MS to rollout Sure Step methodology in India

MUMBAI, INDIA: Microsoft India will be introducing its Sure Step Methodology in the next quarter, which is an implementation tool that partners can use as reference when they engage with a customer for the deployment of Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. This guidance tool was available globally but Microsoft will now work with select partners to help them implement ERP to customers in a predictable fashion.

The methodology has preset documents and templates which will help partners to interact with customers and give solid estimations around the scoping of each implementation project, whether it is an upgrade or a new implementation.

Said Sushant Dwivedi, Director, Microsoft Business Solutions, “The Sure Step Methodology is a comprehensive implementation guidance program describing the processes and disciplines necessary to implement Microsoft Dynamics AX, CRM, GP, NAV and SL.” With this tool, partners can create an ERP project framework which is better mapped to the customer’s needs and expectations, and can also become a due diligence document for the partners before deploying the solution.

Microsoft will initially work with select partners to help them learn about the best practices in ERP deployments. These success stories will then be passed on to more partners interested in offering ERP solutions to their customers, so that there is an element of predictability built-in for every deployment.

The methodology is offered for free to participating partners. Talking about the benefits it offers them, Dwivedi said, “With this tool partners can cut down on their internal training time, whenever new people join the team during the course of a project deployment. Given that the churn in the IT industry is very high, having a template that can be offered to incumbent employees will help them entrench into the system easier.”

Right now, Microsoft is identifying the partners with whom it will align for the Sure Step Methodology and is targeting those who are working with early adopters of ERP, like manufacturing and retail clients.