IMPLEMENTATION
In today's environment of ever cheaper software, instant access to software through Internet downloads and shareware, it is easy to get the false impression that implementing an information system is nearly free as well. Implementing a stable system which is successfully utilized and has a reasonable measure of longevity, requires planning. Elroi Consulting provides a full complement of implementation consulting. From the initial assessment of needs, implementation or strategic planning, to the assessment of success at the completion of a project.
EXPERIENCE
Needs Assessment
Activities designed to determine the short and long term goals of the client, prioritize these needs, establish best ways to fund development, identify means for building and maintaining momentum and support.
Strategic Plan
A Needs Assessment is often followed by a Strategic Plan, even before a conceptual design is performed. The reason is that the client often needs a "road map" to justify and plan the expenditure for taking the next step, starting with a Conceptual Design, and eventually leading to successful implementation. Strategic Plans are management and budgeting tools, which take not only technical and financial needs, but when done correctly, also take administrative and political considerations into account.
Conceptual Design or Functional Requirements Specification
Documentation and presentation of conceptual ways to satisfy client needs. Often associated with a Proof of Concept or Prototype Project. A Conceptual Design, also referred to as a Functional Requirements Specification, helps to clarify the viability and affordability of projects early in the process. A Functional Requirements Specifications is sometimes used as the basis for project specification, sometimes as the Scope section of an RFP (Request for Proposals).
Proof of Concept
Rapid development of the concepts presented in a Conceptual Design are applied, to test or prove the viability of the proposed solution, and to identify any fatal flaws early in the implementation process. While not cheap, this helps to solidify plans and budgets, expediting the implementation efforts. It often is used to show something "tangible" to stakeholders, who may not otherwise have a solid concept of GIS capabilities. Therefore Proofs of Concept are often used as an internal marketing tool, aiding the technology "pioneers" in the organizations to sell concepts to management.
Detailed Design
Detailed planning sufficient for the costing of the implementation, for handing over to secondary development teams, or for handing over as guidance to a client's development team. Often evolves into a User Guide and a Developer's or Administrator's Guide. The Detailed Design is sometimes done as part of the actual implementation phase, when the majority of the funds have been committed.
Strategic Implementation Planning
Strategic planning for the implementation of GIS systems at private companies and government agencies. Includes cost estimates, setting of priorities, assessing ability to integrate existing employee skills, recommending training, and reorganizing organizations to accommodate new technologies This is similar to a Strategic Plan, but is based on far more information, and is usually specific to the implementation of a software development project, rather than to the wholesale implementation of a GIS system.
Quality Control
Development of quality control methodologies and software for GIS data conversion and data migration. Elaborate workflow management systems for the control of word orders, and the retrieval of edit history. Automated systems for managing database versioning schemas.
Training
Educational presentations, custom technology seminars, and custom training classes related to the implementation of ESRI GIS software and GIS technology in general. This can also include training in specific programming languages or object libraries, or in design and implementation methodologies.