Production Scheduling Implementation Phase 2: From Concept to Reality in the Configuration Phase

Key Highlights

• • Data plays a vital role in configuring and developing the solution, since it’s derived directly from the clients processes.

• • Collaborative effort between our enterprise architect and the client’s IT team facilitates a seamless installation process.

• • Our aim is to deliver a complete product by working closely with the client throughout the implementation process and gaining insights from a wide range of data.

• • Whenever there are questions or issues, your project manager will be readily available to address them.

Can you provide an overview of Optessa’s Configuration Phase?

Data Gathering

The configuration phase of Optessa’s advanced planning and scheduling software encompasses several critical steps. The initial step involves gathering essential data from the client. This data plays a vital role in configuring and developing the solution, since it’s derived directly from the client’s processes. Our aim is to ensure that the data accurately reflects their day to day operations. Using this data, we proceed with the initial configuration of the solution.

Integration Testing

Once we have obtained the data in the proper format and have gathered all the necessary data, we proceed with what we refer to as integration testing. Initially, this testing is conducted internally within Optessa. The integration testing consists of two aspects: validating the data from the client’s legacy system and their upstream and downstream systems. Then ensuring that we can successfully import this data into Optessa’s advanced planning and scheduling software.

Configuration

Once the initial configuration of the client solution is completed, we proceed to deliver it to the client. Alongside this delivery, the installation process is also embedded in the configuration. Then, Optessa conducts the first installation of that initial configuration on the client side at the end of a typical four to five week configuration period.

Initial Installation of Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software

In the initial installation phase, our enterprise architect, responsible for the technical aspects, collaborates with the client’s IT team to install the initially configured software. The objective is to ensure that when we deliver the initial solution to the client, they can easily configure it with all the functional requirements discussed during the discovery phase. This collaborative effort between our enterprise architect and the client’s IT team facilitates a seamless installation process.

What are some of the challenges that can come up in this phase of implementation?

During this phase of advanced planning and scheduling implementation, several challenges can arise. For example, some client’s may encounter difficulties providing us with the required data. This can hinder early installation as they may struggle to deliver the data in the agreed-upon format. In these cases, we adapt and make necessary adjustments on our end to incorporate the data into the initial configuration.

Another possible challenge is resource constraints on the client’s side. If they lack the necessary resources, it can delay the implementation process. Additionally, unforeseen business-related issues or production complications on a client’s side can also hinder timely installation.

However, at Optessa we carefully consider these factors during the initial configuration stage. If early advanced planning and scheduling software installation is not feasible, we provide them with reporting outputs that allow them to review the initial configuration. Despite these challenges, we strive to maintain the implementation timeline as best as possible and keep the project on track.

How does Optessa work with clients to configure the software to meet their specific needs and requirements?

During the implementation process, open dialogue is crucial. Building a strong relationship during the discovery phase allows for smoother communication when unique use cases emerge during the configuration and development phase. In a recent implementation with a European client, numerous new use cases were identified.

To solve this challenge, our first step was to engage in discussions with the client to understand the specific use case. If it requires inclusion in the configuration, we review each requirement with them. In some cases, a change request may be necessary to incorporate the unique use case.

Typically, if we receive this information after delivering the initial release, we are able to incorporate the changes into the advanced planning and scheduling software and provide a second release. The client is then able to review the added functionality and provide feedback. This feedback loop is part of the software tuning process, where we ensure that the software functions as expected based on the functional requirements. The tuning process involves back-and-forth communication to meet their expectations.

How does Optessa ensure that clients are fully prepared to move on to the next phase of the implementation process following the Configuration Phase?

To ensure a comprehensive solution aligned with a client’s business processes, we emphasize the need for multiple datasets. By receiving diverse datasets, we can identify any potential gaps or missed use cases. In the subsequent phase, we continue to request and analyze multiple datasets, covering different timelines within their business processes. This allows us to validate the consistency of the software’s performance across various datasets. Our aim is to deliver a complete product by working closely with the client throughout the implementation process and gaining insights from a wide range of data.

How does Optessa work with clients to overcome challenges or obstacles?

Your project manager’s primary role is to maintain constant communication with clients. Whenever there are questions or issues, your project manager will be readily available to address them. They conduct weekly status calls involving all stakeholders from both sides to discuss the progress of implementation. This regular interaction is used as a key method to tackle any emerging challenges.

If you have questions regarding implementation or general production scheduling inquiries, connect with us at 1-800-918-3597. You can also send an email to marketing@optessa.com, or visit our website at https://www.optessa.com/. Additionally, you can get access to the latest news and tips in our resource center at https://www.optessa.com/company/resource-center/