What is Customer Relationship Management(CRM)?
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a multi-faceted approach to improving one's business through the successful acquisition and retention of a select customer base. CRM encompasses more than a technical solution.
Before implementing any kind of application for automating and improving customer relationship handling, an organization must understand its customer market and define a strategy for changing the way it conducts business so that it becomes customer-centered.
A complete CRM Assessment should already have been conducted to determine the
organization's reasons for implementing CRM and what kinds of application functionality would best serve the organization in achieving its goals of improving customer relations.
Development stages in Implementation Process :
1) Release Planning
2) Requirements Definition
3) Functional Analysis and Design
4) Technical Analysis and Design
5) Configuration
6) Data Migration
7) Testing
8) Deployment
9) User Training
There are two Project Management stages that can be used as a guide to institute, monitor and conclude the project:
1) Plan and Activate
2) Control and End
Release Planning :
In this stage the project leaders confer with the organization's management to determine what kind of high-level functionality should be implemented in the Siebel application to meet the pre-defined business requirements of CRM.
The requirements are used to determine which base and expansion modules of the Siebel Enterprise Application will be implemented, and the scope of the project is set.
The Siebel modules and supporting third-party software are purchased. Additionally, the development. production, training, and testing environments are specified for costing purposes, and the necessary servers and workstations are ordered for the development and testing environments.
At the end of this stage, the project leaders should have a high-level understanding of the expected functionality of the system, its architectural complexities, and its interfaces to other systems and projects.
This understanding is formulated in terms of a proposed Siebel solution that specifies the critical application components and estimates the technical architecture required for its implementation.
Release Strategy is then defined, which details planned releases, functionality to be included, iterations, timelines, major deliverables and dependencies on other projects.It should take into account how the Siebel system will interface with existing databases and systems as well as how it can beneficially impact or be impacted by other projects being conducted within the enterprise.
The Release Strategy should also consider the number of geographical locations and user groups to which the Siebel application will ultimately be deployed.
A final production release is typically rolled out to a specific group of users first, then rolled out to subsequent groups of users on a planned schedule.
Requirements Definition :
During the Release Planning stage, a high level Release Strategy specified which Siebel application components would be implemented to meet the enterprise's CRM goals.
The purpose of the Requirements Definition stage is to ascertain from the end-users what functionality they expect and would like from the Siebel application in order to use it to do their respective jobs and achieve those enterprise goals.
By analyzing existing systems and business documentation and conducting interviews with managers, users and technical infrastructure teams, the Project Team develops an understanding of how the business operates and its supporting infrastructure.
The main tool here are the "Siebel Business and Reporting Requirements" which need to be solicited from different types of users.
The business and reporting requirements (which are functionality requests) are analyzed for feasibility, cost, and benefit of implementation, and the requirements are prioritized into the Requirements Definition, a comprehensive checklist against which the application design and configuration can be assessed.
Key information on the user base and organizational structure is factored into the requirements as well; this information is instrumental in the functional design and subsequent configuration of the application.
The Release Strategy portion of the Project Management Plan is revised according to the Requirements Definition.
Functional Analysis and Design :
This stage is focused on analyzing the data and functional requirements and breaking them down into components to create a stable Functional Specification from which to conduct configuration work.
The customization of existing Siebel data and presentation objects is designed, including identifying extensions to the standard Siebel data objects and changes to the target Siebel database tables to implement the specified functionality.
We identify the logical data objects of the business and user actions on those objects that must drive the Siebel application so that the user interface can be designed accordingly.
The presentation layer objects that allow users to access the underlying data are idetified.
The functional specification specifies the following:
1) Business Objects to be used and whether they are modified (or) created new
2) Business Components to be used and whether they are modified (or) created new
3) Transactions performed on Business Objects
4) Views for accessing each Screen (a Business Object is represented by a Screen)
5) Applets and Reports which constitute each view
6) Drill-down links between views
7) Visibility classes for each view
It is imperative to confer with representative end-users in the development of all user interface components, to ensure that the final application will be accepted by the user base.
The more users are involved in the analysis and design of the system, the more they will come to accept the system once it is configured and deployed, and the fewer the "must re-do" headaches for the design and development teams in the end.
User requirements drive the design of screen flows, screen layouts, and other key user interface elements of the Siebel application to implement the proposed functionality.
Technical Analysis and Design :
The purpose of this stage is to identify the components and configuration requirements of the hardware/software technical architecture to support the users of the Siebel application, with attention to capacity planning for increasing user and transaction volumes.
