A proven methodology is the key component to delivering successful projects.  Main Advantage employs a methodology that combines experience and best practices to allow our clients to harness the true value of IT within their businesses.  As projects become more complex and interdependent, they need expert consultants to facilitate and address each of the desired objectives.

Main Advantage’s Consulting Methodology is comprised of the six phases listed below, each building on its predecessor.  The early phases identify, quantify, and build an effective project plan.  Later phases put the plan into action.

 

Consulting Methodology

Phase 1: Assess

During the Assessment phase, Main Advantage works with the client to analyze the current systems and business processes to align project goals with the strategic direction of the company.  The deliverables for this phase include:

  • A high-level phased project plan outlining the future path to achieve the goals and objectives.
  • A document that will include project scope, objectives, deliverables, and costs for Phase Two.

Phase 2: Plan & Design

The Plan & Design phase combines Main Advantage’s industry experience and client-specific information into a plan of action. Main Advantage develops a comprehensive plan outlining the project’s purpose, requirements, business objectives, and performance metrics. All elements of the project plan are intended to achieve the strategic targets and business drivers for the project.

The deliverables for this phase include:

  • A task-level project plan outlining the steps to achieve the project goals and objectives
  • A document outlining approximate costs for hardware, software, professional services, and other necessary expenditures for the remaining phases of the project.

Phase 3: Verify

Using the custom solution designed in Phase 2, Main Advantage will build and configure the solution in a test lab or as a pilot in the “production” network environment.  As part of this phase, Main Advantage will conduct system tests to verify that the solution will function properly in the client’s IT environment.  If needed, changes to the proposed design will be made in this phase.  Using the finalized project design, an implementation plan will be created that will be used in Phase 4.

 

The deliverables for this phase include:

  • A fully configured test lab or pilot solution
  • A tested transition plan to the new solution
  • A go-live fail back contingency plan

 

Phase 4: Implement

Working closely with the client, Main Advantage Consultants will determine the optimum time to perform the implementation plan created in Phase three.  The final production environment will then be deployed and brought online.

The deliverables for this phase include:

  • A solution implemented into the production environment
  • Performance optimization of the solution to meet the client’s expectations
  • Knowledge transfer to the client throughout this phase and the remaining phases of the project

Phase 5: Transition

When the production environment has been accepted by the client, the conditions are met to go live.  During this phase user accounts, data, and other pertinent information are transitioned to the new system.

The deliverables for this phase include:

  • Fully functioning solution that satisfies the requirements determined in phases one and two.
  • Documentation on the new solution

Phase 6: Support

The proposed solution is now live.  To assist client’s with the transition, Main Advantage Consultants can assist internal teams with support and troubleshooting tasks.  The deliverables for this phase include:

  • Ownership of the project transferred to the client’s internal team
  • All project support activities will be moved to the internal production support team