80199: Project Managing Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Microsoft Dynamics NAV Implementations with Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010 (2 Days)
About this Course
The two day course is an advanced training workshop that focuses on the Project Management area of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010. Students assume the role of a Project Manager as they complete a case study involving the implementation of one of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP products at Tailspin Toys, a fictitious customer account.
Guidance is provided in using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step from a Project Manager's perspective as students complete each phase of the implementation. Lab activities focus on project management tasks involving project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Students are tasked with completing a variety of Sure Step documents and making strategic implementation decisions during each implementation phase.
Students do not install or use Microsoft Dynamics ERP products during the case study. However, sufficient knowledge of one of Microsoft Dynamics ERP products is necessary for the student to tailor the implementation and complete the Sure Step project documents to satisfy the customer’s business requirements. Class discussions following each lab exercise add the dimension of peer learning and play a key role in enforcing the knowledge obtained during the training.
Audience Profile
This training is intended for Project Managers and Implementation Consultants responsible for managing Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP, and NAV implementations.
At Course Completion
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Examine how to prepare and plan for a Diagnostic phase.
- Decide, plan, and deliver Sure Step decision accelerators.
- Define the scope of the project based on results from the decision accelerator.
- Guide the customer toward the most efficient implementation process and project type.
- Produce time and cost estimates for the project.
- Plan the resources for the project and plan for risks.
- Prepare for and conduct the Kickoff meeting with the Customer.
- Determine if a Solutions Overview is necessary.
- Understand the Detailed Business Process Analysis.
- Identify and document functional requirement Fits and Gaps.
- Control scope creep by implementing proposal management.
- Plan early for the Deployment phase by creating a deployment plan.
- Learn how to use solution design documents.
- Examine Performance Reporting and Status Reporting.
- Plan and perform testing activities across different phases.
- Conduct a tollgate review.
- Prepare and conduct the cutover from the non-production to production environment.
- Understand the importance of quality management during the Operation phase.
- Identify how to work towards project closure.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Case Study
This module provides a brief introduction for this two day course. It begins by reviewing and summarizing some of the essential concepts of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. This module also introduces the basic premise of the case study. Background information about the fictitious implementation project is provided, as well as the structure and types of exercises in the upcoming modules.
Lessons
- Overview of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step
Lab : Create a Test Project
Lab : Import the Sure Step Project File for the Case Study
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Identify the essential components of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step.
- Understand the case study, its storyline, and the role students play in the fictitious Microsoft Dynamics ERP implementations.
- Identify the course material and supporting documents used throughout the case study.
Module 2: Project Initiation and Planning in the Diagnostic Phase
The case study begins with the Diagnostic phase, which typically includes sales related activities. This module examines the Diagnostic activities that support and reinforce the sales activities and prepare for the upcoming project. This involves gathering sufficient information to define the high level project scope and make a confident proposal for the remaining phases of the implementation.
Lessons
- Preparing for the Diagnostic Phase
- Delivering Decision Accelerators
- Planning the Project
- Managing the Project Proposal
Lab : Internal Briefing Meeting
Lab : Review Preliminary Project Information
Lab : Select Decision Accelerators
Lab : Initiate Project Meeting
Lab : Requirements and Process Review
Lab : Fit Gap and Solution Blueprint
Lab : Scoping Assessment
Lab : Define the Project Type for the Case
Lab : Create the High-Level Project Plan
Lab : Project Planning Discussion
Lab : Create the Statement of Work (SOW)
Lab : Present the Statement of Work
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Prepare and plan for a Diagnostic phase.
- Decide, plan, and deliver the decision accelerators.
- Identify and define the scope for the project based on results from the decision accelerators.
- Guide the customer toward the most efficient implementation process and project type.
- Produce time and cost estimates for the project.
- Plan the resources for the project.
- Plan for risks.
- Create a project proposal.
- Achieve customer sign-off.
Module 3: Project Planning and Execution during the Analysis Phase
This module examines the activities required to initiate and effectively plan the entire project. In the case study, you will create the project charter, execute the project team Kick Off meeting, document the functional requirements, update the Fit Gap analysis, and manage issues and changes.
Lessons
- Project Planning and Communications Management During the Analysis Phase
- Conduct the Solutions Overview
- Detailed Business Process Analysis
- Fit Gap Analysis
- Issue Management
- Proposal Management
Lab : Prepare for the Kick Off Meeting
Lab : Conduct the Kick Off Meeting
Lab : Necessity of Solutions Overview
Lab : Create a training plan
Lab : Review Workshop Reports
Lab : Complete the Functional Requirements Document (FRD)
Lab : Identify Gap Information
Lab : Identify Issues
Lab : Class Discussion – Identify Changes
Lab : Document Changes and Update the Project Plan
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Prepare for and conduct the Kick Off meeting with the customer.
- Determine if key user training prior to the Business Requirements Workshops is necessary.
- Create a training plan.
- Understand the process of the Detailed Business Analysis.
- Identify and document the gaps in the workshop review documents.
- Examine how to handle issues in the project.
- Control scope creep by implementing proposal management.
- Finalize the project plan to reflect changes in business requirements.
Module 4: Project Execution and Monitoring During the Design, Development, and Deployment Phases
This module examines the activities that a Project Manager must execute and monitor when implementing Microsoft Dynamics Ax. By collaborating with the project team (the class), the student will determine what activities and processes are appropriate and to what extent each activity needs to be conducted. During the execution phase of the project, the student will review the following project management activities as they apply to the case study: plan and perform quality assurance and quality control, monitor and close any necessary purchases and acquisitions, ongoing risk and issue management, ongoing time and cost management, project scope management, project communication, and develop the project team.
Lessons
- Overview of the Design, Development, and Deployment phases
- Project Planning
- Solution Design
- Project Performance and Status Reporting
- Testing
- Tollgate Review
- Go-Live
Lab : Create the Deployment Plan
Lab : Update the Project Plan
Lab : Create a Fit Design in the Functional Design Document (FDD)
Lab : Create a Gap Design in the Functional Design Document (FDD)
Lab : Create a Solution Design Document (SDD)
Lab : Using Design Documents
Lab : Review the Consultant Status Report
Lab : Create the Project Status Report
Lab : Unit and Function Testing
Lab : User Acceptance Testing
Lab : Prepare the Tollgate Review
Lab : Create a Go-Live Cut-over Plan
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Create a deployment plan.
- Use solution design documents.
- Create Performance Reports.
- Create Status Reports.
- Plan and perform testing activities across different phases.
- Conduct a Tollgate Review.
- Prepare and conduct the cutover from the non-production to the production environment.
Module 5: Project Closure During the Operations Phase
This module examines the final activities required to close out the project and transition the solution and knowledge to the customer.
Lessons
- Quality Management
- Additional Operation Activities
- Project Closure
- Celebrate
Lab : Clear Pending ItemsLab : Lessons LearnedLab : Conduct Close-Out Meeting
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Appreciate the importance of quality management during the Operations phase.
- Understand additional activities in the Operation phase.
- Understand the necessity of project closure.
- Identify how to work toward project closure.
- Celebrate the completion of a successful project.
Before attending this course, students must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step.
It is recommended that students complete the following course prior to attending this workshop:
- Course 80166 - Using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step
Because a consultant-friendly layer has been built into the labs, sufficient knowledge of one of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP products is also an advantage in successfully completing the case study.