Both the technical architecture that is needed specifically to run the Siebel application and the overall technical architecture to which the Siebel application is connected must be detailed.
After the specified architecture is thoroughly reviewed, the hardware/software components are procured.
Configuration :
During the Configuration stage, the custom Siebel Enterprise Application is configured based on the Functional (design) Specification.
Although design specifications have already met with user approval, it is important to involve users in the actual configuration activities as well, to ensure their satisfaction with the look and feel of the application as it is transformed from a design specification to a tangible, functional system.
Interim configurations will be prototypes of the functional application.
The end product of the iterative configuration cycle is the configured application that is quality reviewed and prepared for deployment.
In the Configuration stage data and presentation layer objects are configured, the database extensions are implemented, and Siebel VB scripts are developed to perform any necessary special functionality, The release is reviewed for stability and quality before being tested by users .After users have tested the release, change requests are evaluated and fed back into the
iterative release cycle accordingly.
Once the final release has been configured, the system is reviewed for production readiness, in preparation for deployment. In addition, supporting materials are developed to train and guide Operations and support personnel and to orchestrate the deployment.
Configuration employs a rapid application development (RAD) approach to deliver multiple successive prototypes of the Siebel application, based on the written specifications received from business requirements gathered at user focus meetings conducted in the first weeks of the project and from industry renowned practices.
User representatives will trial test each prototype and in turn will provide immediate feedback on suggested changes.
These change requests will be prioritized by scope, importance, scheduling and budget, and evaluated by the project team and the client organization for incorporation into subsequent releases.
Data Migration :
Data migration is the set of procedures for moving data from source systems into Siebel. It is done both for systems which Siebel is replacing and for systems with which Siebel will interface on an ongoing basis.
This is an iterative activity that happens concurrently with Configuration.
This stage involves acquiring the external source data records and ensuring that the data is clean and format-compatible with the Siebel base table format.
The automated procedures required to load information from the source systems into the Siebel database are built. The data is then extracted from the source systems, cleaned, loaded into the Interface Tables, and then loaded by EIM into the base tables. The data migration routines should be thoroughly tested.
The routines for manually entering data into Siebel should be designed and conducted where necessary as well.
Testing :
The purpose of this stage is to conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and System Performance Testing on the configured Siebel application.
Develop a UAT plan and test case scenarios to guide a select group of key end-users in testing the user interface and functionality of the Siebel application. It may be useful to specify what kind of data to feed into the test cases (e.g., certain ranges of values). Test case scenarios should be defined for all test conditions and include the input, the required user actions, and the expected results.
User Acceptance Testing should address all user profiles (e.g., sales support, sales rep, sales manager, sales director). Different user roles should have different access rights and see different views, and these differentials should be verified through testing.
The Plan should specify by business area the users who will test the application and the schedule for testing, taking scheduling constraints into account.
Develop a SystemTest plan and scripts for testing the overall performance, functionality, speed and capacity handling of the Siebel application under multiple user conditions, both connected and remote.
Test scripts should enable testers to check for:
1) acceptable speed in performing transactions
2) production of expected transaction results
3) remote user's synchronization and initialization
4) remote user's visibility
5) desktop workstation performance
Install and configure the testing environment and conduct the tests according to the test plans.
Deployment :
In this stage the Siebel application is rolled out to the user base.
The rollout should encompass one group of users at a time, as per the Release Strategy.
The production server is loaded with the control data, the interface systems are backed up, the configured application is deployed, and the support functions are set up to support the newly deployed system.
The final step in the rollout is to conduct follow-up sessions to elicit feedback from users on their reactions to the newly deployed Siebel system.
Evaluate to what degree the release met user expectations and measured up to delivery promises made in the Release Strategy and document the user feedback.
Review the results of the rollout and compare them with the original Release Strategy and modify the Release Strategy accordingly.
Finally, obtain the formal signoff from the Executive Sponsor to proceed with the next release of the application.
User Training :
It is vital to the success of the new Siebel system to train business users in its operation and to train system support personnel (such as help desk staff) in both the system operation and activities related to its installation, removal, adjustment and interaction with other systems.
In addition, it may be necessary to develop new procedures, policies, job descriptions, competencies, incentives, etc. to facilitate the cultural change needed to implement and use the Siebel application.
