Key Considerations for Your Oracle HCM Cloud Implementation
When it comes to deciding whether or not to partner with a team of Oracle HCM on cloud services and implementation experts or undergo the project with solely your in-house team, it’s worth considering some of the potential costs and benefits that come with doing so.
Beyond the peace of mind that comes with entrusting experts to get the job done quickly and correctly, partnering with a trusted HCM implementation team can unlock cloud innovation value for your organization. Should you choose to work with an HCM implementation partner, below are several key considerations you should consider when selecting and vetting potential partners.
1. Peace of Mind – Is this a partner I can trust to get the project done?
An implementation partner has the ecosystem knowledge and methodologies to get the job done right. One of the key reasons to go with an end-to-end implementation partner in the first place is for peace of mind. In addition to taking on a lot of the heavy lifting that comes with taking on a cloud application project of this magnitude, an implementation partner should consist of a team you can trust to be with you every step of the way.
Their job is to help guide you through every step of the implementation process. They have seen the successes and pitfalls of previous implementations, knowing where previous projects have gone awry and how to avoid that fate in the future. Building a trusted client-partner relationship should be one of the critical goals of any implementation partner, and their ability to embody and deliver on this trusted partnership should be a point of pride and showcased by the implementation team.
2. Risk Mitigation
Partnering with an implementation specialist team on Oracle cloud solutions can help mitigate project risks and unforeseen costs and/or delays. Entrusting the overall project success to experts helps guarantee that the time and investment of your organization’s resources are correctly used. Ensuring a successful implementation project with proper functionality is delivered on time and within the budget with you, the client is of the utmost importance to an implementation.
3. Vendor Relations and Certifications
A reputable Oracle implementation partner should have a solid existing relationship with Oracle. A close relationship with Oracle helps to make sure consultants are up to date with application developments and product strategy. This helps minimize risk and increase your overall HCM product satisfaction as the client and end-user. Looking for the right partner with these existing relationships, as well as any product certifications, can be a good strategy for selecting an implementation partner that will give your project the highest chance of success.
4. Client References
Word of mouth is powerful, and the reputation an implementation partner develops over time is an excellent indication of what you, as a potential client, can expect from them. A solid portfolio of client references, testimonials, and success stories can help make the case for going with one implementation partner over another. Look for previous client successes in your industry and any parallel or similar industries.
For example, Elire has a wealth of experience working in and understanding business processes of highly complex and regulated industries such as government labs and utility providers. Experience within highly regulated spheres is valuable, and the skills and expertise gained from this kind of work can easily translate into greater problem-solving abilities in a variety of parallel or similar spaces.
Make note of an implementation partner’s previous client’s willingness to speak on behalf of the work they did for their organization. This is a precious asset to an implementation specialist team and reflects highly on their capabilities.
5. Remote Project Delivery Experience
With the almost universal move to remote or hybrid work brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to implement and deliver on Cloud HCM projects remotely is necessary. Having a track record of previous client work to back this up and showcase remote capabilities and accelerators is of utmost importance, especially today.
An HCM implementation partner with remote experience can bring to the table templates for remote project status meetings, a strong project management plan with defined deliverables at each implementation phase, and clear, concise, and consistent communication to meet business requirements.
6. Value
Though the financial cost can often be a huge consideration in deciding whether to go with an implementation partner or undergo the implementation process in-house, the value brought to your organization by partnering with a team of implementation specialists cannot be ignored. Choosing an implementation partner should come down to what value your organization has to gain compared to the financial costs involved.
Maintaining your current HCM system while also implementing Cloud HCM is an aspect of undergoing an implementation project that should be on your radar. Maintaining your current system can be demanding and is only complicated by deciding to undergo the implementation project with just your in-house team. Entrusting implementation experts to take the reins is oftentimes extremely valuable to your organization.
The time and dedication required for in-house resources to make this transformation while also retaining current systems post-implementation is a massive consideration. Not to mention any additional managed services. It’s often not doable and leads to project delays or to improper implementation. As long as you as an organization and your organizational leaders feel confident in the value being provided by your implementation partner, you’re setting yourselves up for project success.
A specialization partner brings focus to the project, direction, dedication, and a clear commitment of client resources. You’ll put the time, energy, and focus into the project when an implementation partner is by your side. When projects are internally led, there can be a tendency for daily tasks to take priority, leading to drift, which can take away from completing the project in a timely manner.
Elire has previously worked with clients who have started projects independently and then called in help from our team of implementation specialists who have been able to come in and lead the project to success, aligning to business needs and meeting the required business goals.
If you’re deciding on a move to Oracle Cloud, looking for ongoing support, or still wondering if an implementation partnership can benefit your organizations’ digital transformation, contact us or reach out directly [email protected] to get in touch with our team.
In the meantime, explore how Oracle Cloud Services can benefit your organization with case studies for more information and support on Oracle Cloud applications today.
For a full breakdown, download our Cloud HCM informational one sheet.