Information is the key to success in this competitive market.  Strategic use of technology can reduce data entry errors and streamline business processes.   RNR Consulting helps our clients select and implement technology systems that met their needs.  It is important to note that RNR Consulting is an independent third party firm with no strategic alliances with software vendors. We utilize a five step methodology: 1) Requirements Definitions/Needs Assessments, 2) System Specifications and Request for Proposal, 3) Selection, 4) Leveraging Contract Negotiations, and 5) Implementations.  We have successfully completed system selections and/or implementations for the following technologies/systems:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Best of Breed
• Financial Management
• Human Resources and Payroll
• Maintenance and Inventory Management
• Time and Attendance
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Business Intelligence (BI)
• Electronic Documents Management Systems (EDMS)
• Public Housing Authorities (PHA)
• Transit Operations
• Dispatch and Runcutting
• Customer Service

1) Requirements Definitions:
The requirements definition stage is oftentimes overlooked, which can lead to schedule delays, wasted resources, and customer dissatisfaction.  Simply stated, requirements definition refers to figuring out what the organization needs before selecting and implementing a new system.    Conducting a requirements definition bridges the gaps between what technologies vendors offer off-the-shelf and the expectations of the purchasing agency.

During the requirements definition phase, RNR Consulting conducts interviews, documents current processes, shadows documents, and separates wants from needs, which enables us to develop client specific system specifications and a detailed request for proposal.

2) System Specifications and Request for Proposals (RFP):
System specifications detail the data processing techniques and functionalities that an organization needs in the new technology.  RNR Consulting utilizes the specifications as a criteria in the selection phase as well as system acceptance criteria during the implementation phase.  System Specifications are submitted with the RFP.  Examples of system specifications include: does the system track employee sick and leave time or does the system track drug/alcohol testing, does the system have security controls to protect employee sensitive data, etc.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a formal mechanism that an organization uses to convey their current business processes and requirements; it solicits vendors to determine which solution best meets the needs of the organization (i.e. cost versus benefit).  The RFP should include the organization’s background and scope of work, legal requirements for the vendors, contact information, timelines, and expectations, system specifications, and evaluation criteria, which will be used during the selection phase.

3) Selections:
The selection phase of an implementation includes activities such as vendor demonstrations, site visits, reference checks, and a qualitative and quantitative cost benefit analysis.   The evaluation criteria from the RFP are scored by RNR Consulting and members of the project team, and the proposed solution with the highest score is invited to enter into negotiations with the organization.  It is critical that the evaluation be thorough to eliminate any vendor disputes.

4) Leveraging Contract Negotiations:
Once a vendor has been selected, the agency enters into contract negotiations with the selected vendor.  To leverage negotiations items such as cost, functionality, warranties, maintenance plans, training plans, workplans, contractual language, payment terms, etc should be evaluated and discussed prior to meeting with the vendor.  In the event that an agreement cannot be made between the two organizations, the firm with the second highest score should be asked to enter into negotiations.

5) Implementations:
For implementations to be successful, it is critical that agency’s have the capacity to hear the truth and act upon it.  Moreover, organizations have direct lines of communication with our Principal and Senior Leadership team.  Project management tools should be utilized including: workplans, training plans, communication plans, action and issue items, board reports, meeting minutes, etc.  Our implementation model includes the following stages:

• Design
• Data conversion
• Testing
• Pilot
• Training
• Roll-out
• ‘Go-Live’

Clients we have successfully completed system selection and implementation phases include: Antelope Valley Transit Authority; Calvert County; Charlotte Area Transit System; City of Cleveland; City of Cleveland, Division of Water; City of Lancaster; City of Shaker Heights; County of Riverside; Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority; Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority; Jefferson Memorial Hospital; Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority; Ohio Israel Chamber of Commerce; Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority; Stark Area Regional Transit Authority; Tacoma Housing Authority; Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority; Undercar Express; and University Hospitals Health System.