Setting up a Hyperion Center of Excellence Case Study at Plantronics By

Typical issues encountered with new Hyperion deployment New resources – inexperienced with toolset The one experienced resources spread thin Inadequate documentation. Knowledge in the head of two people – one leaving, one left Each project is a reinvention – new consultant (same co) – new way. New co – new way. Applications not designed consistently Paying consultant to help maintain production Little or no re-use of dimensions Spread responsibilities (IT-systems and essbase) (Finance – application, meta data)

….and the list goes on Requirements could be ambiguous (language issues) and not refined going forward Too many projects were competing for too few resources – internal resources on many projects Training and testing combined (Pennywise, pound foolish) Inconsistent user interface design – task list vs advanced mode, scripts vs rules Frustrated users – and some half a globe away. Screen prints – day late answers

There must be a better way! Use the Center of Excellence (CoE) to define standards Let the CoE define or drive the use of a standard for documentation Create the (CoE) early – in the beginning

Definition of CoE Centralized resources  Expertise  Training  Application Design, test practices, tuning, etc  Best Practices  Continuous Process Improvements

What’s the Driver? Global teams Limited resources Systems/processes are complex Tight budgets and getting tighter The Need for Speed

What’s the Gain? Efficient delivery of the applications – YES, THIS MEANS FASTER DEVELOPMENT! Re-use of dimensions, training materials Reduced implementation time, training prep, etc Reduced costs – both internal and consulting Better alignment with organization goals

What would a CoE DO? Communicate to executives Support – deep support for end users or super users Training – end user, standardized training, training on full tool set for super users Standard setting – design principals, documentation, move to production guidelines, security, etc Infrastructure – Hyperion seems to become a cluster of servers and services Consulting – selection, management Project management guidance Evangelize – get more from the investment

What’s the Mix? Business Analyst Architect (DBA, Technical Analyst, Infrastructure) Project Manager Trainer Testing Coordinator Developer – consultants  There is a lot to know, essbase, ASO, BSO, relational databases, Planning, Financial Reports, OBIEE, Web Analysis, essbase plug-in, SmartView, scripting, HAL, MaxL

Role: Business Analyst Facilitate requirements gathering, define the problem deeply ie translate the need Ensure that the project meets the companies threshold for valid project – biz case Test the organizations readiness for change  Is there sponsorship for change? Be the one in the space between – biz and tech Help the PM create a workable plan

Architect – what do they do? Understand environment – soup to nuts Source and state of data – where and when to pull data Design applications, essbase cubes Validate usability of cubes  Test drive dimensions  Test assumptions Understand Hyperion suite

Project Manager What is tracked, happens Manages schedule and expenses Manages issue and issue resolution Manages escalations to sponsor Schedules and manages sponsor reviews Manages change requests Ensures processes are followed Closes the project

Trainer – always undervalued but key The difference between using the application and having the application Develop repeatable training materials and training methodologies Creates common frame – for communication for issue resolution. Makes everything more efficient and effective

Testing Coordinator Probably not a separate role but key Generates testing methodology – standard cases, requirements (what to test) Generate template for test cases  Inputs and expected results Ensures all the bases are covered – impact on production, usability Reports and tracks unexpected results

Developers - consultants Together develop technical standards, processes and guidelines Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) Help build the bench on the technical side Document development efforts, scripts, rules, forms, etc

Support Deep support and first line support required Structured for the needs of the organization  Super user  Embedded in Helpdesk  How do you handle many time zones Use a common process for support and issue tracking – document solutions so that others can repeat. Find what works for your organization Escalation path or process

How does a CoE Happen? Start small – create a framework, may leverage company standards already in place Evolve over time – add hats, change hats over time Add services as you can support them

Assessment Do you have the skills in the organization?  Both technical and business  How would you acquire the skill set? Create a training plan and build the bench Set the process – make a best guess Re-evaluate – take a critical eye to what is working and what is not. Refine until you have something that works

Find a Home IT or Business? Get buy-in and support Rollout to the organization

Get Started Define and refine  Identify what needs to be done  Prioritize the needs  Create a plan to address the needs  Communicate the plan  Get support for the plan  Start  Measure – are you getting the results you expected?