Phoenix Advantage
  "Management & Technology Consulting"

 

 

 

Technology Consulting

 

The primary focus of our technology practice is the improvement of business results from the technology implemented. Studies show that few companies receive significant benefits from their Information Technology (I/T) investment, and therefore see virtually no impact on their operating measures. The most frequent reason for lack of results is the failure to properly integrate the new tools into the daily business practice.

As corporate leaders and consultants, we have successfully utilized technology to achieve record-setting performance in many different industries. Our experience has shown that the problem does not lie with the selected software, but with the design and implementation of the system.

Phoenix Advantage works with I/T specialists and business users to develop a comprehensive design that maximizes the potential benefits of the new technology. Next, we collaborate with project leadership to ensure the design is properly implemented, and the organization is prepared to work with it. With appropriate leadership, organizational preparation, operating procedures, and configured software, significant results can be achieved through the use of Information Technology.

 

A Typical Engagement:

Technology consultations can vary widely depending on the technology involved and the services desired. However, most engagements can be segmented into three general phases. They are:

Definition Phase. Phoenix Advantage meets with the client's leadership to define the content and scope of the project.

  • Business objectives are defined and documented.

  • A conceptual understanding of how the new information technology will be utilized is developed and documented.

  • Project boundaries are set to reflect leadership's decisions on the business functionality to be impacted, resource constraints to be considered, and guidelines to be followed.

The deliverables for this phase is a Project Definition Report. This documents the project structure and high-level project plan needed to design, select, and implement the software.

Design Phase. Phoenix Advantage works with cross-functional teams to develop the specifications for the software, and to define the business process changes required to use the new tool. Included in this phase are:

  • Conceptual business model: a high-level business model describing the general functionality of the solution.

  • Business Process Adjustments: definitions of new business policies and procedures needed to use the software and to maximize benefits.

  • Software Functionality: the capabilities required in the software to support the business model and processes.

  • Change Management Issues: a list of the skills, values, and culture changes essential for successful implementation of the software.

The deliverable for this phase is a time-phased implementation plan identifying tasks and resources required to successfully implement the design.

Implementation Phase. During this phase we typically fulfill three roles.

Project leadership. Periodically we meet with the leaders of the project to review progress, answer questions, facilitate adjustments, and coach internal change agents. We ensure that the implementation supports the conceptual business model and effectively utilizes the new informational tools.

Expertise. We supply operational and technical expertise where needed. We work with teams to define processes, select software, develop policies, and instill values in the organization. Requirements for these services are usually defined during the Design Phase.

Training. We provide skills, team, and management training to support the implementation. The majority of our training consists of previously developed courseware with adjustments for the client's needs made during training. Training schedules are adapted to satisfy client's requirements.

Special Areas of Expertise:

The following areas highlight special applications where we have helped clients successfully achieve their goals. For more information, simply click on any that interest you.