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Manhattan has an in-house consulting team with extensive industry, software implementation and project management experience. Business processes, requirements and objectives are reviewed to ensure the system is implemented in a way that the organization increases efficiencies and reduces manual effort. During an active implementation, a project manager is assigned to each client. This person is responsible throughout the implementation for working with the client to address project strategy, issue resolution, scheduling, and managing resources. In addition to the project manager, subject matter expert consultants are assigned to each implementation to assist with process definition, system configuration and training. In addition to in house expertise, Manhattan leverages strategic consulting alliances with premier organizations to lend complementary skills to the implementation when required.
Manhattan views project management as a joint effort between the client and the Manhattan. The foundation to a successful project is an agreed upon detailed project plan, project objective, resource allocations and budget. Manhattan believes in a no surprises approach to management and is quick to identify any issues on a project as soon as they emerge. Implementations generally fall into a Out of the Box approach where configuration and training is sufficient to bring Manhattan into Service to a Customized Approach where custom development is needed to bring Manhattan into Service. Whether or not customization is required there are 2 approaches to any implementation; (1) Phased approach based on modules (functionality) or properties OR (2) Big Bang, where all modules, all properties go live simultaneously, which we do not often recommend. Milestones are established based on the approach and client timing requirements.
Manhattan can provide any level of installation services desired, from performing the installation for the client to training the client’s IT staff to do the installation. Detailed documentation is provided on software installation procedures. Generic module documentation is provided, but when necessary is customized throughout the implementation to include client specific configurations and business process requirements. The same services are available for system upgrades. Detailed release notes are provided for each system release to highlight the enhancements and improvements available in that release.
Manhattan also offers the option of the client choosing the option of Software as a Service (SaaS) which means that it is hosted outside of the client’s IT environment and allows for more rapid implementation for production, improved security, performance and availability and it is then an operating expense, rather than a capital expense.
Manhattan can also provide post-implementation training customized for the client’s specific business requirements.
Specific Professional Technical Services include:
• Requirements Analysis/ Business Process Engineering
• Systems Implementation Planning
• Technology Review and Environment Installation
• System Architecture/ Design
• Prototyping
• Systems Implementation/Deployment
• System Configuration and Testing
• Enterprise Wide Integration
• End User Documentation and Creation
Requirements Analysis/Business Process Engineering
Manhattan, or one of its consulting partners, works closely with clients to define and analyze business, user and technical requirements, as well as current processes and systems. We often work with clients to “white board” business processes exploring various options and selecting the optimum approach.. We then gain an understanding of what the business, users and technologies require in the future and then recommend the best methodology to improve project management, real estate and portfolio management, facility and space management and/or maintenance and operations management. If there is a need for a large scale business process improvement project, we will recommend one of our partner consulting firms
Systems Implementation Planning
During this planning phase, the Manhattan project’s objectives, scope, timing and resource requirements are determined. The Manhattan Project Plan, Team Calendar and Current Report Inventory are created during this phase. Milestones are established based on the approach and client timing requirements and a phasing schedule is created, if applicable. A project binder is assembled which includes the project’s objective, the team, calendar, project plan and meeting requirements.
Technology Review and Environment Installation
Prior to installation of the system, a complete review of the infrastructure is conducted and documented to ensure all technical requirements have been addressed. Typically, three “environments” will be established: training, testing and production. A current and future state infrastructure document is produced which includes information on servers, sizing, other systems, software versions (i.e. ERP systems) and communications.
System Architecture Design
Manhattan works with clients to determine the current and future state of the business process requirements. This phase ensures the implementation will address both short and long term business strategies. Detailed specifications are created, as well as the design of any interfaces and the rollout strategy is defined. For the more complex implementations, design workshops are held which includes hands-on training for each module for the entire project team. The objective of this session is do provide a thorough understanding of the functionality of Manhattan products and best determine any configuration or customization decisions. Out of this comes a systems build document which details all business processes and system configuration decisions.
