Client-Side Delivery Support℠

Five Point Partners has participated in more than 65 implementations of various utility information systems ranging from Customer Information Systems (CIS) to full Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Our consultants possess an average of more than 15 years of experience in the utility industry, with a deep understanding of both legacy and current software applications. Our consultants leverage this knowledge to provide our clients fact-based guidance and subject matter expertise from system evaluation to implementation and post go-live support.

After conducting a thorough Solution Procurement project, the effort level to deploy the chosen solution dramatically ramps up. While software vendors and systems integrators will bear much of the responsibility to implement the software, 40% or more of a project’s implementation hours are often the client’s direct responsibility. In many cases, we find that clients are unaware of the magnitude of their responsibilities until well into the implementation phase.

Utilizing Client-Side Delivery Support℠

In response to market demand, Five Point developed our Client-Side Delivery Support℠ (CSDS) model. We offer these unique services to augment the client’s team and to provide oversight of the diverse group of service providers, vendors and utility employees participating in a typical software implementation. Our project presence, client advocacy and hands-on experience serve as valuable assets as the project moves through the implementation stages. While Five Point consultants have experience across the entire spectrum of services and skills required for a full implementation, our CSDS model focuses on providing critical services that are independent from the software vendor and primary systems integrator. These services include:

Program and Project Management – We provide oversight and coordination of the many service providers working on your project including: vendors, solution integrators, independent consultants and utility personnel. Many of our consultants are PMI certified and as a firm, we understand the unique challenges of implementing complex IT systems that span multiple utility departments.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) – Our robust QA process is designed to review your project periodically and prepare an independent report assessing performance against targets and milestones. In addition, we offer consistent QC services to assess the daily progress of and issues with your implementation. Our services promote timely resolution of project issues and proactive risk management.

Change Management and Training – We work closely with your project sponsors, business process owners, and subject matter experts to effect a smooth transition of your workforce to the new system.

Testing – We ensure that you are receiving the high quality solution you are expecting with our test planning, development and execution services. Our testing approach validates that the solution meets your business needs rather than simply testing that the application “works.” Our testing services give you the confidence you need to go live with the new solution.

Conversion – This critical process can make or break an implementation. Your subject matter experts understand your data best, but we plan, design and execute conversion processes to successfully transform your legacy data into the new application.

Benefits of Client-Side Delivery Support℠

Consider how our Client-Side Delivery Support℠ services benefit your project implementation and your bottom line:

Proprietary Accelerators – Five Point has developed both technology and business process acceleratorsto optimize and enhance key project functions such as data conversion, training and testing.

Seamless Knowledge Transfer from Solution Procurement to Delivery – When we are involved inyour Solution Procurement process, we learn a great deal about your organization, business processesand existing technologies. Extending our involvement into the implementation capitalizes on this knowledgeand allows for a smoother integration of the additional project resources that participate in each phase.

Independent Oversight – Our knowledge of vendor commitments during the negotiation process meansthat we know what you expect the software vendor and systems integrators to deliver. Through our Program and Project Management and QA/QC services, we provide timely and unbiased communication regarding vendors and integrators,which helps keep your project on-track and on-budget.

Cost Savings – As a well-run private company, we leverage our lower overhead to maintain competitiverates for top talent. In fact, given our industry experience and expertise, Five Point’s rate structure isextremely competitive when compared to leading software vendors and systems integrators. In addition,our experienced resources help reduce the risk of costly project over-runs.