Article

An approach for successful Oracle implementation in any industry

July 9, 2021 · Authored by Jeffrey Haynes

Implementing the Oracle Cloud platform helps organizations modernize and reimagine their back-office functions. Baker Tilly works with clients in all industries to strengthen their software investment and ensure a successful cloud implementation using a proven, phased approach.

At the recent Ascend conference presented by OATUG and OHUG, Jeff Haynes, director with Baker Tilly, shared two critical phases for a successful implementation – calibrate and harmonize. Read on to learn about the processes included in this phased approach and how Baker Tilly positions clients for a smoother implementation with minimal disruptions at go-live.

Calibrate: Preparing for an implementation aligned to organizational objectives

The calibrate phase builds the foundation for a successful implementation. Baker Tilly consultants guide clients through road mapping, scoping and resource planning to uncover blind spots, identify overlapping initiatives, conduct current state discovery and understand future state goals.

During the road mapping process, our consultants walk a client team through an eight-step workshop to establish alignment across the group, enabling the team to hit the ground running at implementation. The goals of the road mapping workshop are to:

1. Understand client discovery and background
2. Analyze current and future initiatives
3. Discuss how current roles will work in the new system
4. Assess business cycles, licensing and contracts pre- and post-implementation
5. Elaborate on the requirements of implementing Oracle Cloud
6. Prioritize critical areas of the organization
7. Share alternative resources
8. Develop implementation planning tools including Gantt charts and scenarios

Within the calibrate phase, the scoping process outlines an organization’s current technology landscape and the changes it will undergo through the Oracle Cloud implementation. Baker Tilly’s team confirms critical requirements and the desired level of process re-engineering and automation. In addition, key scope drivers such as timeline and resources are evaluated to ensure the team is set up for success.

Resource planning is the final aspect of the calibrate phase. Baker Tilly determines key resource skills, current capacity and availability within the organization to help define roles and responsibilities. A pairing system is drafted to illustrate these responsibilities and how Baker Tilly and the client teams will collaborate throughout the transformation.

Harmonize: Uniting the organization to ensure a smooth implementation

The harmonize phase ensures organizational acceptance of implementation and helps the client anticipate and disarm roadblocks. Working alongside organizations, Baker Tilly plans, analyzes and designs customized models for clients’ technical needs, ensuring implementation is efficient.

During this phase, Baker Tilly helps clients plan for effective program management and mobilize current resources. The ultimate goal is to build a strong foundation and a culture of transparency to aid in change management. The harmonize phase incorporates the following steps:

1. Set up program and project management infrastructure
2. Develop a change management plan
3. Mobilize resources
4. Define design principles and success metrics
5. Conduct current state discovery with stakeholders
6. Educate the client about modern cloud capabilities through demonstrations
7. Develop end-to-end common model
8. Establish technical strategies

With the ultimate goal of creating an end-to-end common model, Baker Tilly consultants and the client organization work together to rationalize enterprise foundation structures and re-evaluate policies with past practices. Baker Tilly consultants complete around four iterations of the process until the end-to-end project is perfected. During each iteration, key design principles and success metrics will be anchored and playbacks will be available for the client. The goal is to bring as many people as possible into the process sooner, getting key stakeholders excited and ultimately creating a domino effect to drive change and buy-ins.

Implement: Bringing the solution to life

During the implement phase, Baker Tilly and the client collaboratively design and iteratively demonstrate the solution as it comes to life. Numerous rounds of testing are conducted to improve delivery and reduce roadblocks. Baker Tilly collects feedback for one to six months throughout this process to ensure gaps are documented and addressed and employees have a positive adaptation experience.

Become one of our success stories. Baker Tilly’s Oracle Cloud implementation service has positively impacted a range of high-end clients in the higher education, healthcare, pharmaceutical and more industries. Get your business on the path to greater success today!