Overview

Implementing a CWMS is very similar in concept to the selection process. You are again faced with the big dilemma of using consulting help or doing it yourself (the A to Z concept shown in Figure 10.1). Similar to the selection process, many companies have tried to implement a CWMS internally and have not been successful, partly because of lack of experience, lack of resources and a lack of sponsorship within the organization for the project. Conversely, many companies have spent untold fortunes on consulting fees to implement a CWMS and have many horror stories to tell about the experience. The following diagram (Figure 10.1) depicts the A to Z implementation concept.

Figure 10.1: The A to Z Implementation Concept.

Essentially, implementation (as well as selection) can be viewed as a continuum. At one end of the spectrum, a consultant is hired to do everything on behalf of the client with minimal involvement by client employees. At the other, the client undertakes the entire project in-house with very little external (consulting and vendor) support. Both approaches are fraught with problems. In the first example, using external resources can result in a quick implementation process and incorporation of best in class practices, but is usually very costly, allows for very little knowledge transfer to in-house staff and poor system acceptance by users. In the second example, there can be a low-cost project with a high level of buy-in and ownership but it is usually time-consuming and the existing work...