, ERP Manager at IOCORE, on (011) 790 2000, or e-mail daniel.robus@za.iocore.com.
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