Prototyping
The Manhattan team may suggest a prototype be created before full implementation which is an incomplete model of the future full-featured software program which allows users to have the first of idea of how the completed program will perform and makes for an easier early evaluation. This way Manhattan can get feedback early in the project and, with the client, compare if the software matches the specification. It also is a good way for the team to get insight into the accuracy of the initial project estimates, deadlines and milestones.
Systems Implementation/Deployment
The goal of Manhattan systems implementation is to insure installations are carried out in a timely and cost effective manner. Professional Service personnel make use of best practices acquired from over 100 complex implementations carried out by Manhattan. In some cases, we need to carry out detailed migration and cutover plans to insure continuity to the end user. This occurs when Manhattan is replacing another Software Application within the client’s Enterprise.
System Configuration/Testing
Manhattan works with clients to enhance the value of their solutions through the development of tailored workflows (process automation), interfaces, system integrations, reports and dashboards, based on Key Performance Indicators.
Enterprise Wide Integration
As an integration and collaboration platform, Manhattan enables seamless information exchange among multiple real estate, HR, financial and other workplace applications in a single, centralized view of the workplace. This approach to integration provides our clients with a Web-based platform for better decision-making, strategic analysis and scenario planning.
During system integration, Manhattan’s integration team works closely with clients to define each workplace application and system to be integrated into Manhattan software, develop automated and systematic data feeds into and identify any specialized programming requirements for third party or legacy systems.
End User Documentation
Manhattan Software will provide generic documentation for each functional area. End user documentation will be developed based on this documentation, configuration decisions and client procedures. End user training curriculum and supporting materials such as quick reference cards will also be developed. Manhattan team members will often conduct the end user training in a train-the-trainer format.
 | Business Process Automation
Manhattan's Consulting team works with clients on automating their critical business processes by designing tailored workflows to drive efficiencies and cost savings. Examples of process workflows include:
• Move, Add, Change
• Lease Transactions
• Service Requests
• Allocations and Chargebacks
• Hoteling/Resource Reservation
| Executive Dashboards
Manhattan's Consulting team works with client executives to define and analyze their key performance indicators (KPIs) and create executive dashboards to provide real-time information and decision support. Examples of KPIs include:
• Utilization
• Vacancy
• Business Unit Performance
• Occupancy Costs
• Lease Obligations
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Manhattan's Consulting team works closely with our Fortune 500 and industry-leading clients to ensure the speed and success of their CenterStone deployments. Our team and solution partners provide the experience and expertise to help clients maximize the value and user experience of an integrated solution for their workplace professionals, corporate executives, general employees and business partners. By helping clients define and prioritize needs, we deliver a solution that is easy to learn and use, drives high levels of adoption and provides the scale to meet evolving business requirements. We work closely with client deployment teams and third-party consultants to understand strategic project objectives and translate them into a project plan that ensures on time and on budget delivery. Services
- Requirements Analysis: Consulting works closely with clients to define and analyze business, user and technical requirements, as well as current systems and process, in order to align Manhattan CenterStone and project stakeholders around best practices and critical success factors.
- Architecture/ Design: Manhattan works with clients to plan and develop detailed specifications, interface design and rollout strategy to ensure a successful CenterStone deployment, based on the requirements defined above.
- Implementation/Deployment: Manhattan is distinguished for its rapid deployments, ease of use and scalability, whether through defined client processes or Manhattan's industry best practices.
- Configuration: Manhattan works with clients to enhance the value of their solutions through the development of tailored workflows (process automation), interfaces, system integrations, reports and dashboards, based on your Key Performance Indicators. For more information, please visit the Integration section of our Web site.
- Educational Services: Manhattan provides a multitude of interactive (classroom, onsite and Web-based) instructor-led training programs focused on increasing CenterStone usage, proficiency and knowledge. For more information, please visit the Training section of our Web site.
Our project managers lead a delivery team and coordinate efforts with clients to ensure proper communication, planning and execution and tight management of schedules, budgets and scope of integration and customization projects to ensure client success. |
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