“Who are ‘key users?' – and where do we find them?”

We work with a central team of your key users: those individuals in your organization who are familiar with the tasks required of the system and are also empowered to make decisions. The Columbus IT team (including project managers and a solutions architect) works with these key users throughout the entire duration of the project, so the process goes smoother and faster, and there's less down time once the system is live. Working with the right people in your company also means we get things right the first time – so you don't invest three months of training and testing only to find the system's not right.

“Do we really need another project manager?”

Our project managers work closely with key people throughout your entire implementation life cycle to help keep your project on track at all times. Our project management methods include:

• Planning
• Risk Management
• Issue Management
• Status Reporting
• Project Administration
• Project Change Management

“How much training will my staff receive?”

One of the challenges that all companies face when implementing a new system is approval and adoption from employees. At Columbus IT, we've built the solution into the implementation process. Rather than train your staff after the implementation is complete – which is how most IT implementations are done -- we involve your staff, including front-line personnel, from the very beginning. We actively solicit their input in developing the solution and ensure that that they are familiar with any new policies and procedures. Then, we train your project team members so they can train power users in your company and share the knowledge about your solution in the most efficient way possible.

“How will DIAMOND help with my international roll-out?”

Because Columbus IT is a worldwide organization with offices in 28 countries across the globe, we know the importance of a consistent project methodology – especially when it comes to multi-site or multi-geography implementations. The organized, controlled phases of the DIAMOND methodology mean that all your offices can carryout the implementation in a consistent fashion, ensuring the smoothest roll-out possible, for all your offices, whether they're next door, or on the other side of the world.

“What is a ‘Waterfall' approach, and why does it help?”

DIAMOND uses a ‘waterfall' approach – a methodology that allows us to complete projects in a defined manner, for greater control, improved management of each implementation stage, and reliable results. This approach places a priority on documentation and up-to-speed communication. At the same time, we maintain the necessary flexibility to ensure that your business processes are met and best practices are upheld. Through the steps and tools built into each phase of the methodology, we help you get the most value possible from your new system, without deviating from the set timeline or budget.