NTT DATA Business Solutions
Remote Implementation Works: Working Smarter Together
(3 minute read)
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a whole host of business challenges, including how to deliver SAP implementation services safely to our clients. Would it be possible to provide the same high level of service our clients have come to expect, with employees working remotely?
NTT DATA Business Solutions was determined to find effective ways to deliver high-quality remote implementation services to our clients, especially since we had multiple client projects in different phases of execution. We spent time working with our project teams to observe, discuss and document successes and challenges in order to ensure our ability to deliver successful projects through remote delivery.
Our Vision for Effective Remote Delivery
In order to rise to the challenges of the ‘new normal,’ NTT DATA Business Solutions developed a new vision for remote delivery based on these goals:
- Ensuring our consultants could work as efficiently and effectively remotely as they do when co-located at the customer’s site.
- Operating as a collaborative team, fully educated in the principles of remote work and equipped with the right tools.
- Building and strengthening collaborative relationships with our clients remotely.
- Continuing to work at pace, providing transparent tracking on deliverables and tasks.
- Managing communication channels effectively through effective use of the right technology.
As a result, we developed a remote delivery model focused on three crucial elements:
People
One of the key factors for delivering SAP projects remotely is building strong relationships with our client counterparts. To ensure a strong communication flow between members of the project team, we created guidelines and processes to support team-building and a regular flow of communication during every phase of the project.
Tools & Technology
Having the right technology and tools in place is crucial for a successful remote-working relationship. NTT DATA Business Solutions is making sure that all client team members have full access to tools such as Microsoft Teams so that they can collaborate effectively.
Process
Well-established and clearly communicated processes are key to smoothly running a project. In fact, process may be even more important in a remote-work environment. To ensure we are following best practices, NTT DATA Business Solutions has established clear guidelines to ensure every phase of the project is documented and has frequent touchpoints between functional teams to ensure alignment on tasks and deliverables.
Remote Delivery Works
Interestingly, a number of our clients have recently achieved “Go Live” with their SAP projects, or are planning to do so soon. During the first five months of the pandemic, we have already had more than 15 Go-Lives and more than 20 new projects started. During this time, we have constantly reviewed and improved our remote-work capabilities and have found that we can deliver the same quality of service as before.
No matter what our clients’ current situation, NTT DATA Business Solutions is encouraged by their support and grateful for the opportunity to start or continue our partnership as we confront the challenges of the ‘new normal’ together.
If you’d like to learn more about how NTT DATA Business Solutions is working successfully with clients on SAP implementation projects, read our expert brief, How We’re Working Smarter Together – Remotely.