The services described here apply to organizations that have already deployed PD-Trak.

Key Questions for Existing PD-Trak Users

• Are you getting the most out of your deployed PD-Trak system? 
• Are your fundamental processes effective?
• Do your people have sufficient knowledge to execute these processes effectively?
• Do you have new employees that need to be trained?
• Do you have the right tools?
• Are there other areas of your business that might benefit from the structure of PD-Trak, giving management a broader view of project activity across the company? 

This page describes our incremental approach to helping our existing clients get the most from their PD-Trak investment.

• Effective processes (click here for description of relevant processes)
  
  
• People with competence in key areas
  
  
• Tools that simplify the implementation of these processes and facilitate good decision making
  

When PD-Trak is first deployed we generally provide training in the use of the tool and the underlying processes.  The rollout of the software and the initial training usually results in a major improvement in effective project execution.  However, there will be substantial opportunities for ongoing improvement. 

Maximizing overall project performance requires an ongoing effort to optimize four key process areas:

• Portfolio management
  
  
• Phase/gate process (the process for project execution)
  
  
• Project management
  
  
• Gate review process (incremental project approval process)

In each case, the process definition must be based on proven principles, the people involved need competence (training), and tools are needed to simply the implementation of the process (PD-Trak).  Most companies cannot cope with a full implementation in all these areas in one step - a phased approach is advisable that allows incremental improvements in project effectiveness to be achieved while still coping with the day to day activities of running the business.

We therefore recommend a periodic assessment of performance be performed, that results in a set of next steps which move your organization closer to achieving maximum project performance.

Services To Support Ongoing Improvement

• Audit of project data to assess understanding and effective use of the phase/gate process and supporting tools
  
  
• Audit of process effectiveness (portfolio management, phase/gate process, project management, gate reviews/project approval process)
  
  
• Training for existing and new employees (click here for more information on available workshops and training modules)
  • Effective use of PD-Trak tools
  • Process fundamentals
  • Project management
  • Portfolio and resource management
  • Conducting gate reviews
  • Product development practices (voice of the customer, requirements definition, design for manufacturability, product launch etc.)
    
    
• Assistance for other parts of your organization in utilizing PD-Trak
  • Understanding the value of PD-Trak; facilitating the decision to use the tools
  • Setting up one or more new business areas in PD-Trak
  • Developing stage/phase-gate template(s)
  • Expanding the resource pool
  • Training for new users
    
    
• PD-Trak tool improvements
  • Upgrades to latest software version
  • Develop new tools/customization

Implementation Planning

Your PD-Trak consultant will work with your organization to develop an implementation plan that reflects your specific situation, needs and priorities.  Contact us today to get started.