3 BIG PHASES’ IN SOFTWARE REPLACEMENT JOURNEY

Software change projects can be roughly broken down into 3 phases. Each phase can feel like a mountain of work. Just like you climb a mountain one step at a time, each phase requires detail and focused steps to work through. Having  people who have done it before as guides makes finding your path a lot easier.

1. SOFTWARE SELECTION

What is your business going to need? Today and into the future. At 6R we work with clients to map existing processes (so that we don’t miss any elements) and work with them to document what they want to do and why. This means that when they go shopping for software they have already thought about some of the questions that will be asked.

2. SOFTWARE & PROCESS IMPLEMENTATION

This is our wheelhouse, where we started and where we still shine. Helping clients and vendors deliver projects that are aligned with business strategy. At 6R we go beyond the implementation of tech and focus on business benefits to the client and their teams.

3. MASTERING THE SYSTEMS

Once systems and processes are working the next challenge is to really master it! A lot of the effort in this phase is about consistency. Reviewing progress, measures and tweaking and refining both the software and the processes that work with it.

GREAT CLIENT – VENDOR PARTNERSHIPS

Over the years we’ve observed clients and vendors fall into patterns of behaviour which ultimately influences the success and business outcome of the project.
Setting these relationships up for success is one of our primary intentions in any project engagement.

BRIDGING THE GAP

All projects are made up of people. People who need to align quickly, create a shared way of working and deliver a business improvement. It’s not possible to do this without building strong working relationships.

6R work hard to build good client-vendor partnerships and use projects as a vehicle to improve business operations. The focus is always on the outcome, is it right for the project?

The way we think about client/vendor partnerships is that it’s a bit like building a bridge, you need to build from both sides, with a clear understanding of where the bridge will meet in the middle

100% of clients are people, 100% of team members are people. Projects need 100% of the people to be working for the same outcome.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SOFTWARE VENDOR? 

  • People who do what they say they’re going to, and their software product does too,
  • People who have the technical skills that the client doesn’t, and can deliver on that,
  • People who have the capacity to give the client the attention and focus they deserve,
  • People who are there to support and act quickly when they are in need, (don’t ‘work to rule’ on support when something is broken),
  • People who constructively challenge the client’s suggestions and seek to understand what is driving them,
  • People who come with ideas for how the client can improve, 
  • People who care about the clients’ business.
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLIENT?

  • People who are prepared to share their plans so that the vendor can contribute,
  • People who own their part in changes and delays, and don’t seek to always ‘kick the cat’ (where the vendor is the cat),
  • People who make decisions in a timely manner,
  • People who take ownership and accountability for decisions that are made,
  • People who communicate consistently and don’t ‘forget’ to share changes of priority or direction,
  • People who can give a clear brief about where they’re trying to go and why.
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WORDS OF PRAISE

Whilst we may firmly sit on the side of the client when it comes to software implementation, that doesn’t mean we give vendors a hard time. Often, it makes the vendors job a lot easier if we’re working with the client to get prepared, clarify what things mean and ensure that everyone stays on track with deadlines.

"I wanted to share thanks and appreciation for all the planning, diligence, care and intelligence you bring to our team every day. You are a driving force in supporting our strategy and vision and we are all the richer for having you in our team. We are truely thankful for your relentless dedication to our people and projects"

Mark Teperson

Accent Group, CDO

"6R was fantastic in being able to work on a complex multi-vendor implementation. Their ability to drive the best business outcome enabled the delivery of an on time, on budget new ecomm platform and decentralised shipping project. Shippit would highly recommend working with someone with the content, people skills and gravitas in any projects going forward"

William On

Shippit

“6R makes sure the dynamic between all stakeholders is positive & outcome focused. What really stood out for us is their ability to make our team feel comfortable even in the midst of the most challenging project situations. They did that by being transparent, calm and reasonable at all times. As an agency we highly recommend 6R to anyone looking for expertise & success in retail projects.”

Fatima Said

eWave, Managing Director

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