In the late 1950’s Ford spent an enormous amount of time and money creating an innovative vehicle called the Edsel. Unfortunately, by the time the car hit the market, buyers’ preferences changed, and the new product was a failure. What can we learn from this besides adding a new term to the vocabulary for failed projects? Getting consistent results from project implementations results can be a challenge. To help manage the process, we create work helpers like Gantt charts and workflow diagrams. These tools can be helpful when managing a single project. However, if your organization has multiple projects ongoing (like Ford building several different product lines), how can you ensure these are being implemented efficiently and effectively. To this end, ANB Systems has implemented a project management framework to manage and scale solutions, improve productivity, and consistently deliver successful solutions. It is a six-step process called ReSULTS.
ANB Systems takes a consistent approach to each new client implementation. The first step is to (Re) is to research, identify and document project requirements. This is done through a combination of meetings will clients and internal meetings with other ANBites. The key is to have open and transparent documentation of the desired functionality. Next is the solutioning stage (S). Here the project schedule is established as well as priorities and dependencies. Resources are allocated, and potential risks are documented. The user acceptance testing (U) plan ensures that the solution meets expectations. This is done by running various test cases through the solution and recording their results. At the successful conclusion of the first three stages, the solution is prepared to launch (L). ANB uses a Go-live checklist for each project to ensure nothing is overlooked. Training (T) is a major milestone to reach. Here various approaches are used to communicate how to use the solutions. These are done through the standard user guides but also with online help content and virtual training sessions. Finally, the support phase (S). Here the solution is transitioned to the support team. Key to the success of this stage is the internal training of the ANB support team on the solution.
The ReSULTS framework is an important tool in meeting the expectation of our clients. The most significant aspect of this approach is scalability. ANB is using this as a recipe for success. A home cook may produce an outstanding meal for a few guests, but it is unlikely they could scale to feed several hundred people with the same quality results while using the same old work processes. The ReSULTS framework ensures a high-quality product will consistently be delivered regardless of the number of other projects being implemented.
Written by – Michael Stockard
Michael Stockard is an independent consultant at Stockard Energy Advising and is a member of the Advisory Panel at ANB Systems. Michael has over 40 years of experience in the design and implementation of demand-side management programs.
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