Period: 2014–2015
Project Type: IT Software Upgrade and Expansion and Business Process Assessment
Customer: International NGO
Description:
This project was initiated due to the need to upgrade the computer terminals that were hosting the point-of-sale system to a new operating system. The project had been attempted a number of times before the project team got the assignment but had failed due to its complexity and incorrect assumptions. In addition to being run on an outdated operating system, the point-of-sale system was heavily customized and tailored to the specific needs of the organization. This point-of-sale system, installed in an in-house grocery store, had been operational for over a decade but was lacking some important functionalities that had been expected for quite some time. The team had a choice to either find a replacement and implement all the customizations again or to upgrade to a newer version of the system that was in place. After deliberations and visits to available vendors, the decision was to continue with the in-house solution. This proved to be a good approach. An added complexity was the need to maintain and, in some cases, extend the integration between this system and the enterprise financial suite, Oracle EBS.
My role: Project Manager and Business Analyst
Tasks accomplished:
Conducted the initial requirements gathering, documented in the form of a Traceability Matrix
Analyzed and questioned historical assumptions
Conducted stakeholder analysis
Planned and conducted project kick-off
Facilitated budget monitoring and PMO reporting
Identified several vendors that provided similar solutions
Prepared Business Case and presented a recommendation
Identified required resources, including the software SME
Partnered with Business departments and worked closely on implementation
Prepared and conducted training for business departments
Facilitated periodic communication with stakeholders and progress reporting
Conducted project closure
Budget: ~$100,000
Project Team: 4
Business SME
Project Manager/Business Analyst
Implementation Consultant
IT Specialist (Part time)
Duration: 12 months
Outcome:
We received support from the software vendor and engaged the person who had originally implemented the initial configuration. The project also expanded into additional business units where a point-of-sale functionality was required. The project was considered a success because security risks were eliminated by enabling the upgrade to the newest OS, and the extended functionality simplified the management of the store for the business users.
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