Project Management And System Selection Support
The Client
Natural Power had grown since the early 90’s from eight to 280 employees. They opened sites across the UK, France and the USA. Subsequently they found their existing arrangements of systems could not satisfy their business requirements for future growth.
The Problem
Natural Power knew that they would need specialist assistance. Having searched the internet for a suitable partner and chose Gradient to help them specify their requirements and guide them through the ERP system selection process.
The Solution
Gradient worked with Natural Power to set up the internal project teams and through a structured process led them through complexities of the specification, demonstration, and selection activities required to choose the correct system.
Natural Power can effectively and efficiently develop and expand in the fast-moving renewable energy sector with a well-configured ERP system.
What the Client Says
“At the end of the selection process we presented to the board. They asked me to pass on thanks to all involved for the thoroughness and professionalism with which the project was handled.”
Actions
- Gradient worked with the internal project leader Callum McLean, to create two project teams. Firstly a steering committee to make the decisions and sign off any resource and, secondly a key user team to specify functional requirements for the system.
- Through a series of site visits and interviews with key users, Gradient’s Andrew Barnett worked to understand Natural Power’s business processes. Andrew translated them into a comprehensive system requirements document that got sent to a carefully researched list of vendors.
- The responses were analysed and Andrew supported the ERP selection committee. Three vendors were added to the short list and subsequently took part in detailed demonstrations. IFS was selected as the preferred vendor and following a final proof of concept workshop, contracts were signed.
Benefits
- Natural Power now have a system carefully chosen to provide the platform for continued growth.
- The complexity of managing a diverse and growing business has been simplified by the new system. The system will deliver significant efficiencies to Natural Power by linking the various operations and internal and external projects.
- The series of existing systems have been replaced by a well-supported ERP system that matches the way Natural Power works; one that can continue to be developed as the business grows.