BellHawk Systems Agile Implementation Process

The BellHawk software works "out-of-the-box" and can be configured by its users to meet most of the inventory and production tracking requirements of each organization. Also the MilramX software can be used to implement many automated data exchanges with ERP and accounting systems without custom programming.

We encourage users to take a "Do It Yourself" approach to systems implementation, wherever possible, and provide extensive documentation on how to install, configure, and use the BellHawk and MilramX software.

At the same time we recognize that these activities can be time consuming. Reading through a 6" thick stack of manuals to learn all the details of how to implement and use a an operations and materials tracking system can take a lot of time, especially if you are learning a lot of new technology and principles involved. Add in the complexity of configuring MilramX to exchange data with an ERP or an accounting system and the process can quickly become overwhelming, especially for someone trying to do a full time job filled with other responsibilities.

As a result, many of our clients rely on BellHawk Systems' staff to provide project management, installation, configuration, database setup, systems integration, user training and support services. They also rely on our guidance and expertise for the best way to implement the operations tracking system to achieve the desired result, including selection of the needed barcode and RFID equipment and supplies.

We recommend that deployment occurs in a series of phases, such as implementing tracking in (1) receiving and put-away, (2) a production area, or (3) packing, warehousing, and shipping of finished products; but not necessarily in that order.

Where BellHawk Systems is managing the deployment project we use an Agile implementation method to enable the operations management systems to be deployed as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. This typically proceeds as follows:

1. The client appoints an internal project manager for the system. This person may be an operations manager or an IT staff person.
2. Wherever possible, the client starts out using BellHawk Online, even if they are subsequently planning to install the software in house. This enables clients to rapidly start using the software to solve most of their problems without the IT delays inherent in installing the software in-house. It also gives great flexibility in the system configuration as the licensed modules and number of users can be quickly changed to allow clients to experiment with using different aspects of the software.
3. The client starts out using BellHawk Online on a stand alone basis, possibly supplemented by data exchange in the form of Excel spreadsheet or comma delimited file transfers. This will probably require some duplicate data entry initially but enables the system to be quickly made operational and gives experience with what data needs to be exchanged. Subsequently, this duplicate data entry may be replaced with automated data exchange, possibly using the MilramX software platform.
4. For simple installations, training and support in using BellHawk Online can be provided remotely to save on travel expenses. For more complex installations it is recommended that a member of BellHawk Systems staff come on-site to provide support in setting up the system and training in its use. Such an on-site visit enables BellHawk Systems staff members to understand the client's operations and then to provide expert advice on how to solve the client's operational problems.
5. A standard operations process (SOP) is written detailing how its is proposed that the BellHawk system will be used to capture data and print labels for the proposed application. This is based on existing user manuals and is typically done jointly by BellHawk Systems staff working with the client's project manager. This document then forms the basis for providing training to operations personnel.
6. As part of the initial deployment a "training room" pilot installation is setup with a PC, an office printer, and one of each mobile computer, barcode scanner and barcode printer that will be used in the first phase of deployment.
7. This pilot installation is then used to train the project manager as well as operations managers, supervisors, and IT staff in the use of the system. This training may be provided on a remote basis or on-site. The project manager, assisted by the operations managers, will then train the employees on their teams.
8. As part of the training room pilot, everyone is requested to do their testing of the system with real operational data. In this way any customizations to data capture actions needed before deployment can be identified and the appropriate customizations made by BellHawk Systems' staff.
9. Prior to Go Live, equipment for the Phase 1 deployment is purchased along with any needed specialty supplies such as rack and floor location labels. The equipment is then installed and tested, which may be done by BellHawk Systems staff, the client's IT staff, one of BellHawk Systems' partners, or a combination.
10. The system can then Go-Live, possibly with on-site assistance by BellHawk Systems.
11. Once the system is up an running, then inevitably special reports and sometimes changes to the operations management screens are required. Changes to the web-based screens are done by BellHawk Systems staff. Clients can generate their own reports using report generator software such as Access, Crystal Reports, and SSRS or rely on BellHawk Systems staff to provide this service.
12. Following training, and possibly deployment, BellHawk Systems staff will work with the client's IT department and its consultants to develop the needed automated data exchange interfaces to eliminate duplicate data entry.
13. Once the Phase 1 deployment is fully up and running then the BellHawk software can be deployed incrementally into other areas of plant operation.

Note that this process does not require the writing of a detailed specification for the system or long delays in coding and testing to this specification. The system is quickly deployed using BellHawk Online in conjunction with the training room pilot and then incrementally tweaked and tailored to meet the business needs of the specific application. Also testing is done with just one of each device so that a change can be made before purchasing multiple devices, if the ergonomics of the device do not work in the specific application. This can dramatically cut the time, cost and risks in deploying a real-time operations tracking and management system.

As both BellHawk and MilramX are designed to be easily configured and customized for a wide range of applications, they can easily be modified as our clients need to respond to new demands by their customers and changed market conditions.

Please click on [Contact Us] button below to speak to an expert from BellHawk Systems about implementing a system soltion to your operations tracking problem.