The NavigateOne™ Difference
NavigateOne™ is a comprehensive methodology that integrates proven processes, powerful tools, and proprietary templates and software—designed from the ground up for utility mission critical system transformation projects. NavigateOne™ is completely scalable and fully customizable to meet the specific needs of any utility software initiative. NavigateOne™ is built on the foundational rule that software projects must resolve real business issues. This focus ensures your project delivers not just new technology, but real, lasting value for your utility, its employees, and its customers.
The scope of services available for an AAC client is offered within three core competencies, as summarized below.
Strategy and Assessment
Analysis through a data-driven process to determine whether to maintain, upgrade, or replace your existing systems
AAC Assessment Services provide utilities with a low-risk entry point for identifying the best solutions to their IT challenges and then justifying projects when funding is difficult.
First, we catalog your technology capabilities, connect them to business limitations, and contrast them with functionality available in the industry. We then deliver robust analysis and recommendation documents that make pain points tangible and provide clear direction for moving forward.
Project Planning
AAC works to coordinate cross-organizationally, whereby millions of dollars can be saved by avoiding duplication of effort and overlapping functionality from other projects. We help your team set a project course that aligns with business goals, integrates smoothly with current and future technology projects, and clearly reports progress throughout. The result is a realistic master plan that is actionable, measurable and ensures dollars spent on new technology deliver maximum value.
Deployment Considerations (In-house, Cloud, Hybrid)
The model of utilities deploying their mission critical systems in-house is changing. Cloud solutions and the varying deployment options are a viable reality with compelling financial, business, and technical benefits. AAC works with our clients to understand the different deployment options to determine the best approach for the business.
The core components of this phase of our methodology include:
- Digital Transformation Assessment
- Systems Assessments and Analysis
- Deployment Strategies (On-Prem, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS)
- Risk Assessment
- Requirements Analysis
- Organizational Readiness
- Business Case Development
- Cyber Security Services
Software/System Integrator Selection
Management of the vendor/system integrator solicitation process to assure that your interests are protected under contract
AAC Selection Services deliver much more than a technology solution and vendor. We help your team lay a solid foundation for implementation success by preparing a complete, ready-to-execute project. Your team will be confident about the tasks ahead and ready to start when the vendor arrives.
An AAC selection project delivers:
- A technology solution that meets real, everyday business needs
- A custom, easy-to-understand RFP that enables vendors to provide their best responses to your specific issues
- A robust NavigateOne™ contract that:
- Details your project’s specific tasks and milestones
- Clearly sets performance expectations for vendors (In-house or Cloud Deployment)
- Leaves minimal room for unwanted scope change
- Measurement tools that enable your team to quickly identify and mitigate project plan deviations before they cause significant delay or unplanned expense
- Expert representation in contract negotiations, protecting your interests
In summary, our Selection methodology covers the following key components:
- RFP Development
- Scoring Management
- Demonstration Script Development
- System Integrator Implementation Methodology Evaluation
- Pricing Analysis
- SLA’s (Cloud/Hosted Deployments)
- Statement of Work Development
- Contract Negotiations
Implementation Leadership
A proven methodology and experienced team to oversee implementation on your behalf and leadership throughout your transition
Following the selection of your software package, your technology vendor will arrive on site with a team of experienced resources dedicated to your implementation. Because software implementation is a core competence of AAC, our team is always well-versed in the latest technology offerings and best practice applications across the industry. AAC helps clients navigate through this complex process and avoid the costly risk of starting projects short-staffed with an inexperienced project team.
AAC’s suite of utility-side implementation services is designed to provide YOUR team with proven leadership in the roles required to successfully implement mission critical software. Our NavigateOne methodology ensures that your team is staffed with experienced leadership to work with the vendor to deliver a project that exceeds expectations.
The following list summarizes the major areas in which our implementation leadership services have proven to be fundamental to project success.
Project Management
Based on the best practices prescribed by the Project Management Institute, our PMP-certified consultants take the headache and risk out of projects.
Project Quality Readiness
Our investigative approach, combined with innovative reporting tools, delivers the data, insight and guidance needed to make confident project decisions.
Testing Leadership
We ensure that the functionality utilities pay for is indeed delivered, enabling you to sign off on deliverables and report progress to stakeholders with confidence.
Training Leadership
We oversee a smooth and complete knowledge transfer from vendor to employees, ensuring that your team knows the new system and is able to perform from day one.
Organizational Change Management
Our consultants work with your management, user groups, and stakeholders to prepare your entire organization for success in a new technology environment.