Systems Evaluation

Carefully evaluate the existing accounting, job cost, estimating, scheduling, and/or project administration systems. Identify strengths and weaknesses within the systems and locate obstacles created by internal processes and procedures. Work with management to diagnose internal challenges that are needed to make the most effective use of the existing systems. Develop a strategy for improved usage of existing systems and prepare necessary implementation and action plans.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

• Determine project team and prepare work schedule
• Distribute preliminary interview materials  
• Review available data regarding existing systems and corporate direction

Interview

• Interview operations and accounting personnel regarding their system needs and use of the existing systems  
• Identify and document gap between desired and existing systems  
• Identify organizational issues impacting effectiveness of the existing system

Analyze

• Review interview results and document common and important issues  
• Analyze sample reports and documentation received during interviews  
• Analyze capability of existing system and determine strengths and weaknesses

Conduct Preliminary Workshop

• Send initial observations and alternatives to team members  
• Facilitate workshop with team to review findings and narrow alternatives   *
• Document preliminary direction and open issues

Work with Software Developer(s)

• Work with vendor(s) of existing systems to determine client’s use of system  
• Identify intended direction of third-party products in use by client  
• Determine compatibility of all vended solutions with client’s desired direction

Prepare Report of Final Recommendations

• Identify costs associated with each alternative  
• Identify best alternative(s) for client’s information system  
• Document and support findings

Present Findings to Team

• Send final memorandum to team  
• Facilitate workshop to review observations, alternatives, and recommendations  
• Gain consensus on findings and recommendations

Action Planning

• Document necessary activities  
• Assign responsibility and associated time frames  
•   Develop bar-chart schedule using activities and dates