NAS Professional Services

Project Management

Project Management is essential to co-ordinate and control all elements of a project and to ensure successful implementation on time and to an agreed level of quality.

Projects differ in terms of specific deliverables, scope and complexity as well as the environment in which they are conducted. However, the basic principles of project management apply in all cases.

A NAS Project Manager will be appointed to work with the Client Project Team and will be the single formal point of contact with the customer on all matters relating to the specific project. In addition, a named Account Manager will maintain overall responsibility for customer service.

Project Management involves many facets from planning, monitoring and controlling to effective communication, delegation and leadership of the project team. There are eight main phases to a project

Definition
Understanding the requirements. This is defined by conducting meetings with key client personnel. During this process, all information given is sorted into five categories; business requirements, technical requirements, current environment and capacity, company policy and future requirements including changes to the business, whether it be in structure or direction. Full audits of current technical environment are carried out in order that a complete picture of the existing circumstances is made. Any information regarding changes, growth or development is taken into account.

Analysis
The information compiled above is then analysed with specific regard to proposing a solution. The analysis phase includes proposed functionality and an initial program plan. At this stage, the solution is presented to the client.

Consultancy
All members of the project team, Client and NAS, meet to discuss the proposal. Once any issues that may have arisen from the solution proposal are resolved and the client is happy the solution is suitable for their requirements, we then commence the design phase.

Design
This consists of the production of the Functional Specification, System Design Specification, Acceptance Test Specification, Service Design Specification and Program Plan. All documents are checked with the client and are agreed with the project team. This is the point in the proceedings where any un-aired questions are raised and minor amendments made to the solution.

Installation
The installation will be according to the information detailed within the Functional and Technical Specifications. All components will be installed and tested by both NAS and Client personnel. This phase will also include user testing.

Implementation
This is the phase where our technical personnel will work with your project team to ensure the solution is implemented in an effective and efficient manner. This is a pre- installation check to ensure all components are available and the environment for installation is approved. This phase also includes ensuring all parties are happy with the testing and approval process detailed within the Acceptance Testing Specification.

Operation
Once the solution is installed, the users trained and the Acceptance Testing completed, a post-program review is conducted and any issues addressed.

Program Closure
Program closure takes place when all the activities defined in the Project Plan are completed to everyone's satisfaction. Handing over of responsibilities is then conducted and all future queries are directed though the operation support program. Your team are encouraged to participate in relevant training courses that include hints and tips from our technical team who have hands-on experience in day-to-day systems management.