Services

At Acuity Consulting Group, we help our clients install and use Exact Macola or SAP Business One ERP software. We work with clients on-site to customize each solution and optimize their investment. This results in timely information about their company, enabling better business decisions and higher competitiveness. We are then available for support on a go-forward basis: additional training, end of year assistance, customized reports, and IT assistance are a few types of support we offer . We pride ourselves on creating lasting, beneficial, and on-going relationships with our clients: Call us today!

Read more about our specific services:

Conversion
Implementation
Training
Support
Report Building
Special Projects
IT Support

Conversion

We are able to convert data with relative ease if it can be provided in Excel, text or ASCII format. If the amount of conversion data is small, we recommend that the client re-key the information. This provides two benefits. First, the user will become further acquainted with the software and second it provides an opportunity to remove old, unwanted information. We will provide a conversion path when there is extensive data and history.

Implementation

We review and document the clients' business process with particular emphasis on their transactions. This may include the receipt of a customer order, the purchasing and receipt of material, the planning, release and completion of a shop production, payment reconciliation, etc. We create a flow chart to clearly set client staff expectations.

The makeup of our implementation team varies from situation to situation. Some clients are small, but have a substantial amount of IS requirements. Others are large, but may have limited use of the software. Our approach is for a minimum of two consultants at the client to learn their business, learn their people, and to direct their use of the software. This includes formal or informal interviews with all users. We bring in experienced consultants to help with the training sessions as needed.

The time to "go live" depends on how many packages are being installed and the level of priority the client gives the implementation. We first set up a "pilot program" where we conduct dry-runs company processes. The actual users are involved in risk free practice environment to ensure the processes are known and documented, and to provide confidence in the user base.

We perform "fast track" implementations within 30 days of start. However, the people must be available and committed for this to succeed. On the opposite extreme, an implementation can be spread out over a longer period to support a client's environment. We are comfortable that a reasonable size implementation with a motivated client team can be completed in less than 90 days.

We have found that the key to a smooth transition is twofold. One piece is a full commitment by the client to the project -- from planning the implementation to training, to practicing in the pilot program. And the second is the designation of a "champion" within the company who knows how each department functions and integrates with the company as a whole. This person can help drive the implementation project by ensuring that each user is practicing what was taught in training sessions, taking charge in loading the necessary data files for conversion (maintenance files such as terms codes or vendors, etc), and communicating back to Acuity observations of additional needs and services (i.e. further training in a certain area).

With the talents of our expert staff, and by choosing the right champion, the client can be assured of a smooth transition.
top

Training

We initially provide an overview of software functions, so client personnel can answer "what I need to know to do my job". We then conduct follow up sessions once the user has practiced. This involves setting up a pilot company for trainees to develop their skills in a safe environment. We provide a customized training schedule for each user. Our consultants put tremendous emphasis on practice and developing client's confidence before going live.

Support

We offer clients phone support as well as on site support. We are also reachable by cell-phone, email and fax. Several of our clients also allow us to log onto their systems through the Internet using various remote access options, such as "terminal services" software. This allows us real time access to their environment.

In the event direct client contact is needed, we will arrange schedules and get a consultant to the client's location in a timely manner.

Report Building

We understand that each client may have specialized reporting needs unique to their company. We can bridge the gap between standard reports offered by the software and these specific reporting needs using tools such as Crystal Reports, Excel ADDIN, XL Reporter (SAP), and EBA (Exact Business Analytics) products. We can train our clients to use these tools for themselves as well. The process to build these unique reports includes planning sessions to determine the client's information needs, creating a quote and output sample, and then testing and delivery of the new report.

Special Projects

In some circumstances clients need specialized functionality not available in the software or complex reporting based on data collected in the software system. When the software can not fulfill this requirement, we can supply a custom application integrates with the software and is scalable with updates. This may include Visual Basic programs or a third party add-on. Again, the design and development and implementation of this special project would start with comprehensive planning with the client.

top