Introduction:
This course provides a comprehensive guide to the steps involved in selecting, implementing, and supporting a new system or technology within an organization. Participants will gain practical knowledge in areas such as project planning, vendor selection, system integration, data conversion, testing, and post-implementation support. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the necessary skills to successfully oversee the entire process, from system selection to ongoing support and optimization.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the current situation to define the requirements for a new system.
• Prepare and evaluate a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify the most suitable vendor.
• Develop and manage a project plan to ensure the timely and cost-effective implementation of the system.
• Map and convert data from the legacy system to the new system to ensure seamless integration.
• Understand the types of testing necessary to validate that the new system meets organizational needs.
• Create a comprehensive implementation plan that includes user training and post-implementation support.
• Manage ongoing support, system enhancements, and improvements following go-live.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Technology Selection – Laying the Groundwork

• Approach to selecting the right system or technology for the organization.
• Identifying the development or delivery method for the chosen technology.
• Selecting the appropriate processing environment for the system.
• Determining whether interfacing or integration is required for system functionality.
• Drafting a high-level project plan to guide the implementation process.
• Conducting a Current Situation Analysis to identify functional requirements for the new system.
• Understanding the distinction between integrated and interfaced systems, and how each impacts workflow and collaboration across departments.
• Establishing the project team and defining key customer requirements.

Day 2: System Selection – Choosing the Right Vendor

• Preparing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather initial vendor insights.
• Creating and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit detailed vendor responses.
• Evaluating and selecting the right system vendor based on organizational needs.
• Analyzing vendor responses and reviewing vendor report cards.
• Identifying common pitfalls in vendor selection and how to avoid them.
• Negotiating contract terms to ensure favorable agreements for the organization.

Day 3: System Implementation – Designing the New System

• Revising and refining the project plan to incorporate the system design phase.
• Installing and configuring the new technology.
• Conducting a gap analysis to identify discrepancies between the current and desired system state.
• Prototyping the system to visualize and validate design concepts before full-scale implementation.

Day 4: System Implementation – Building the New System

• Mapping legacy system data to new system elements for successful data migration.
• Developing clear data specifications to ensure seamless integration.
• Conducting testing at various stages to ensure the system is functional and meets user requirements.
• Performing logical day testing to assess system performance and user acceptance.

Day 5: System Implementation – Finalizing and Going Live

• Preparing system documentation and creating user guides for ongoing reference.
• Conducting user training sessions to ensure effective system adoption.
• Managing parallel testing and system cutover to transition from the old to the new system.
• Creating a business continuity plan to ensure operational stability during the transition.
• Implementing security protocols and controls to safeguard system integrity.

Post-Implementation Support – Sustaining the Live System:

• Providing ongoing support to address user issues and optimize system performance.
• Organizing wrap-up meetings to review the implementation process and identify areas for improvement.
• Establishing continuous process review mechanisms to drive system enhancements.
• Implementing escalation procedures for resolving critical issues that may arise.
• Developing a system lifecycle strategy to guide future updates, upgrades, and improvements.

Conclusion:
Upon completion of this course, participants will possess the knowledge and skills required to successfully select, implement, and support a new system within their organization. They will be equipped to lead technology projects, ensuring that systems are effectively deployed, integrated, and maintained, and that organizations achieve their strategic objectives.