The major activities in this stage include :
1) Create Training Schedule
2) Learn Business and Application
3) Develop Training Materials
4) Conduct User Training
5) Evaluate Learning
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a multi-faceted approach to improving one's business through the successful acquisition and retention of a select customer base. CRM encompasses more than a technical solution.
Before implementing any kind of application for automating and improving customer relationship handling, an organization must understand its customer market and define a strategy for changing the way it conducts business so that it becomes customer-centered.
A complete CRM Assessment should already have been conducted to determine the
organization's reasons for implementing CRM and what kinds of application functionality would best serve the organization in achieving its goals of improving customer relations.
Development stages in Implementation Process :
1) Release Planning
2) Requirements Definition
3) Functional Analysis and Design
4) Technical Analysis and Design
5) Configuration
6) Data Migration
7) Testing
8) Deployment
9) User Training
There are two Project Management stages that can be used as a guide to institute, monitor and conclude the project:
1) Plan and Activate
2) Control and End
Release Planning :
In this stage the project leaders confer with the organization's management to determine what kind of high-level functionality should be implemented in the Siebel application to meet the pre-defined business requirements of CRM.
The requirements are used to determine which base and expansion modules of the Siebel Enterprise Application will be implemented, and the scope of the project is set.
The Siebel modules and supporting third-party software are purchased. Additionally, the development. production, training, and testing environments are specified for costing purposes, and the necessary servers and workstations are ordered for the development and testing environments.
At the end of this stage, the project leaders should have a high-level understanding of the expected functionality of the system, its architectural complexities, and its interfaces to other systems and projects.
This understanding is formulated in terms of a proposed Siebel solution that specifies the critical application components and estimates the technical architecture required for its implementation.
Release Strategy is then defined, which details planned releases, functionality to be included, iterations, timelines, major deliverables and dependencies on other projects.It should take into account how the Siebel system will interface with existing databases and systems as well as how it can beneficially impact or be impacted by other projects being conducted within the enterprise.
The Release Strategy should also consider the number of geographical locations and user groups to which the Siebel application will ultimately be deployed.
A final production release is typically rolled out to a specific group of users first, then rolled out to subsequent groups of users on a planned schedule.
Requirements Definition :
During the Release Planning stage, a high level Release Strategy specified which Siebel application components would be implemented to meet the enterprise's CRM goals.
The purpose of the Requirements Definition stage is to ascertain from the end-users what functionality they expect and would like from the Siebel application in order to use it to do their respective jobs and achieve those enterprise goals.
By analyzing existing systems and business documentation and conducting interviews with managers, users and technical infrastructure teams, the Project Team develops an understanding of how the business operates and its supporting infrastructure.
The main tool here are the "Siebel Business and Reporting Requirements" which need to be solicited from different types of users.
The business and reporting requirements (which are functionality requests) are analyzed for feasibility, cost, and benefit of implementation, and the requirements are prioritized into the Requirements Definition, a comprehensive checklist against which the application design and configuration can be assessed.
Key information on the user base and organizational structure is factored into the requirements as well; this information is instrumental in the functional design and subsequent configuration of the application.
The Release Strategy portion of the Project Management Plan is revised according to the Requirements Definition.
Functional Analysis and Design :
This stage is focused on analyzing the data and functional requirements and breaking them down into components to create a stable Functional Specification from which to conduct configuration work.
The customization of existing Siebel data and presentation objects is designed, including identifying extensions to the standard Siebel data objects and changes to the target Siebel database tables to implement the specified functionality.
We identify the logical data objects of the business and user actions on those objects that must drive the Siebel application so that the user interface can be designed accordingly.
The presentation layer objects that allow users to access the underlying data are idetified.
The functional specification specifies the following:
1) Business Objects to be used and whether they are modified (or) created new
2) Business Components to be used and whether they are modified (or) created new
3) Transactions performed on Business Objects
4) Views for accessing each Screen (a Business Object is represented by a Screen)
5) Applets and Reports which constitute each view
6) Drill-down links between views
7) Visibility classes for each view
It is imperative to confer with representative end-users in the development of all user interface components, to ensure that the final application will be accepted by the user base.
The more users are involved in the analysis and design of the system, the more they will come to accept the system once it is configured and deployed, and the fewer the "must re-do" headaches for the design and development teams in the end.
User requirements drive the design of screen flows, screen layouts, and other key user interface elements of the Siebel application to implement the proposed functionality.
Technical Analysis and Design :
The purpose of this stage is to identify the components and configuration requirements of the hardware/software technical architecture to support the users of the Siebel application, with attention to capacity planning for increasing user and transaction volumes.
