RIM: the Rapid Implementation Methodology
25% time saving on Microsoft Dynamics NAV and SI Foodware implementation thanks to RIM
Etten-Leur, 13 December - Schouw Informatisering launches a new implementation methodology enabling considerable savings in time and money. This Rapid Implementation Methodology (RIM©) has been developed in cooperation with Microsoft R&D in Denmark. In addition Schouw Informatisering has further developed RIM specifically for Dutch Food & Beverage companies. RIM is already being used by Schouw: ‘With RIM we save an average of 25% of the time on implementation projects', Lia Blinde, product manager RIM for Schouw Informatisering, explains. ‘What's more, our clients get maximum benefit from our knowledge of the sector, because when we use RIM, large parts of the software are predefined based on best practices.'
World-class ERP package preloaded for Dutch Food & Beverage sector
At the request of Microsoft Business Solutions Nederland, Schouw Informatisering has further developed RIM for use with Dutch Food & Beverage companies. ‘With RIM we actually predefine the information used to fill or customise an ERP system', Lia Blinde explains. ‘Clients don't have to re-invent the wheel and using our handy sheets they can quickly indicate how they want to set up their database. In this we go further than just standard Dynamics NAV. Schouw Informatisering has developed the Food & Beverage add-on SI Foodware® with indispensable functionality for food companies, and we have also developed implementation sheets for SI Foodware. For example there is an implementation sheet to set up the administration for reusable packaging. In other words: RIM for Food & Beverage is a predefined model which shortens the implementation considerably. In this way clients can also benefit from the knowledge and experience of the sector that Schouw Informatisering has built up over the past 7 years.'
‘I don't have to make so many choices'
Clients where RIM for Food & Beverage is being tested are enthusiastic: ‘By using the preloaded food model we are not just saving time, there are fewer choices we have to make regarding the software. Schouw Informatisering is setting up our application based on their experience, a sort of common denominator. Mostly these match our business processes, and where that is not the case, the system is flexible.'
ERP is a means, not the end
Lia Blinde: ‘Better information during the implementation means that quick, well-informed decisions about the set up of the ERP software can be made. By applying RIM for Food & Beverage new clients recognise the material immediately and based on the information already entered, they can make faster and better decisions about the way in which they want their software and database to work.' Lia Blinde emphasises here that the way in which the system is set up is crucial to the success of the project: ‘ERP is a means and not an end in itself. The intention is to use ERP to streamline and automate the business processes to support the people working in the organisation and so be able to achieve specific objectives concerning the turnover, market share or profit.'
Benefits for all parties
‘Shortening the implementation time is important for the client as well as for Schouw Informatisering, Lia Blinde explains. ‘Using RIM we are able to carry out more projects each year with the same number of consultants. Only consultants experienced with ERP and the food and beverages sector work at Schouw Informatisering, and these people are scarce. With RIM we can deploy our own knowledge and expertise more efficiently and that means benefits for all parties.'
