Our process - DIAMOND

"To ensure a successful IT implementation, you must be detail-oriented and comprehensive. Our DIAMOND process gives our consultants the tools to do the job right, from scope and business case to training, support, and beyond." -- Michael Gaardboe, founder of Columbus IT and original architect of DIAMOND.
 

If you're considering a new business management system, you may be concerned about the time it will take to implement it. Horror stories abound about endless implementations that go over budget and don't fulfill their business needs.

Columbus IT uses standard tools and best practices to make sure your project is delivered as quickly as possible, to the agreed requirements, and within budget. Our own implementation methodology, DIAMOND, uses stringent project management methods, so you can see the progress of your project at each step. With precise project management, we keep you fully informed of issues, risks, budget usage, and other critical metrics of your ongoing implementation.  DIAMOND includes clear and concise communications using a set of common definitions and standardized reporting tools. It promotes success through:

• Transparency – activities and time schedules so you can see what is happening within your implementation project
• Information – communication, reports, and regular meetings
• Cooperation – control and delegation of responsibilities
• Setting and meeting requirements – agreements, documentation and customer specifications

DIAMOND and Project Management

Project Management encompasses all of the Phases, Activities and Tasks required throughout the implementation life cycle.  Tasks we perform for you include:

• Planning - Scheduling and prioritizing work by drawing up plans, including estimating and allocating resources.
• Risk Management – Analyzing and monitoring risks to reduce the impact of otherwise unforeseen circumstances.
• Issue Management - Efficient management and control of any project problems.
• Status Reporting - Coordinating communication between you, the project team, and any third-party suppliers.
• Project Administration - Project administration using project management tools.
• Project Change Management  - Evaluating, scheduling and managing any change orders that arise.

Why DIAMOND Works

DIAMOND ensures quality throughout the entire process, because we have routine control points already established. Through adherence to standards, testing, control over implementation, and managing any deviations, we ensure the quality and delivery of the best possible solution and implementation for your organization.

DIAMOND ensures management of the project from the first day of the project to the very last, because the DIAMOND method contains a number of project management and team elements. As a result, your project will run based on an exact, scheduled plan with activities and delegation of roles and responsibilities.

DIAMOND ensures communication and information, through accurate project management, up-to-date reporting both written and verbal, and through standard communication tools.

DIAMOND gives you the opportunity to be fully involved in your project's implementation at every phase, so that you can make ongoing, well-informed decisions.

Next Step

• See how our industry expertise benefits your company
• Discover your business needs and how Columbus fills them
• Learn about the awards and achievements DIAMOND has made possible
• Contact us