Overview

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Our process - DIAMOND

"To ensure a successful IT implementation, you must be detail-oriented and comprehensive. Our DIAMOND process gives our consultants the tools to do the job right, from scope and business case to training, support, and beyond." -- Michael Gaardboe, founder of Columbus IT and original architect of DIAMOND.

Experience counts. Implementing an ERP system is one of the most critical projects your company will undertake, and it's important that it be done right.

Columbus was the first company to develop a standard process for large-scale ERP implementations. Our ‘DIAMOND' process is a proven methodology that ensures that your implementation is scoped properly, all key issues are surfaced, and all details are handled.

DIAMOND's key strengths are:

  1. Freedom of choice. You choose the implementation best suited to your company -- Analysis from Process Analysis, Workshop, or Demand Specification.
  2. Integral quality. We use a separate Quality Assurance (QA) cycle on an ongoing basis as we develop your solution, so you know that standards are being followed and quality is being met.
  3. Speed. Since we use standard tools and reuse best practices, you get the fastest implementation possible at the highest quality.
  4. Your control. You're informed and in control every step of the way with precise project management and bi-weekly reporting. You'll know about the issues, risks, budget usage and process -- as they happen.
  5. Communication. You get the benefit of common definitions and standard reporting tools such as Lotus Notes and Microsoft Project. Clear communication is a part of DIAMOND.

Because DIAMOND is practical and scalable, you'll avoid unnecessary overhead common in larger implementations.

DIAMOND uses a ‘waterfall' approach. Since your business needs may change, the project can change even in the middle of implementation. The waterfall approach eliminates the problem of a fixed scope, and ensures that the final implementation will match your business needs. Your company will be able to respond to competitive pressures or changes in the industry.

At the same time, DIAMOND requires proposed modifications to undergo business case analyses. As a result, you'll be assured that costs are tightly controlled throughout the project.

Click on the steps in the diagram above to discover how DIAMOND works for you.

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Customer Story


ALK-Abelló ALK-Abelló
ALK-Abelló is the world's leading producer of allergy vaccines. The company had undergone rapid growth in the past five years, including headcount. As a result, “reporting needs had increased significantly, but we had no IT system to help,” says HR Specialist Vibeke de Stricker Borch. “We chose Columbus for one entirely crucial reason – their...
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