Month: January 2014

This post is part II of IV in a series about ICG’s implementation solutions. Over the coming weeks, we’ll cover each aspect of our implementation solutions, from project management to go-live and support. Be sure to check back later for more posts in the series. You can find part I of the series here.

On Monday, we covered part I of our series about ICG’s implementation solutions, and discussed the approach we take during the project management stage of implementation.

The next step of implementation is business blueprinting, which we’ll discuss today.

Business blueprinting can be broken down into three main elements:

• HCM business process and SAP HCM functionality alignment
• Process redesign to incorporate SAP HCM best practice
• Design of client specific solutions

Business blueprinting is a vital piece of the roadmap for subsequent stages of implementation.

This comprehensive approach is necessary to design a solution that accurately reflects the business’ need. Current HCM business processes and functionalities are identified and detailed out in step-by-step instructions and flowcharts, all with success factors incorporated.

These documents provide the current state, and will be compared with SAP best practices and functionality to determine where they are similar, where potential gaps exist, and where change management will be more heavily involved.

Change management will be an integral component where processes need to be redesigned to allow the staff to be efficient once they move from the current system to SAP, or from current SAP to enhanced SAP. SAP HCM best practices will also be incorporated to provide a more efficient and effective implementation, and ongoing support as part of the solution landscape.

This time is also used to get staff trained and fully educated about the SAP functionality and processes, so that they can make informed decisions to reduce the risk of needing something different during the next phase: realization.

When SAP HCM will not meet current business requirements with standard functionality or process redesign, we look at how to mitigate the gap by configuring and testing enhancements. SAP provides several avenues for enhancements, and we use those enhancements sparingly to reduce implementation and ongoing support costs. Our professionals have seen many situations, and can offer recommendations on how they have seen other companies meet their business requirements.

By the end of business blueprinting, you will be able to compare current processes to future SAP processes, and see exactly where the organization needs to head strategically, with the optimum technical configuration. The business blueprint is reviewed and signed off by the business staff, and the design is set from the start.

Like project management, business blueprinting is an essential step in making sure that the project is properly planned out, and that the business we’re partnered with is properly aligned for success. Knowing how current processes compare to future SAP processes allows you to make better predictions about how things will run after implementation, and helps make the process run as smoothly as possible.

Want to learn more about ICG? Get in touch with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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photo credit: Telstar Logistics via photopin cc

This post is part I of IV in a series about ICG’s implementation solutions. Over the coming weeks, we’ll cover each aspect of our implementation solutions, from project management to go-live and support. Be sure to check back later for more posts in the series. 

As you may have gathered from our past few posts here on the blog, we here at ICG believe that understanding our consulting process is essential to understanding the types of problems we can help your business overcome, and even just the services we offer.

To help our readers along with that process, today, we’re going to kick off a series about ICG’s implementation solutions. By working with your staff in close partnership at every level, we can help you creatively solve business issues across a wide variety of industries and verticals.

The first step in the implementation process is project management.

To start, project management encapsulates a number of things:

• Planning and management
• Project documentation and change management
• Detailed implementation planning to task level
• Resource planning
• Risk management and troubleshooting
• Data conversion, interface and reporting strategies
• Help desk support planning

Recognizing that project management is a crucial component of any successful project, each step in our project management process is designed to help set you up for success and to communicate the rationale behind the project’s definition, plan, and execution. The success of any project comes not only from the ability to identify various critical paths, but also from the ability to understand and excel on the many facets of the project, from budget, to timeline, and tasks to complete.

The end game is where we start to fully understand what the company needs and wants beforehand to assess potential impacts on the overall project. We then know where we want to be and where we are, and can develop best how we get there by providing working scenarios of the critical paths.

Change management is ingrained into our philosophy (and accordingly into our project management phase of implementation) because we know the partner company is making a significant investment and needs to have immediate ROI.

The approach to transitioning a team/organization is key to that need, especially where a project is introduced, changed, and/or approved in the process of implementation. We deal with a systematic approach and application of knowledge to either deal with, change, or adopt strategic procedures to help the partner in such a business environment process to achieve desired outcomes.

But there’s more to success in our partnerships than just our approach to transitioning a team—identifying existing conditions that can be leveraged to make the project more effective, or hurdles that may cause struggle as we go through this phase, allows us to utilize that knowledge and work with the conditions as the project progresses.

What’s more, identifying potential risks and implementing contingencies at the beginning allows us greater flexibility to continue without missing stride during the project. As CEO and Managing Partner here at ICG, Mike Timm’s key role is to guide the use of these concepts and contingencies so that they help, rather than hinder the project team’s progress.

