Professional Services

Trakware's professional services include:

• Implementation
• Training
• Consulting
• Business process analysis
• Custom report development
• Custom software development and integration

Trakware's Implementation Service

Implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a complex, labor-intensive process that requires more work, time, and resources than many organizations anticipate. The unexpected scope of such efforts often causes companies to miss crucial "go live" deadlines and exceed implementation budgets. At a time when company executives are challenged to demonstrate a tangible return on enterprise software investments, a time honored and experience proven implementation plan and team are worth their weight in gold. Reliably predicting implementation costs and the time required for implementation are two key outcomes of successfully planning an ERP initiative. Organizations must be able to accurately predict costs, resources, and requirements, and develop a plan of attack both before the implementation begins and throughout the project.

We work with you to define success. As success is relative to each organization, it is essential to understand what constitutes success ahead of time. For example, if an ERP implementation runs over budget, but encompasses all the functionality desired by the stakeholders, it may be considered a success. Additionally, if an ERP system is implemented and remains on budget and on schedule but lacks some desired functionality, it may not be considered a success. Only through open and honest communication will all parties understand what constitutes an ERP success.

High Level Overview

Over the past decade, Trakware Systems has successfully implemented many systems using the following phased implementation approach. Every customer has unique requirements and the objective of each phase may vary. A working project schedule is typically developed after the Business Process Analysis (BPA) phase of the implementation.

• Phase 1: Planning and analysis to ensure that all key business processes are documented and considered in the implementation. Typically the software is installed at the client site as "proof in concept" scenarios are developed with the client.
• Phase 2: Implement time tracking and data collection on the shop floor.
• Phase 3: Develop a product catalog and estimate with Trakware Systems.
• Phase 4: Implement the major business processes required to get effective and accurate job costing (production planning, purchasing, inventory, invoicing, shipping, and receiving).
• Phase 5: Implement production scheduling. Effective estimates and production planning are prerequisites to effective scheduling.

Trakware's Business Process Analysis (BPA) Service

Trakware's BPA service is designed to give the customer a clear understanding of the project deliverables and ROI by ensuring that our BPA project teams are fully aware of existing business processes and focusing them on the right priorities in implementing a new solution. The BPA allows us to complete a disciplined and thoughtful analysis that will make a compelling business case for the proposed solution, satisfying both the senior managers and users whose support is essential to success. Key business benefits:

• Clear value definition. The BPA illustrates elements of the project that are business critical and those that provide the highest return on investment;
• Cost control. The BPA allows the customer to identify the cost benefit of the total project including all add-ons and configuration;
• Expectations management. Project goals and scope are clear and agreed;
• Reduced project risk. Clear goals enable both the customer and Trakware to dedicate the necessary resources, budget and timeline for the project;
• Avoid duplicating mistakes. Examining current business processes before beginning a project avoids embedded duplication of inefficient processes in the new solution;
• Build consensus. Gain buy-in from all staff levels, from management to the core users;
• Lasting value. The customer can use the BPA results "fully documented processes" to facilitate testing and provide ongoing user training.

A project plan for any given solution contains hundreds of steps, but essentially the implementation of a new solution is an exercise in translating the company's business into the screens and reports people use each day.

Contact us today to find out what our BPA can do for your company!

Trakware's Custom Software Modification Service (CSMs)

Software customization services are available for many products when customers require software functionality that differs from standard product functions. CSMs are not covered by product support fees unless contracted by the customer, or supported through the Enhanced Support Program (ESP).

Trakware has a staff of software technicians dedicated to developing and delivering CSM software. This group has developed a methodology that enables the CSM process to flow smoothly and achieve the desired results. The CSM methodology is a proven process. Clear and timely communication and approvals help the process flow smoothly and expeditiously. This methodology is outlined as follows and can vary slightly according to the product:

Requirements Definition

Customers initiate CSMs by outlining the business requirement of the modification to their customer manager who will then obtain an estimate for its development cost. The project estimate will contain an overview of the requested change, each of the major assumptions, and a list of the modules that will be impacted and an estimate of cost of development. Upon acceptance of the project estimate by the customer, an attachment to the CSM agreement will be sent for signature. Work will be scheduled upon receipt of the contract attachment. Any changes in the requirements introduced after this point are managed through a defined change control process designed to minimize the time and cost impacts of changes.

External Specifications

An external specification may be produced and sent to the customer. This document contains the same items included in the project estimate but at a greater level of detail. The intent is to provide a description of all changes that will appear in the code. The audience is the customer and the software engineer who will develop the code. Customers are also asked to review the external specifications and work with the software engineer to address any issues arising from the review process. Customers provide an approval signature on the final version of the external specification.

Software Development

After the external specification is approved, software development begins. Trakware will usually request a current version of the customer’s code that has been maintained by its staff from which to develop custom work. Installing the periodic “fixes” and enhancements shipped by Trakware is important to keep the customer’s code current. CSM software engineers utilize certain standards for developing CSMs. These standards include file-naming conventions, documentation guidelines and field-naming conventions.

After software development, unit testing and system testing are complete, the CSM is ready for delivery to the customer. Software is delivered by tape, electronic transmission, CD-ROM or by Trakware personnel if on-site time is required.

Please note that CSM software and documentation is licensed to the customer, but is owned by Trakware.

CSM Support

Corrections to CSMs during the warranty period are made at no charge to the customer. Issues arising after the warranty period are addressed on a chargeable basis.

Contact info: 800-370-1849 or email info@trakware.com

In addition to the "mail the check" method, we are very pleased to offer the PayPal service which will enable you to use your credit card and a secure server to send payments for our Trakware Professional Services.