Our methodology is grown from best practices in project management, process modeling and design.  It conforms to industry standards such as those embodied in APICS, ACES, SCOR, ARTS and VIN-CPFR.

There are four key phases to any ERP implementation: Strategy, Procurement, Design, and Implementation.  

During the Strategy cycle, key business drivers and reasons for change are identified, leveraging empirical data (key metrics, performance indicators) and use cases.  A high level ROI analysis and project plan is developed for the implementation.  If it makes sense to continue the project, great.  If the business cannot justify the project, we stop here.
  
 In the Procurement cycle, we focus on initial vendor selection, based on the results of our work done in the strategy cycle.  We help the client get to to a short list of vendors (2-3 Vendor Selection based on alignment of business model), and facilitate a proof of concept (sample data loads, training, configuration and gap analysis).
 
In the Design cycle, we establish the project charter, communication plan, detailed project plan.  We also conduct business process workshops, and work with the client and vendor on advanced configurations, change management analysis.  If necessary, we also help with gap analysis and design/development management for the project.

 During the Business Implementation cycle, Ascent facilitates final training and user acceptance, with focus on business process evaluation and the acceptance decision.  We also support the project through production pilot and help the client with their overall rollout strategy.  In essence, we're with you from beginning to end.