Business Systems Consultancy

Deansberry recognise that ITC is key to the operation of many businesses and it is also vital that the business has a complete understanding of how best to select and use appropriate technology for their business. The range of systems available is vast and cover all aspects of business administration and management, from customer databases, planning & controlling operations to optimising the sales potential of the internet, Deansberry can help with practical advice based on experience of what actually works.

Requirements analysis

The only effective way to develop a computer system is to know exactly where the starting point is, both in terms of the system infrastructure and the abilities of the staff.  We start at the beginning with an IT strategy and use this as a reference document throughout the analysis and development process.

An IT strategy is a key document for a business to use to:

1. Develop a framework upon which the system is built
2. Determine the skills required to operate the system effectively
3. Ensure that all systems are selected or developed to meet specific goals, and align IT with the overall business strategy
4. Prepare an action plan covering the system analysis, selection, development and implementation

System specification and selection

Deansberry have undertaken this task on many occasions and are able to bring an impartial view to the process as well as acting as devil's advocate to help finalise some of the more critical or delicate issues.

1. Prepare an action plan and a schedule of requirements for both internal and external supply
2. Issue the schedule of requirements to the internal and external suppliers
3. Monitor and analyse supplier responses and prepare and present a report and  agree with management a short list of suppliers
4. Arrange and attend presentations of supplier's proposals; in the case of software this will include demonstrations
5. Prepare and present demonstration reviews and agree with management the preferred supplier
6. Arrange a final presentation of the system, agree terms and delivery schedules and contact references to confirm reliability and service levels
7. Facilitate the order with external suppliers.

Implementation management and support

Having completed the selection process, the hardest stage follows, the implementation of the new system, software etc. Without proper planning and project management the whole process can fail.

1. Agree the project team; the team will consist of key internal staff, the supplier and an experienced  consultant
2. Agree deliverables, timescales and how the project will be monitored
3. Install and implement the system etc and monitor the progress in accordance with the method agreed, reporting any variance to management
4. Review the project as a whole to confirm that it has met the requirements and the objectives as stated in the strategy.

Sector and application experience

The services listed above have been delivered to companies in the following sectors across a number of application areas:

Sectors

• Manufacturing (Metal, Boats, Electronics, Clothing, Pharmaceutical, Furniture and Food)
• Retail (Toys, Chandlery and Furniture)
• Service (Facilities Management, Recruitment, Supply Teachers, Institute Membership Management)

Application Areas

• Enterprise and Manufacturing Resource Planning (ERP and MRP)
• Warehousing and Logistics
• Web design and development
• Customer Relationship Management and Work Flow (CRM)
• Accounts
• Software development