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LIVING THROUGH CIS. …and loving it!. Keys to Happiness. Know what you don’t know Set and communicate realistic expectations Expect the unexpected. Before You Start. Executive sponsorship Environmental review Experienced Project Manager. Take Your Time. 1997 – Deregulation
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LIVING THROUGH CIS …and loving it!
Keys to Happiness • Know what you don’t know • Set and communicate realistic expectations • Expect the unexpected
Before You Start • Executive sponsorship • Environmental review • Experienced Project Manager
Take Your Time • 1997 – Deregulation • Began in earnest in 2001 • 4 months to develop RFP • 6 months to select vendor • 16 month implementation
Select Vendor Wisely • 50% failure rate • Prior successes • Depth of experience • Balance product and company
Contract Negotiations • Remember, we don’t speak the same language • Don’t forget incidentals and peripherals • CONTINGENCY
SANE IMPLEMENTATION • Cross-functional team – area experts • DEDICATED team • Backfill critical positions • Consider using vendor for selected tasks
PREPARE!!! • Document ALL procedures • Document AND run all current reports • Meters • Customers • Services • Financial
Data Scrub… • Correct existing data before conversion • Combine customers • Clean up addresses • Review meter data
TEST, TEST, TEST!!! • Test scripts for all processes & interfaces • Include users in testing process • Allow time to test aged data • What have you missed?
Hands on training • Train area experts • Start training early … familiarity! • Step by step procedures • Refresh before go-live • Retrain as necessary
Mock Go-Live • Schedule at least two • Financial balancing a must! • Identify items for manual input • Schedule all events!!!
…AT THE END OF THE DAY • Don’t be naïve … just because you have a requirement in the contract doesn’t mean you’ll get it • New technology is not a panacea • Plan on 2-3 year post-implementation struggle • CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!
Contact Information • Joanne Fletcher Burbank Water and Power jfletcher@ci.burbank.ca.us 818-238-3706