Deltek MPM to Sunset, Part 3: Factors to Consider When Selecting a Replacement

For many years, Deltek's Micro-Frame Program Manager (MPM) has been the backbone of many Earned Value Management systems.  It provided a simplistic cost engine for a single program environment that could be integrated with scheduling data to meet the needs of even government programs.  

Sadly, the software is being phased out by Deltek.  By now you will have received notice the software will be moving from maintenance support to sustaining support by the end of next year.  This necessitates selection of a new cost engine and potentially an overhaul of all program management applications.

In Part 1 of this series, we explored What Does Maintenance Support and Sustaining Support Really Mean?

In Part 2, we explored Remaining on MPM. 

Now, let's discuss some of the important factors to consider when selecting a replacement.

EVM Roles

Often the desire of many companies has been to simply plug in a new cost engine and figure out how to perform the same functions they have performed in the past with MPM.  This would be a mistake.  MPM was released in 1986 and since that time there have been advancements in program management applications that blur the line between the traditional cost analyst role and the role of scheduling.  Newer applications have simplified tasks performed by each role and in some cases the role has become singular with subject matter expert oversight.  The role of the Control Account Manager (CAM) has also evolved.  A more hands on approach to managing the data they provide and the data they require for analysis can now be seen in many organizations. There are opportunities for more efficient work by all roles that should be reviewed as part of your replacement decision.

Integrated Processes

Often a change in software requires changes to existing processes at a higher level than just application instruction guidance.  Capabilities and limitations have a way of integrating themselves into the way we do business.  The leading cost engines feature complex burdening capability, earned value technique assignment expansions and baseline management capabilities that were not possible in MPM.  The most successful software implementations revisit all Earned Value processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Cost and Schedule Integration

A more seamless and accurate integration of cost and schedule data has become a requirement rather than the gold standard of any Earned Value Management system.  MPM provided this capability to Microsoft Project using Project Link to map WBS, resource information, status and forecast data.  New cost and schedule integration capability will need to be reviewed carefully and the validations used for verifying schedule data are usually more robust in newer applications.

Reporting

Users of MPM have traditionally utilized the data warehouse capability of the application to meet enterprise reporting needs.  With the replacement of MPM users will now have the capability of direct interface with Excel for reporting and a library of standard reports that may satisfy existing requirements for internal and external customers.  Improved analysis may also be possible by developing customized reports that may have been difficult to construct in the past without the aid of IT or an advanced Microsoft Office user.

Selecting a Replacement

Replacement of an Enterprise reporting tool is never an easy undertaking, but with careful consideration, it can prove to be an opportunity for the organization.

Pinnacle offers a proven methodology for facilitating your evaluation and selection of the right software solution for your organization and your project management environment.  As management consultants with experience implementing and integrating all the leading commercial software, we offer a unique perspective focused on solving your business challenges.

Talk to a Pinnacle professional regarding a replacement solution today! -  Give Us a Call or