But it required a pretty specific plan and we had to stick to the plan even though we knew we wouldn’t be looking at the end product in 90 days.  In it’s basic form we had i. a plan with critical milestones and ii. what I’m calling “building blocks” (i.e., framing, plumbing, electrical etc).  We had to make sure that each of the building blocks was fully defined ahead of time (i.e., framed walls went here and not over there) and mapped out on the timeline to fit it in the 90 day window.  Since I was the one managing the workplan I actually ended up switching the tasks around and going against the traditional order followed in construction.

Now, use the same analogy but apply it to HFM.  You will have i. a 90 day plan with predefined milestones….that comes from us, and ii. your building blocks (i.e., COA, entity structure, client list, products, business rules etc)….that comes from you.  Once we have all the building blocks defined we can assemble your application in 90 days assuming you stick to the plan!  What I find the hardest part of implementing HFM is the definition of your building blocks.  Take the chart of accounts for example.  The number of iterations that the chart will go through during a development cycle will surprise you and also extend the development timeline as these refinements are made in an effort to get everything 100%

So, what if we gave you a chart of accounts as a starting point based on your industry?  What if we gave you this chart and then showed you a format that we needed it in to be considered a “building block”?  Now repeat this process for all the other components and there you have all the pieces for your new application.  Using the timeline we provide and manage to you have the ability to be up and running within 90 days!  Will your application include multiple reporting structures and complex items like Cash Flow on day one….probably not…..but you’ll be up and running! What’s even cooler is that Phase II won’t be that far behind with the additional reporting detail that you need to have your final product.

The onus will be on you to stay within the 90 timeline and complete construction on your house.  Or, you may decide to move a wall or two understanding the consequences to the timeline as a result.  At the end of the day it’s your decision….but you do have the option to move in after 90 days putting the final trim work on at a later point in time.

First you have to identify the applications that are suitable for developing and maintaining remotely. Not all situations will fit this criterion due to security and procedures around administering certain applications and/or environments. I’d say 95% of the time this is not an issue however; I’ve been at some financial services clients where AMO was not an option.

Second, you need to know the company you outsource too. More importantly they need to know you and know your business. Outsourcing for the sake of outsourcing or, saving money is in my opinion short sighted and misses the concept of outsourcing all together. Most Hyperion Financial Management applications are considered mission critical due to the impact they can have on the close cycle of a company and therefore, share price. Do you really want to hand that responsibility over to ‘cousin Vinny’ because he’s 10% less than a more reputable firm?

Either way, you’ll need to develop a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that covers all situations. Furthermore, you need to realize that you’re handing over the keys! Whether you like or not, the provider you just gave the keys to became a partner and trusted advisor to you and your company! Make sure you have the procedures in place to ensure success and the capability to monitor that success.

Last, make sure that the provider you give the keys to is flexible and supports your business processes. Not the other way around! This should be reflected in your SLA as well as the measuring and monitoring of performance against that SLA. If you fit the above requirements then it’s worth looking into AMO to explore further if it’s right for you. If it is, there are some significant benefits that will help position you for short term as well as long term success.

For more information on AMO or, to see if outsourcing fits your needs please contact Rick Cadman 416.977.2229.