As the project management progresses, proper organizational structures, documentation requirements, and repositories are nailed down, reducing questions. The burden on resources is to make well-informed decisions and put those in place with as little administrative overhead as possible. By utilizing highly experienced and professional resources, we allow for a flatter project management structure, and a tighter focus on project tasks. The goal here is for clear authority and responsibility, improved communications, and proper integration at the highest level.

Finally, project management also includes detailing out a systematic timeline so that resources can be scheduled and we have the right person, with the right skillset, at the right time; we don’t have resources milling about or learning on the job. A strong program of measures and metrics is essential for ensuring that objectives are met, and proper project oversight and control help ensure that the outcome of the project will be successful.

From the very beginning, every aspect of the project needs to be identified. Since we start with the end game, we know from the outset how data will be converted from existing systems, what interfaces with third parties need to be created or modified, what gap there may or may not be between the old and new systems, and how those gaps are addressed.

Knowing early on how the program is going to go, and how the partner company wants to set up their ongoing support team, ultimately helps with success in executing and producing deliverables necessary.

The best way to ensure success while helping a business navigate the changing world is by proper planning, and here at ICG, our project management process starts with well-thought-out planning. By sitting down with our partner company and working out every detail of the project well ahead of implementation, we help ensure a smooth transition, and ultimately the success of our clients in solving whatever problems they’re trying to deal with.

Want to learn more about ICG? Get in touch with us in the comments or on Twitter.

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photo credit: Martin Gillet via photopin cc

When we started up our blog again last week, we kicked off with a post about what ICG is and what we do. And while that can be useful for readers and customers already familiar with SAP HCM, we thought we’d take a moment today to step back and break our services down to a more basic level.

Even for companies already using SAP software, looking further into different modules and solutions surrounding SAP implementation and change management can get confusing, which is why we thought we’d take a closer look at exactly what SAP HCM is. 

What Is SAP HCM?

SAP, as you probably already know, is an Enterprise Resource Planning software business suite that consists of several integrated software modules. SAP modules range from Financials and Controlling, to Human Resources/Human Capital Management, to Production Planning. Our main concern here at ICG is SAP HCM, the Human Capital Management module within the enterprise suite.

Put simply, the SAP HCM module is a software solution for Human Capital Management, which can help your business manage everything from time management and payroll to hiring and workforce training. Altogether, the HCM module of SAP can take an employee from hire to retire, and can help you manage your entire workforce in a manner that simply wasn’t possible before the arrival of software solutions like those currently offered by SAP.

Human Capital Management has the potential to be extremely complicated, and software solutions like SAP HCM can help organizations make the best of their workforce, both current and future. When used properly, SAP HCM is an absolutely incredible tool. 

Why Do I Need ICG’s Help? 

The far-reaching capabilities of SAP HCM are an upside in the proper hands, but when managed incorrectly are impossible to use to their full potential. Taking full advantage of the software’s functionality requires possessing full knowledge of its capabilities, and also requires a user with experience who knows how best to use the software to drive real business results. That’s just not possible without a thorough introduction to the software, and it’s not something that a company can hope to accomplish by trying to learn the software on their own.

That’s where ICG comes in. We’re specialists in SAP HCM, and know what it takes to help clients succeed in implementing and supporting the HCM module of SAP’s software. Not only that—we help with the integration of the HCM module to other modules, and can help SAP-user companies reach their full potential with our wide variety of consulting services that extend far beyond a basic knowledge of SAP HCM software.

Even for companies already using SAP software, proper utilization of the HCM module can be a tough task without proper guidance, and that’s what we’re here to help with at ICG. By helping companies implement HCM and look at the full picture—looking at systems goals, not just for solutions within the SAP software itself—we go above and beyond in helping companies take advantage of the full functionality of SAP HCM software in order to succeed.

Here at ICG, we don’t want to just help companies implement SAP HCM to the bare minimum—we want them to fully understand what they have and where they’re going, and that’s something that takes time and experience. If you’re interested in using SAP’s HCM software to help your business become more efficient while navigating this changing world, Integrated Consulting Group is here to help.

Interested in learning more about SAP HCM and how it can help your business? Let us know on Twitter @Integrated_CG, via email at info@integratedcg.com, or by phone at (866) 415-0071. We’re always here to answer your questions and would be more than happy to help.

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photo credit: Martin Gillet via photopin cc

Part of being an HR professional involves being well-versed in what’s going on in the worlds of Human Resources and Human Capital Management. While ICG is here to help you with the implementation and support of SAP HCM, it never hurts to be educated about the space—and in terms of doing that, the internet is a great place to start.

Even so, there’s so much information on the web that it can sometimes be tough to know what’s legitimate and what isn’t. To help our readers navigate those resources and get good, useful information, we thought we’d put together a list of blogs and resources for HR professionals, and for anyone looking to get an introduction to the inner workings of HCM.

