Like this article? We recommend
Like this article? We recommend
Like this article? We recommend
Systems
When you have processes defined, you need to ensure that you have tools in place to support and manage the processes. These tools consist of software, templates, standards, and guidelines for each area: sales, delivery, and project management. The tools help people follow the process and help the leaders manage to the standards.
Our company uses Pivotal Relationship as the CRM tool to support the sales process. We have customized this tool to support the sales process directly. This means that salespeople can indicate the status of a prospect directly in the system.
Rational software tools are used for software development. The tools enable us to support the entire delivery process. We can gather requirements, model systems, and test. The coding, of course, is accomplished with the Microsoft Visual Studio suite. Some of these tools are not inexpensive, but I have found them to be well worth the cost. It is possible to use cheaper alternatives such as Visio, but these tools must be completely integrated into your defined processes, and your people must be fully trained on them.
For project management, we use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Project Central. Microsoft Project gives the individual project manager a tool to support planning, and Project Central gives the leaders a way to monitor all the active projects. We have also created templates that enable project managers to easily set up and start new projects.