If not run effectively, procurement of ICT solutions or services can lock organisations into lengthy, costly contracts. It is vital that a transparent end-to-end process is executed to ensure the final selection meets the current and future business needs.
Forward Logic is able to assist with needs assessments, service level agreement (SLA) definition, vendor assessments, and contract negotiations through to implementation/transition.
Through our extensive experience in this area, we have assisted our clients in assessing the many options available in a structured, methodical way, based on their specific needs and taking into account their business and strategic priorities.
We have honed our processes to ensure the best fit options are presented and evaluated consistently. Our assessments include a full total cost of ownership evaluation, including the implementation costs and resourcing requirements for the implementation and beyond.
Through our processes the relationship with the vendor and implementation partner is developed during the selection phase, enabling a seamless start to the implementation.
IT Systems Review
When an organisation embarks on a company-wide review to pinpoint best-practice principles that can enhance data management and reporting efficiencies while aligning with current and future business needs, a thorough IT systems evaluation becomes imperative to gain a holistic perspective on the organization's technology requirements and how to meet them.
Our approach encompasses an in-depth analysis of the current and future states, along with a gap analysis to gain a deeper insight into the needs and identify potential solutions. This assessment encompasses the consideration of retaining existing solutions (if they are fit for purpose), exploring top-tier solutions, evaluating integration requirements, or appraising the feasibility of a unified system that caters to all requirements.
The outcomes of our IT systems evaluation typically involve a comprehensive findings and recommendations report. Additionally, we provide a detailed systems map and integration diagram along with a scope of work for the procurement and selection phases.
Solution Selection
The next stage in the ICT sourcing and procurement process is the selection of systems.
This stage starts with an in-depth assessment of specific functional and non-functional requirements specific to your organisation and industry. Drawing from our extensive repository of system requirements, we provide a solid foundation that can be customised to align with your organisation's practices and processes and strategic objectives.
These detailed solution and system requirements are designed to enable prospective vendors to better provide you with the right products and services and more accurate cost estimates.
Our consultants will guide you through the selection process including the issuing of RFP / RFT, developing evaluation criteria and tools unique to your circumstances, facilitating product and vendor presentations. Our processes are flexible and will be adapted to suit the solutions required and the circumstances of your organisation, while ensuring the appropriate levels of governance and oversight are applied.
The culmination of this process is the delivery of a comprehensive evaluation report, including a detailed calculation of the total costs of ownership of the solution options and the implementation costs of the solution from the perspective of your organisation.
For those seeking an extra layer of support, we also offer the option to guide you through contract negotiations with the selected vendor, ensuring that the scope and billing align with the expectations set during the selection phase.
Solution Implementation
Once the solution has been selected and terms agreed with the vendor, the implementation commences.
Typically our consultants will act as an extension of your internal team for the implementation, providing specialist skills specific to system implementations, which complement the skill sets of your existing workforce.
A successful implementation and adoption of the new systems includes all aspects of business change management to embed the new systems and processes within your organisation.