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PACKAGED SOLUTIONSSix Steps for Merging Best-of-BreedPerformance with Packaged Solutions’ Valuence, smaller retailers looking for an easy way to getOup and running quickly with end-to-end solutionsusually had to compromise on functionality andadaptability. “Packaged” often meant “pareddown,” and imposed limitations on the fit betweenthe solutions’ features and each retailer’s needs.Times have changed. Today, retailers no longer have tochoose between the highest quality best-of-breed solutions andthe value of implementing through a packaged solutionsapproach. By combining software and hardware that is preplanned,pre-scoped and pre-tested, and implementing it accordingto a consistent, “best-practices” methodology, companiescan get up and running faster with less risk on solutions thatoffer virtually the same level of performance as their traditionalbest-of-breed counterparts.This type of streamlined implementation using preconfiguredapplications is particularly well suited to the needs of tier 3 and2 companies. With a packaged suite, the basic solution set willtypically cover merchandising, sales auditing and POS as coreToday, retailers no longer have to choose between thehighest quality best-of-breed solutions and the value ofimplementing through a packaged solutions approach.applications, with planning, assortment planning, CRM, loss prevention,warehouse management and other solutions availableas optional/value-add solutions.In all cases—regardless of how many preconfigured solutionsare included in the package—retailers need to satisfy threekey criteria to optimize value with this approach:• Identify a provider that offers a fully integrated suite, toavoid the complexities, time and cost associated with mappingtogether siloed applications• Use highly structured implementation procedures that arebased on repeatable, proven best practices• Ask the right questions and get the right answers, up frontand throughout the process.The following six-point checklist supports the three keyobjectives by providing direction for choosing the right packagedsolution and leveraging this approach for maximum ROI.1. Balance the Cost/Value EquationSince time is money, packaged implementations are typicallysubstantially less expensive than their best-of-breed counterparts.They allow retailers to leverage a full suite of solutions offthe shelf, and also allow the business users to familiarize themselveswith the solutions’ workings ahead of time. Anotheradvantage to pre-tested products is that they can eliminate costlyand time-consuming mistakes.However, to deliver true value—not just cost savings—thepackaged approach must be appropriate for your retail business.The following considerations can help you make this determination:• Is your business able to align with streamlined businessprocess flows and pre-defined configurations, or do you requirecustomization specific to your unique needs?• Are you willing and able to adapt or acquire hardware compatiblewith the software package and prerequisites of thestreamlined implementation?• What level of in-house staffing is available to execute deliverables(i.e. to develop data loads, drive Readiness Testing, managego-live cut-over activities, etc.)?• Are your key business users available to participate in theeducation and training sessions and to execute readiness testing?• Is your organization prepared to support the implementationby embracing an effective change management process?2. Pick Proven WinnersSolutions that are pre-planned, pre-scoped and pre-tested comewith the confidence of proven success and minimal problems.Retailers should look for solution providers that can provide thespecifications, business processes and test case examples upfront. The most experienced providers will be able to shareproven success stories and provide applications that reflecttime-tested characteristics.12
3. Build a Secure TimelineGetting business processes operational in aknown time frame can be the differencebetween a quick success and a long-termproblem. Because the packaged softwareused in streamlined implementations is predefined,its implementation is more predictableand involves fewer risks.The process is based on:• A structured approach that guides aclient from solution overview through to golivewith a focus on education, training andexpectation-setting activities• Critical-path deliverables that supportshort timelines• A high level of client involvement, selfsufficiencyand communication, for optimalcoordination with the software provider.Retailers who have adopted this pre-plannedimplementation strategy have done so with impressiveresults. A major retailer of school, casual, and career apparelwith 120 stores offers a case in point. In just six months theywere up and running with Epicor’s EnterpriseXpress package ofMerchandising, Store/POS and Sales Audit solutions—togetherwith Planning, CRM, Warehouse Management and Financials asvalue-added applications. The potential for higher, faster ROI withthis type and scope of fast-track implementation is unmatchedby any traditional point-solution program.4. Match Hardware/Software NeedsOne of the advantages of implementing proven, packaged solutionsaccording to a consistent, time-tested process is knowingwhich hardware will work best with the software. The mostexperienced solution providers will be able to determine the exacthardware configuration that will work best with the software. Thevendor should be able to provide documentation that shows theresults of integrated testing with the suggested software/hardwareconfiguration.Standard Application Programming Interface (API) layoutsalso should be available for retailers who need to develop thirdpartyintegration. The vendor should be able to supply the technicaldocuments necessary to complete the integration and offerassistance, if necessary. Retailers also should have the option tocomplete the integration in-house if they have the expertise, orcontract out to a third party for assistance.5. Map Out the Implementation for a Quicker ROIWorking with a pre-scoped solution suite and a proven implementationprocess, retailers can be up and running in as little assix to eight months. Off-the-shelf solutions are pre-scoped forprocess flow, hardware requirements and configurations, andthey feature a pre-planned rapid implementation methodologythat focuses on education, training, and building the client’s selfsufficiency.6. Confirm Successful Solution TestingSolution testing is key to confirming long-term implementationsuccess. With the pre-packaged implementation methodology,using components that have been designed to work together,testing can be completed more quickly and with more confidence.And because the solutions have not been created fromscratch and have been in use in the real world, testing resultstypically deliver fewer questions and concerns.The most experienced solution providers will begin the testingprocess with virtual to physical testing. With virtual testing, thesolution provider can complete the full deployment process in anin-house virtual environment. Physical testing is completed inthis virtual environment using the prescribed hardware components.Following in-house testing, another phase of testing iscompleted out in the field, along with quality assurance. •DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE: WWW.EPICOR.COM/CONNECTEDRETAILER13
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