DIAMOND Means We Do Things Differently

Aligned with implementation methodology recommended by Microsoft, the DIAMOND method is composed of five phases: Analysis & Design, Build, Implementation, Live, and Support. These phases might look like traditional implementation stages – but with each step, we do things differently.

Using procedures, guidelines, templates and checklists, each phase is made up of activities, which each involve a number of tasks. Project management is built into the methodology, user training runs parallel to each step, and support continues throughout the live stage, and beyond.

Analysis & Design

Many companies start an implementation with project scoping – but they may also sell you on a project before even setting foot in your offices. At Columbus IT, no contract goes out without the approval of a project manager, which means we never make promises we can't keep. And while most companies simply use Powerpoint or flip charts, we model the system up front to help you visualize it and determine what will work best for your business.

During the Analysis & Design phase, we conduct in-depth meetings and interviews with people throughout your organization and hold workshops with your key users to map your critical business processes to the right technologies, so together we can determine the absolute best solution for your business, and structure a highly detailed plan to make it work.

Build

Almost everyone responsible for an IT implementation worries about the project falling behind schedule, or going over budget. To make sure this never happens, we write comprehensive documentation for each technical specification and project step, and use strict change control and approval procedures to keep you on track with your original vision. We also use a training system that gives users an opportunity to evaluate and improve current business processes. Pilot presentations let key users visualize the final build early in the process, and we work with you to run extensive tests on the system before it's implemented. This minimizes risk that key business processes can't be accomplished at the live stage, and ensures that your new system will help your business exactly the way you want it to – on time, and on budget.

Implementation

How do we put your new system into action, without disrupting business as usual? First, we convert your financial, enterprise, and customer data to work with the new system, and ensure an error-free foundation with data scrubbing, quality assurance, and thorough testing. Second, we test and re-test the software to make sure it's operating flawlessly – before going live. Third, we train your users so they know and understand the system, and any business processes that have changed.

Live

At the beginning of the Live phase, we are onsite at every one of your customer locations to focus on new users of the system and make sure they're up and running. Our implementation resources are available to you to provide dedicated technical and functional assistance during the transition. Once we've used careful checks to observe the system's performance in real-world situations, and performed thorough live testing, we create a detailed project review to help you measure your ROI.

Support

Other companies think their job is done as soon the new system's been implemented. At Columbus IT, we know better. With dedicated training facilities, professional trainers and a dedicated, separate support team, we take responsibility for your ongoing success. Our implementation department provides you with intensive support through the critical days and weeks after your live date. Support is then handed over to our Support Desk, which provides you with regular technical support during the life of your contract. Our support is continually available as you train new users, implement upgrades, and modify your system as your business grows. The DIAMOND methodology makes it happen.

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