Implement step by step
‘Agile literally means quick and nimble,’ Arthur begins. ‘We use this method to guide customers step-by-step by dividing the project into small, intermediate steps, which we call sprints. Focusing on the end results of each sprint makes implementation manageable and transparent. After each sprint, we assess the result and we can determine the detailed planning of the next sprint. We know from experience that circumstances can change during a project. With the agile approach, a project team can adjust the project after each sprint to a new situation or the customer’s wishes. It means we can work together in a relaxed atmosphere.’
A committed project team
As a project manager for project teams, Arthur has extensive experience in dividing the final goal. ‘Although every customer has its own unique business process, we can often work in a very uniform way. Our methodology actually works for every company or organisation. We start by making Facilitor’s work environment available, often within one day. We then put together a project team, and we always ask that employees who will actually work with the CAFM/IWMS are added as members. Together with the Facilitor project leader, this team forms the working group that makes decisions throughout implementation. We go through the modules with the working group, and determine with each module how the working method and the business process can be integrated in our system. We therefore shape the building blocks of the implementation process together. The advantage of working this way is that employees feel extremely involved and also understand what they’re doing.’
Step by step through the CAFM/IWMS
The Facilitor implementation process is very clear and practical, as Arthur often hears from customers. ‘We implement every decision we make with each other directly in the system. This also applies to all specific data that we enter during this step. As a result, employees have immediate insight into the consequences of their decisions. They experience how the system responds and what they can do with the data. In fact, it’s already a kind of learning-on-the-job. When we all feel positive, we move on to the next step in the process. By working together in this agile manner, employees feel that they already know the system as soon as we deliver it. The decisions made on paper are applied directly in practice. This gives confidence and peace of mind.’
The CAFM is ready for use within three months
The interaction between project manager, technology and working group ensures rapid implementation. ‘We can often deliver the CAFM/IWMS to the customer within 3 months of the start of the project. Employees learn to work with the system during implementation, so they’re quickly able to use it independently, and can train colleagues themselves, with the support of our consultants, if necessary. This learning-on-the-job method prevents all kinds of frustrations arising after delivery. Employees feel a greater ownership for ‘their’ product, and can also train others in the same organisation using their knowledge and background experience with the system. This has a positive impact on their place in the company. Our working method makes for satisfying implementation, even after delivery, which always leaves us feeling good when everything’s completed,’ says Arthur.
