OVERVIEW

PICS is a leading provider of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) consulting services. Whether it’s technical or application services, PICS has the right people with the right qualifications and the track record to prove it. Our consultants will partner with you to help you achieve and maximize the ROI from your ERP system. Our clients depend on us to make their QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) investment work. Our track record, experience and training ensure consistency in the installation, implementation and integration of QAD's products.

PICS provides comprehensive consulting services that range from complex multi-site implementations to simple report enhancements.  Since 1995 our consultants and project managers have helped hundreds of clients execute their information technology initiatives.  Our QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) Consulting Services include the following:

SERVICES

METHODOLOGY

Through the years PICS has continuously developed and improved our QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) implementation methodology. This methodology is based on experience in the real word and the knowledge of what really works.

PICS project managers are experienced in the execution of this methodology and as a result we have been able to deliver consistent results.

Our methodology is based on a 4 phased approach.

Phase 1 - Planning

Project team will be assembled and the project scope defined and agreed. During this phase of the project, the areas for business process improvement will be targeted, "Gaps" identified and an initial project plan created.

Phase 2 - Design

Based on the targeted business process improvements, the project team will develop the business operating model. During this phase, the test environment will be established and the project team will receive education/training so they can actively participate in the design of the new business systems. Once a model has been agreed upon and designed, the project team will run the model through business simulations or "proof of concept" to validate the system design.

Phase 3 - Execution

During the execution phase existing data is cleansed or scrubbed, custom programs and interfaces are developed and the project enters the CRP (Conference Room Pilot) cycle. The Conference Room Pilot is where all of the proposed business processes and new technology are proven in a simulated real world environment. It is during this stage that the project team determines if the system, as designed, will run the business and meet the objectives. Once the business systems have been approved, end users will receive training and a final pilot is run to ensure all levels of the organization approve, fully understand, and buy into the new system.

Phase 4 - Launch

This is where the approved business systems are launched across the business. During this phase of the project, final data conversions are executed and the project team prepares users for launch. Go-live is preceded by a "quiet period" or a week of zero system changes. During this time, master data and quality assurance audits are executed and analyzed. Go-live support plans are published and the project team executes the go-live cutover and official move to the new business systems.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Our philosophy is to become an extension of your internal project team. In doing so our project manager co-manages the project with your internal project manager. This works best because the ownership of the tasks and resource management usually cannot be driven inside an organization from an outside entity. This becomes more apparent on large implementation projects where multiple services organizations are responsible for different but related aspects of the project. PICS long standing reputation and alliances in the QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) space have proven to be a competitive advantage in this situation. In these situations PICS has been able to leverage it's relationships to coordinate efforts with all of the third party suppliers.

PICS project managers are skilled in the execution of the PICS methodology which has proven to be a success time and time again.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

For many organizations, ERP software is the backbone that underlies activities and decision making from the plant to the boardroom. Your entire organization will be counting on the smooth, effective and timely implementation of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ). Choosing the right technology partner when you implement the product can make all the difference.

We have helped companies who are new to the QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) ERP world convert from their legacy systems and companies who are already using QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) successfully upgrade to latest release version. We have also helped customers re-implement QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) to maximize their ROI in ERP technology. In either case, our implementation teams will leverage our proven methodology and toolsets for a successful project, on time and on budget!

UPGRADES

Are you running an older version of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) and considering an upgrade to latest release? PICS consultants have been helping customers upgrade their primary business systems for over 10 years. An upgrade may be just a technical upgrade in an effort to stay current with QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) releases or a major version upgrade driven by the need to leverage new functionality in a more current release. Often times upgrading QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) is an opportunity to re-implement and unlock business process improvements not realized during the original implementation. At PICS we work with our customers to tailor the project to their specific business requirements. From technical upgrades to full blown re-implementations, we can offer a solution that is right for your organization.

APPLICATION INTEGRATION

Whether it's automating the process of uploading data into QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) from an existing or acquired legacy system, merging one accounting system with another, generating specialized sales reports, or providing information to your business partners from QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) via the web, PICS has designed QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) compatible toolsets to support these functions and produce the desired results. PICS is your partner in building your solutions in all aspects of installation, implementation, customization and integration of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ).

TRAINING

Your entire organization will be counting on smooth, effective and timely installation and implementation of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ). Making the right moves when you introduce the product can make all the difference.

PICS understands that your employees' time is a valuable resource. Whether you have a new implementation team or new employee taking their first look at QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) or you have seasoned QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) users looking at the enhancements of an upgrade, PICS can provide on site training that is custom tailored to suit your business needs and make the most of your resources.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Every packaged software implementation has gaps. When the business process cannot be changed to use current software functionality, it may be necessary to make software modifications or enhancements to eliminate that gap. These modifications could be as simple as changing a program or report default values, adding fields, streamlining the user interface or changing business logic. They could also be the creation of a custom application to support a function not currently part of the software.

In any case PICS has the resources and expertise to meet your custom development needs.

As part of the quality service PICS delivers, every development effort is first started by having a PICS analyst work with the stakeholder to document the requirements and develop detail specifications. Once the specifications are approved by the stakeholder the PICS team initiates the development and test of the custom code delivering the product as specified.

REMOTE DBA

More information about our Remote DBA capabilities...

TECHNICAL CONSULTING

PICS offers a wide range of technical consulting services. From on-site progress database administration and tuning, to operating system upgrades and enhancements, a PICS technical consultant can help you navigate the ever changing technical world. Are you considering an upgrade to the latest version of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO )? Are you thinking about making a switch to the open source Linux OS on your primary business servers? A PICS technical consultant can help you understand the technical requirements that will ensure a smooth cutover.

APPLICATION CONSULTING

PICS applications Consultants can help your organization with all aspects of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ). From Financials to Distribution and Manufacturing, PICS has certified consultants who can help you deliver the right solution. It could be as simple as a basic troubleshooting request about the behavior of a program, training on a specific module or the entire QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) suite of applications, development and documentation of business processes or custom program requirements and specification design. No matter what level of service you require, PICS has qualified consultants who are ready to partner with you today.

APPLICATION SUPPORT

Perhaps you are running an unsupported version of QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) or you just don't have the internal helpdesk expertise as a first line of support for your user community. PICS technical and application consultants have helped fulfill these and other support related needs for a variety of companies.

A PICS application support contract is just another example of how PICS can become your partner in technology.

BUSINESS PROCESS DESIGN/RE-ENGINEERING

The cornerstone of return on investment from Information Technology projects is the right blend of new technology and business process improvement. Did you rush to install your new system as a year 2000 project? Many companies have not taken full advantage of the technology available to them with their QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) investment. In many cases this will require some level of business process re-engineering. Let PICS help you unlock the potential of your QAD Enterprise Applications ( MFG/PRO ) investment today!