KnarrTek Low Risk Solution Deployment Approach

A KnarrTek solution can be as simple as an inventory tracking system running on a Cloud computer managed by KnarrTek or it can span multiple computers running in multiple plants and warehouses and the client's own data center .

Based on over 100 successful deployments of its software, and the high rate(up to 75%) of failure of ERP system deployments (with which KnarrTek solutions are often used) the KnarrTek team recognizes that it is important to mitigate risk of deployment failure.

To minimize the risk of failure, KnarrTek takes the following approach:

1. No payment for software until it has been running operationally for 60 days. No upfront commitment.
2. Incremental deployment - start small in one area and then expand to others.
3. Look for big initial win - to get everyone on board with using technology to track and manage operations
4. Do data collection first - to get data for real-time decision making
5. Use on-line Pilot to test out application before proceeding to deployment
6. Purchase any needed support services incrementally, in as little as $1,000 increments, in the form of pre-paid support services bundles.
7. Rent software and equipment out of operations budget to be sure this saves you money before committing to CapEx budget purchase.

Most implementation projects start out with a Pilot project, in which KnarrTek's clients get to use KnarrTek's BellHawk data collection and operations tracking software at no charge, over the Internet, on Windows Servers managed by KnarrTek, as part of KnarrTek's BellHawk Online service.

These Pilot projects may last from 30 to 60 days depending on the scope of the tracking project, from simple operations or materials tracking to more complex work-in-process tracking. During this time, the staff at KnarrTek will assist the client's team to get a BellHawk based system running with the client's own data so that the client's team can experience how their tracking process will work.

During this time, clients are expected to pay for the services provided by the KnarrTek team in working with the client's team, in the form of prepaid support services bundles.

Some of the services provided include:

• Systems design and analysis - assisting the client to map their operations tracking problem onto the best-of-breed tracking processes incorporated into BellHawk. This includes educating managers and their staff in the best ways to solve specific operations tracking problems.
• Assistance with the procurement or rental of barcode scanners, labels, and mobile computers, in small quantities, to use in testing the Pilot system in production or training room environment.
• Assistance with setting up the BellHawk rules and database. BellHawk is a rules-based system that is designed to be used in a wide range of applications. These rules can be tailored to the needs of each client by importing data in the form of Excel spreadsheets. Also, database information, such as for parts, the locations where they may be stored, and the operations that may be performed, are also imported using Excel spreadsheets
• Training and support in the use of the BellHawk software. Here we often use a train-the-trainer method, where we initially train managers and their staff. Then we train supervisors and have them train the material handlers, machine operators, and other production personnel that report to them. This provides the supervisors with the tools they need to assist their people in using the system, when issues arise.
• Modification of standard reports or transactions to meet the specific needs of each client as this moves from a training room pilot installation to a trial deployment in production.
• Training and support in the use of the DEX interface, on a Pilot basis. DEX is an Interface which provides a simplified "mirror" of the BellHawk database in a SQL Server Express database on the user's own PC. This can be used by clients to produce custom reports using a wide range of reporting software packages. It can also be used for bulk imports of setup data into the BellHawk database.

Note that, during the Pilot phase:

• All customer, receiving, work, picking, and ship orders are entered by hand or imported using Excel spreadsheets. Subsequently these may be imported through a MilramX based system, from an external system.
• There is little or no requirement for involvement with the IT department or external support organization until the Pilot is transferred to full production operation
• For simplicity, we use preprinted rolls of tracking labels rather than print out barcode labels on barcode label printers. Also, all tracking can be performed using barcoded travelers and picking sheets printed on an office printer, with no special software required.

Please click here to download a PDF document about KnarrTek's Pilot Implementation projects.

Please click here to learn about a Client's Options after the Pilot Phase