Both the technical architecture that is needed specifically to run the Siebel application and the overall technical architecture to which the Siebel application is connected must be detailed.
After the specified architecture is thoroughly reviewed, the hardware/software components are procured.
Configuration :
During the Configuration stage, the custom Siebel Enterprise Application is configured based on the Functional (design) Specification.
Although design specifications have already met with user approval, it is important to involve users in the actual configuration activities as well, to ensure their satisfaction with the look and feel of the application as it is transformed from a design specification to a tangible, functional system.
Interim configurations will be prototypes of the functional application.
The end product of the iterative configuration cycle is the configured application that is quality reviewed and prepared for deployment.
In the Configuration stage data and presentation layer objects are configured, the database extensions are implemented, and Siebel VB scripts are developed to perform any necessary special functionality, The release is reviewed for stability and quality before being tested by users .After users have tested the release, change requests are evaluated and fed back into the
iterative release cycle accordingly.
Once the final release has been configured, the system is reviewed for production readiness, in preparation for deployment. In addition, supporting materials are developed to train and guide Operations and support personnel and to orchestrate the deployment.
Configuration employs a rapid application development (RAD) approach to deliver multiple successive prototypes of the Siebel application, based on the written specifications received from business requirements gathered at user focus meetings conducted in the first weeks of the project and from industry renowned practices.
User representatives will trial test each prototype and in turn will provide immediate feedback on suggested changes.
These change requests will be prioritized by scope, importance, scheduling and budget, and evaluated by the project team and the client organization for incorporation into subsequent releases.
Data Migration :
Data migration is the set of procedures for moving data from source systems into Siebel. It is done both for systems which Siebel is replacing and for systems with which Siebel will interface on an ongoing basis.
This is an iterative activity that happens concurrently with Configuration.
This stage involves acquiring the external source data records and ensuring that the data is clean and format-compatible with the Siebel base table format.
The automated procedures required to load information from the source systems into the Siebel database are built. The data is then extracted from the source systems, cleaned, loaded into the Interface Tables, and then loaded by EIM into the base tables. The data migration routines should be thoroughly tested.
The routines for manually entering data into Siebel should be designed and conducted where necessary as well.
Testing :
The purpose of this stage is to conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and System Performance Testing on the configured Siebel application.
Develop a UAT plan and test case scenarios to guide a select group of key end-users in testing the user interface and functionality of the Siebel application. It may be useful to specify what kind of data to feed into the test cases (e.g., certain ranges of values). Test case scenarios should be defined for all test conditions and include the input, the required user actions, and the expected results.
User Acceptance Testing should address all user profiles (e.g., sales support, sales rep, sales manager, sales director). Different user roles should have different access rights and see different views, and these differentials should be verified through testing.
The Plan should specify by business area the users who will test the application and the schedule for testing, taking scheduling constraints into account.
Develop a SystemTest plan and scripts for testing the overall performance, functionality, speed and capacity handling of the Siebel application under multiple user conditions, both connected and remote.
Test scripts should enable testers to check for:
1) acceptable speed in performing transactions
2) production of expected transaction results
3) remote user's synchronization and initialization
4) remote user's visibility
5) desktop workstation performance
Install and configure the testing environment and conduct the tests according to the test plans.
Deployment :
In this stage the Siebel application is rolled out to the user base.
The rollout should encompass one group of users at a time, as per the Release Strategy.
The production server is loaded with the control data, the interface systems are backed up, the configured application is deployed, and the support functions are set up to support the newly deployed system.
The final step in the rollout is to conduct follow-up sessions to elicit feedback from users on their reactions to the newly deployed Siebel system.
Evaluate to what degree the release met user expectations and measured up to delivery promises made in the Release Strategy and document the user feedback.
Review the results of the rollout and compare them with the original Release Strategy and modify the Release Strategy accordingly.
Finally, obtain the formal signoff from the Executive Sponsor to proceed with the next release of the application.
User Training :
It is vital to the success of the new Siebel system to train business users in its operation and to train system support personnel (such as help desk staff) in both the system operation and activities related to its installation, removal, adjustment and interaction with other systems.
In addition, it may be necessary to develop new procedures, policies, job descriptions, competencies, incentives, etc. to facilitate the cultural change needed to implement and use the Siebel application.
The major activities in this stage include :
1) Create Training Schedule
2) Learn Business and Application
3) Develop Training Materials
4) Conduct User Training
5) Evaluate Learning
