Implementing Enterprise Project Management (EPM)

There is no consistent approach to, or definition of, Enterprise Project Management (EPM). It is critical to define early on what your specific goals for EPM are.

Companies typically underestimate what is involved in implementing Enterprise Project Management. EPM involves changing the way some of the people in your organization work; never an easy task. The time it takes to change the habits of an organization compounds the challenge as the business environment is continually changing. The goal of an EPM Implementation is not training people or deploying new software. The goal is to Adopt a consistent and sustainable way for people to plan, manage and execute your projects. Stay focused on the Adoption aspect.

Quantifying benefits, creating realistic expectations for timescales and costs, and getting buy-in from senior management are critical to the long-term success of any organization-wide implementation. However, the best deployment approach is flexible, takes small steps, demonstrates success and moves quickly. Pinnacle has refined a set of deployment techniques over many large and small implementations. Some of these techniques are:

• Take an iterative approach and get techniques/tools to users quickly.
• Gather feedback and refine the deployment approach real time.
• Focus on adoption. Are users moving from old tools/techniques to the new tools/techniques quickly enough?
• Involve user groups in shaping the deployment through “super users” and “communities of interest”.
• Have a Communications plan so that messages are timely and effective. Do not abuse people’s time by spamming them or involving them in meetings they don’t need to attend.
• Have a core team that is focused on the implementation and is able to produce the majority of deliverables (procedures, job aids etc.).
• Adapt the training delivery method to the organization. Provide options and flexibility in attending classes. Make training hands on, role-oriented and work product specific, we refer to this approach as contextual training.
• Follow up training with structured coaching so that skilled help is available to users at the times they need it. This is also used to gather feedback on adoption and prod users to change the way they work.
• Keep senior management involved through a Steering Committee.
• Tie into Enterprise processes and Enterprise systems that relate to Project Management and Resource Management.

Pinnacle is an expert at Enterprise Project Management planning, implementation and Adoption, with a successful track record and methods proven across many industries. Our experience can help our clients shorten the time, reduce the cost and avoid the pitfalls involved in EPM implementation

We have deep experience in many of the leading EPM tools, including those from vendors such as:

• Microsoft
• Primavera
• Deltek
• Planview
• Artemis
• and many others

Learn more about our Enterprise Project Management services.

Talk to a Pinnacle professional regarding an EPM solution today! Give Us a Call or