BVA’s Consulting Methodology
Composed of the six phases listed above, each building is on its predecessor. The early phases identify, quantify, and build an effective project plan. Later phases put the plan into action.
Assess, Plan & Design, Verify, Implement, Transition, and Support
Phase 1: Assess
During the Assessment phase, BVA 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 the following: 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 BVA’s industry experience and client-specific information into a plan of action. BVA 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 the following: 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.
Using the custom solution designed in Phase 2, BVA will build and configure the solution in a test lab or as a pilot in the “production” network environment. As part of this phase, BVA 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 the following: A fully configured test lab or pilot solution. A tested transition plan to the new solution and a go-live fail-back contingency plan.
Working closely with the client, BVA 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 the following: 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.
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 the following: A fully functioning solution that satisfies the requirements determined in Phases one and two. Documentation of the new solution.
Phase 6: Support
The proposed solution is now live. To assist clients with the transition, BVA Consultants can assist internal teams with support and troubleshooting tasks. The deliverables for this phase include the following: Ownership of the project transferred to the client’s internal team. All project support initiatives will be moved to the internal production support team.
