Monument Data Solutions' New Approach to Oracle ERP Software Upgrade Assessments Avoids Shock of De-Support While Easing Implementation of New Technology

Business Wire, May 13, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MIDDLETON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2004

Monument Data Solutions, LLC, specialists in upgrade assessments for Oracle ERP users, announces a new approach designed to avoid the shock of losing support soon after the initial implementation as software vendors continue their policy of only supporting current releases.

This support usually includes problem resolution, enhancements, and program fixes by on-site, telephone, and email methodologies. If an organization does not upgrade, they also lose the opportunity to take advantage of new technology and features. Usually additional modules, features, functions, or changes of processes occur during upgrades. However, in the end, the main issue in upgrading becomes time and money.

According to Carl M. Rubin of Monument, "Study after study has cast Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software as the villain in failing to provide adequate ROI to users. An often-ignored fact of life in ERP is that organizations must upgrade every three to five years or lose their vendor support.

"If a company or facility does not upgrade within two releases," continued Mr. Rubin, "it loses the opportunity to take advantage of new technology and features. Worse yet, before the user organization has even digested the initial implementation, the vendor is invoking contractual clauses to push upgrades."

From hands-on experience performing dozens of Oracle upgrade assessments over several decades, Monument identified the major concerns professional IT managers must be able to handle. Addressing these concerns through 9 questions, Monument provides step-by-step guides for the upgrade assessment decision-maker.

Nine Critical Questions To Be Asked Before An Upgrade Assessment

-- When will de-support will occur?

-- What does the current system not do that we would like to do?

-- What new features of the software would we like to take

advantage of?

-- Are the operational advantages of the new upgrade worth the

cost implementation?

-- Am I saving time, money, head-count?

-- Can we extend support for more money?

-- Is there another vendor that we can turn to for extended

support for the installed software version?

-- How do you convince senior managers that an upgrade is in

their best interest if the current version performs well

already?

-- Does the upgrade impact my hardware investment? If so, what is

the "TOTAL" cost (e.g. - software, implementation & hardware)

of upgrade?

"The upgrade assessment usually starts with the organization of an Upgrade Team. In most successful situations a Steering Committee of senior-level executives who are the sponsors of the system is created. Next, the Upgrade Committee of the user community is formed with representatives of all major users of the system including an IT representative. If the company's IT staff plays a major role in ERP, a Technology Committee is also a good idea," explained Mr. Rubin.

The actual assessment from Monument Systems is based on a specific plan for each upgrade assignment. A typical road map includes:

-- Identification of all teams and their members and interviews

of all key personnel;

-- Kickoff meetings to explain the assessment process;

-- Review of all current system documentation, especially

Business Flows.

-- Update all current system documentation to reflect current

operation.

-- Review any new processes or modules to be implemented during

upgrade

By having a Complete Upgrade Plan, the organization can anticipate and prepare costs, resources, and timing of the upgrade. This will increase the opportunity for saving time and money during the project as well as have a guideline for performance of the Upgrade Team.

Mr. Rubin concluded by saying, "This opportunity to do the right thing is as important as the initial decision to implement a comprehensive system for the organization. The direction that the Executive Management brings to this process is vital. The key to success is to pick the right organization for the job - not someone to blame if the project fails!"

Monument Data Systems is a nationally recognized consulting organization with decades of hands-on experience in ERP upgrades, specializing in Oracle, PeopleSoft, and JD Edwards systems. The company serves the IT needs of manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, non-profits, and technology products.