Definition implementation

Implementation is the carrying out, execution, or practice of a plan, a method, or any design for doing something. As such, implementation is the action that must follow any preliminary thinking in order for something to actually happen. In an information technology context, implementation encompasses all the processes involved in getting new software or hardware operating properly in its environment, including installation, configuration, running, testing, and making necessary changes. The word deployment is sometimes used to mean the same thing.

Implementation Methodology

Our implementation process is divided in 7 stages and ensures that:

• Deliverables are well-defined, documented and signed off 
• Technical pre-requisites are documented and communicated
• Delivery process is understood and agreed to by all key participants
• Solution is designed and tested to meet client specifications
• Progress is documented and communicated to key participants and sponsors
• Changes are managed and controlled
• Issues are logged, tracked, and acted upon
• The deployment of the solution is controlled and risk-free
• Production is fully supported
• Knowledge is shared and reused

The Manufacturing Improvement Experts

IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center) is a team of experienced continuous improvement experts who work with small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to be more productive and globally competitive. IMEC's hands-on training and consulting services enable manufacturers to develop profitable growth strategies, improve quality, contain operating costs, increase capacity and on-time delivery, and solve technical operating problems such as product defects or process bottlenecks.

Manufacturers assisted by IMEC achieve productivity gains more than seven times greater than firms that don’t receive similar assistance. They increase sales, hire workers and modernize their operations. Third-party post-project surveys confirm that IMEC annually generates more than $100 million in validated improvements in manufacturing performance.

Call or e-mail an IMEC specialist to arrange a confidential competitiveness review.

Software Implementation

Software Implementation is the final, and most involved, step in IMEC’s 4-step approach to Information System Optimization. Depending on the manufacturing software package selected, IMEC can assist your company with locating, qualifying and scheduling implementation service providers. We can use the same thorough process to match your company with the training and data conversion services necessary for a successful implementation. Depending on your company’s individual needs and staffing levels, IMEC staff can provide any level of involvement and expertise. Our specialists can manage the overall implementation as well as participate as active members of your internal implementation team, bringing our experience and expertise to work with your staff, the software vendor and implementation service provider to maintain a timely and thorough implementation schedule.

IMEC’s Information Technology Team, through their combined manufacturing, information technology and leadership experience, works with companies of all sizes and in all industries to integrate the technologies that will yield a solid return on investment, bottom-line results, and facilitate organizational transformation and growth.

Contract management and facilitation
IMEC works with your company to facilitate a smooth and quality implementation of your software through managing and coordinating the activities of the software vendor and trainer.

Implementation team facilitation
IMEC assists your company’s project champions and team to ensure thorough coordination of implementation activities between departments and throughout the organization. In addition, as part of your implementation team, we will assist, as required, with installation and configuration of your new software, along with any supporting hardware or network infrastructure.

Training and utilization management

• As a member of your implementation team, IMEC will participate in training activities to help identify optimum software utilization company-wide and additional training requirements
• IMEC and our partner organizations can provide additional training to your staff to apply learned skills to real-world situations within your company
• Comprehensive support after the “go-live” date is a key component of a successful, long-term implementation. In this capacity, IMEC can provide, as needed, troubleshooting, continuous improvement in application, and implementation assistance that is custom to both your company and your software of choice.
  

A product software implementation method

is a systematically structured approach to effectively integrate a software based service or component into the workflow of an organizational structure or an individual end-user. This entry focuses on the process modeling (Process Modeling) side of the implementation of “large” (explained in complexity differences) product software, using the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems as the main example to elaborate on.