Here are our 7 favorite blogs and online resources for anyone interested in HR and HCM:

• RecruitingBlogs: Geared more towards HR than HCM, RecruitingBlogs is nonetheless a great collection of blogs for HR professionals. From recruiting on LinkedIn, to executive leadership, this is a great place for keeping up on what’s happening in the HR world.
• ASUG’s Learning Center: ASUG, or the Americas’ SAP Users’ Group, is essentially a collection of SAP customers. More than that, though, their site is a great hub for information about SAP and HCM. This is a good place to start if you’re looking to learn the basics about SAP and Human Capital Management.
• HR Tech Europe: On the other side of the pond, HR Tech Europe is an annual HR technology conference focusing on everything from big data, to recruiting technology, to HCM. Like ASUG’s Learning Center above, HR Tech Europe’s collection of resources online contains valuable reading material for HR professionals.
• All About HCM: All about HCM is, as its name suggests, a blog focusing on Human Capital Management. If you’re looking for in-depth information about some of the tougher questions surrounding HCM, All About HCM is a good blog to reference.
• SAP Community Network: If you’re only going to read one of the resources on this list, SAP’s Community Network should be that resource. Providing info straight from SAP itself, the Community Network brings HR and HCM experts together, making for a valuable online community and tool.
• ERE: ERE, best known for their annual ERE Recruiting Conference, also has a strong blog. This blog contains a good mix of all kinds of information for HR professionals, covering a wide variety of topics that you should be concerned about if you’re in the HR space.
• The HR Capitalist: The HR Capitalist is easily the most fun to read of the resources listed here—but don’t let that fool you. The information provided here may be fun to read, but within each seemingly lighthearted post is a valuable lesson about HR.

Obviously, ICG is here to help with broader solutions—navigating the changing business space can be difficult, and we’re here to help implement and support large-scale SAP HCM solutions to help businesses meet the ongoing needs that come along with change management. But as we’ve already mentioned, our solutions don’t mean that you can’t familiarize yourself with the current happenings of the HR and HCM spaces.

These blogs and resources may not tell you everything you need to know about Human Resources and Human Capital Management, but they’re a great place to start for framing your company’s place within the changing business world.

Want to learn more about HR or HCM than what’s available at the resources we compiled here? Let us know on Twitter @Integrated_CG, via email at info@integratedcg.com, or by phone at (866) 415-0071. We’re always here to answer your questions and would be more than happy to help.

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photo credit: Martin Gillet via photopin cc

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mike Timm, Managing Partner here at ICG. He has some great insights on the world of SAP HCM, on ICG, and on normal life in the workplace here in our office.

You can read the full interview below:

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your background in consulting, what’s your interest in SAP HCM, and how did you end up in your position here at ICG? 

I’ve been working as a consultant since 1996. Most of the emphasis has been in the HCM space. Prior to consulting, I worked for companies where I had the opportunity to work personally and focus on HR, Benefits, and Payroll departments. I enjoyed collaborating with those departments and experienced the challenges faced to balance the relationship of employees and employer, as well as linkages to compliance systems.

Labor costs for many companies are the highest expense so HCM has a big influence on the bottom line. I like to work with companies and focus my approach on employee engagement, streamlined processes, and user-friendly and useful tools providing significant ROI. SAP HCM is valuable tool as a solution to meet the clients’ needs.

I founded ICG in April 2000 because I wanted to provide highly qualified consultants to companies wanting to use SAP HCM as a useful tool in their overall strategic outlook. Our engagements are truly partnerships. We get to know the partner business thoroughly and work closely with the partner’s staff to ensure they fully understand what the SAP HCM solution will do for them.

What does a normal day of work look like for you? Is your schedule dynamic, or do you have a set routine that you tend to follow every day? 

I’m not sure normal days really exist! Each day brings its own set of challenges and rewards, and those can vary based on the partner company and type of engagement. The companies I work with have diverse needs so early mornings and late evenings do occur. I am accessible 24/7. 

In our post on Tuesday, we offered a little bit of insight into our unique approach to SAP HCM here at ICG. Our focus isn’t just on implementation–it’s on support and management after the fact. Can you give our readers a little more information on this approach, and how it helps bring success to our clients?

Our approach is not to just put SAP HCM in place and walk away. We want our partner company to fully understand what the software can do as we go through the application process and change management integration necessary when implementing new software or enhancing existing systems. 

Change management can go a long way with helping a company transition, but business requirements do change as a company evolves. Our support and management service cover these ongoing needs. This ranges from discussing potential thoughts and ideas, to a fully outsourced approach model.  

We keep it very flexible to meet the partner company needs as their requirements change. Developing an overall strategy, communications with end-users, and implementing a manageable change process, is of the utmost importance. As with our Implementation services, we want the partner company to fully understand what they have and where they are going.

