Objective
A National Field Service business decided to implement an industry-specific service software solution, as a complement to their current company-wide ERP system. In particular, the service system needed to provide the capability for Field Service Mobility. The new system would provide the service front end, while the ERP would provide the financial and reporting back end. The business Senior Management wanted a two-way integration to be built between the two systems, so that the new processes were efficient.
They engaged us to determine and document the interface points between the incumbent ERP and the new Field Service solution. This functional specification would be the basis for the interface delivery from each vendor.
Solution Delivery
- We’d already done a project for this business, where we had developed and documented Future State processes. We used this work as the starting point for the business and system process requirements.
- We mapped selected key processes, from system to system and at a field level. This became the technical specification for both of the integration vendors.
- We identified additional business controls required for consistent ongoing use of the interface. We added them into the functional specification document.
- We discussed the technical specification document with each vendor separately. We made adjustments, as needed, based on their feedback.
- We also convened a face-to-face meeting with both vendors. During the meeting, we discussed the technical requirements, so that each vendor had the same understanding of the requirements. We added revisions to the technical specification, as and when the technical details and methodology were agreed on and finalised.
- We gave our completed specification to both vendors. They used this as a standardised document for their integration programming work.
Achievements
- All parties were comfortable with the process, knowing that Business System Alchemy provided an understanding of business process, an understanding of software systems and the ability to communicate on a technical level, when needed.
- Happy vendors! Both vendors were clear on their responsibilities and aware of exactly what their work would entail and how it fit into the project as a whole.
- Key business staff gained a greater understanding of the interface process and had the safety net of a clear roadmap they could work from for both vendor management and then interface testing.
- Our involvement reduced the time taken and costs incurred for this complex interface and ensured an absence of scope creep.
If you’d like to learn more or talk to us, click here for our contact details.