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:
- The client appoints an internal project manager for the system. This person may be an operations manager or
an IT staff person.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The system can then Go-Live, possibly with on-site assistance by BellHawk Systems.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.