What’s the biggest challenge you regularly face as an SAP Consultant? Obviously, today’s business world is constantly changing. Do you find that that constant change makes developing solutions difficult, or is it just part of the process? 

We must be constantly updating our knowledge base and identify our best resources. Available functionality continues to evolve and with recent acquisitions of companies such as SuccessFactors, the expansion has been fast and broad in scope. Continuing to develop expertise requires attending webinars and conferences, scheduling formal education, self-education, and networking with peers.

This continued focus on being well-versed in existing and new functionality allows me to provide partner companies with the information in a concise and up-to-date manner. I don’t see this as an option, but something that must be ingrained in how we, as consultants, provide our services.

What does the normal process look like when a client is onboarded with ICG, if there is one? Do all clients go from implementation directly to support solutions, or is that decided solely on a case-by-case basis? Moreover, what kind of support and/or solutions can a client expect if they choose ICG for their consulting needs?  

We make onboarding as simple as possible for the partner company. To become an effective colleague, we gather considerable amounts of data. We work closely with the partner company to determine how much time their individuals have, how much information we request directly from the partner company, and how much we seek out directly by reviewing their existing documents and SAP system. The approach is to learn quickly so we perform at a high-level, without overwhelming the partner company staff. 

The types of solutions we provide are based on initial discussions with the partner company about their needs and wants. Implementation to support solutions is not a foregone conclusion, but those initial needs and wants along with the strategy we develop produces a roadmap that is easily understandable.

Regardless of the type of solution we are engaged with, we believe the following to be our hallmarks:

• Respect, integrity, trust, professionalism, and communication
• Dedication to client satisfaction and success
• Unique knowledge and specialization of our consultants
• Singular focus in the SAP Human Capital Management suite of products 

Finally, what’s your favorite part about SAP Consulting? Throughout your career, there’s no doubt that you’ve done a lot of diverse work across a variety of industries and business needs–so what keeps you coming back? 

Meeting new people and working with new companies is very intriguing and fun to me. I enjoy seeing how companies and people perform their processes and it has taught me that the underlying needs and base processes are very similar across companies. Leveraging and sharing that knowledge with new or existing clients to help define their requirements or streamline their processes is very fulfilling. 

A very common question I get is “How do others do this?”. Providing options and opinions to that question and seeing the impact is always very rewarding.

If you’d like to learn more about Mike Timm or ICG and how we can help you work towards a successful future, let us know on Twitter @Integrated_CG, via email at info@integratedcg.com, or by phone at (866) 415-0071.

Over the last few years on our blog here at ICG, we’ve covered a lot. From alleviating cost burdens in SAP payroll, to recapping HR conferences, to announcing important events, we’ve used our blog to help keep our readers and customers up on what’s going on in HR, HCM, and with SAP.

Until now, though, we’ve been fairly sporadic with posting. This year, we’re making an effort to post to our blog more regularly, keeping our readers up on topics like those we mentioned above—but with a little more frequency. We’ll be posting twice a week and consistently making an effort to make our blog a great source of information for our readers and customers.

To kick things off, we thought we’d start with an introduction to ICG for our new readers.

ICG, or Integrated Consulting Group, is a consulting firm specializing in the implementation and support of SAP Human Capital Management (HCM). We help our clients and partners meet their SAP application needs, and since our founding in 2000 have had performance success across a broad array of industries—from professional services to manufacturing—and a wide array of business needs.

We can break our services down into implementation solutions and support solutions, but can highlight some of our main focus points for client service and support:

• SAP Human Capital Management
• Change Management
• Technology and Operational Solutions
• Strategy (and Execution)
• Innovation and Customization
• Product Management and Planning
• Product Support

From resource planning and risk management, to end user training, to implementation and support of best practices and technology, ICG is here to help you with SAP HCM and to help your business run as efficiently and successfully as possible.

Here at ICG, we’re experts in change management. We differ from other consulting groups in the way we manage our partnerships with companies. While many companies help implement SAP HCM, very few do what we do in terms of management and support after the fact. We believe that management and support after implementation are just as important as the implementation of SAP HCM itself, and make it a point to help companies through the entire process to realize smooth and ongoing operations—which certainly isn’t something you’ll find commonly amongst other consulting firms.

When working with ICG, you won’t just get assistance with the implementation and support of SAP HCM—you’ll get an entire team with years of experience helping organizations of every size (and across many industries), along with the hands-on expertise of Mike Timm, Managing Partner of ICG and experienced SAP Certified Consultant. All of the services we offer here at ICG are here to help businesses reach their future goals, and we’re committed to developing innovative, value-generating solutions for all of our clients.

If you’d like to learn more about ICG and how we can help you work towards a successful future, let us know on Twitter @Integrated_CG, via email at info@integratedcg.com, or by phone at (866) 415-0071. We’re always here to answer your questions and would be more than happy to help.