Database Reference
In-Depth Information
critical. Describe the business problem the system will address. A typical description
might be: Actual sales data will be loaded weekly; the budget cycle will start in August;
there will be multiple iterations; forecasts will be created in march, June and September.
other topics may include:
• Define complex calculations.
• research and document inbound and outbound data sources.
• gather sample reports and input information for replacement systems.
• Define the number of users.
• Establish the project budget.
• Define the projected start and end dates.
occasionally companies do not know what their requirements are or are unfamiliar
with the software. In cases like this, consider hiring a consultant to develop the require-
ment documentation. The danger of this approach that needs to be acknowledged is the
unscrupulous consultant might structure the requirement in his/her favor.
11.4.3.3 Identify the Recipients for the RFP
EPm consulting vendors come in all sizes
and skill levels, as was previously discussed. There are advantages to each. Consider
issuing the rFP to a minimum of five consulting vendors including, where practical,
independents. use this opportunity to get familiar with the vendors. Short prelimi-
nary meeting with the vendors can also be used to discuss the project goals and obtain
suggestions. The final rFP list of three to four vendors can be gleaned from these
meetings.
11.4.3.4 Create the RFP
A strong rFP should contain these components:
• Cover letter
• table of Contents
• Introduction
• Company background
• Executive summary
• objective of the proposal
• State the project requirements
• Company resources (including team that developed the requirement as well as
personnel for the project)
• timelines
• Selection criteria
• Qualifications and references
• The vendor should provide details with regard to:
• Description of their development process
• Definition of project stages
• how milestones are determined
• maintenance of quality control
• types of testing
• The proposed team and their qualifications
• Proposed schedule
• Costs and details
• terms and conditions
