Implementation Process

"Arrayworks proved very good at taking what they heard about my business and incorporating it into the software." Alex von ger Goltz, Boston Capital

Collaborative…Customized…In Weeks…Not Years

Unlike our traditional counterparts, we don't presume to know your needs. Fortunately, because it takes very little time comparatively to configure Intertask for your use, we are afforded the time upfront to learn, in detail, about how you do what you do. In this way, without grossly extending development time or cost, we are able to tailor Intertask precisely for your needs.

While the duration and make-up of each phase in our implementation process will vary slightly for every client, the following represents a typical outline of implementation phases:

Needs Analysis / Design Workshops (~ 2 weeks)

Defining Your Enterprise Entity Model (EEM)

Sounds complicated, but it really isn't. All projects kickoff with a series of one or more experiential design sessions wherein key members of your team and ours will work to establish, on paper, a foundational representation of your universe:

• Who do you work with and what words do you use to refer to them?
  
  
• How do they relate to each other?
  
  
• How do you relate to them?
  
  
• What information do you need to be able to capture and retrieve?

The sessions are both fun and taxing. They are designed to make you think hard about how you do what you do. From these sessions, we will generate an EEM like the one shown left (click for a full-size image).

Defining Your Process Maps: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

While most business software incorporates, in one form or another, a layer of "entity" related data, Intertask departs from convention in that it accommodates an additional layer of "transaction" logic that is specific to your business. By incorporating your processes into the software and by leveraging Intertask's tools for tasking, tracking, and customization, all your data becomes instantly actionable.

"Data alone is not enough. You may have information stored on everything from billings, to inventory, to existing customers, prospects, and much more. However, if you don't have the processes in place to control and manage this information quickly, it becomes a wasted resource. It's what you do with the data that counts." Gordon Earle, President & CEO, Arrayworks

During this phase, we will work with you to distill those processes which bring your business to life. We will map the processes in a series of diagrams like those shown below. The diagrams will then be used to configure Intertask precisely for your use. In this way, your staff will not miss a beat upon integrating Intertask into their daily workflow. (Click below for a full-size image.)

Again, looks complicated, but it really isn't. Whether you know it or not, all this is already in your head.

Develop and Deploy (~ 2 weeks)

With your business processes in hand, we will begin translating paper-based flowcharts into a version of Intertask custom-configured for you. Entities become people, places, and partners. Processes become LISTS. And Dashboards, custom individualized interfaces, become the glue which holds everything together.

The application itself will be developed with back and forth between our team and yours. The final result will be one in which every team member feels ownership and all feedback and direction has been considered. After only ~4 weeks, you will have access to an application built for you, and in large part, by you.

Operate and Update (~ 4 weeks)

It's all about Incremental Innovation.

We believe that you can’t know if you’re going to like, dislike, or want to change something in your system until you experience it. During this 4 weeks, you will be begin familiarizing yourself with your version of Intertask, entering data, and assembling feedback for further refinement.

As you begin using your system, you will inevitably uncover gaps in your processes and/or discover new untapped opportunities. Using this information, we will work with you to hone the application so that it precisely suits your needs.

Training (~ 3 weeks)

Ultimately, your application will only be as good as the people who use it. It is critical to us then to make sure the application supports your staff in doing their jobs - better.

Seems obvious, but it is a common oversight of our traditional counterparts.

Like the application itself, our training is tailored to teaching you and your staff how to leverage Intertask for each of your particular roles and responsibilities. As we work with you and your staff to leapfrog the learning curve, we will continue to hone the application to ensure buy-in at all levels within your organization.

Growing with Your Business

While other products require you to define, design, build, test, and then pray you haven't missed anything, Intertask provides a flexible framework for defining, storing, and amending the myriad possible entities, relationships, and transactions that make your business unique and that characterize your business as it grows.

Standard with all client implementations come a plethora of tools for further customization. Without needing to rely on Arrayworks and without needing any software development expertise, you will have the ability to update your own system:

• Refine tasks.
• Add processes.
• Change business rules.

Most changes take only minutes.

If need be, our development teams are always available for assistance.