Key Highlights

• The Discovery Phase is crucial as it provides us with vital information to design the most effective production scheduling solution tailored to your needs.
• The type of solution being provided, such as planning, scheduling, or sequencing, determines the specific input data we need from the client.
• Regular communication allows us to receive feedback and stay updated on any shifts in their business processes, goals, or client base.
• Regardless of the client's stage, our commitment to ongoing support ensures that we effectively address any changes in goals, KPIs, or use cases that may occur post-implementation.
• With direct access to top-level management, we tap into concentrated knowledge and expertise, enabling us to swiftly engage key individuals when needed.

An Overview of Optessa's Discovery Phase

Optessa's implementation method for our production scheduling software involves multiple phases, including the discovery phase. During this phase, we establish relationships with manufacturers and get to know their team members. We conduct a kickoff meeting to understand their requirements. Then, we move into the requirements gathering phase, where we focus on understanding your business processes, planning, scheduling, and sequencing activities to structure the most suitable solution. 

Key Objectives of the Discovery Phase

The key objectives of the Discovery Phase are to understand a manufacturer's current business processes and gather functional requirements. Through targeted questions and discussions, we determine a client's specific needs for a production scheduling solution. This phase typically lasts around five days. Afterward, we conduct technical requirement gathering sessions to design the backend integration and data flow between Optessa’s production scheduling software and the client's systems. The Discovery Phase is crucial as it provides us with vital information to design the most effective production scheduling solution tailored to your needs.

What are the data requirements for the Discovery Phase?

In the Discovery Phase, we typically require client orders as the critical piece of information. The specific order details and options vary depending on the area of the factory where the solution will be implemented. It could be related to the engine area or another part of the shop floor. The type of solution being provided, such as planning, scheduling, or sequencing, determines the specific input data we need from the client.

Which departments or people need to be typically involved?

In phase 1, we typically involve the individuals responsible for planning, sequencing, or scheduling on the client side. These are the people who generate the outputs and send the relevant information to the shop floor. They have firsthand knowledge of the current operations and can provide accurate insights. We also include the IT team in the technical requirement gathering sessions as they possess valuable information about software installation and integration with legacy systems.

How does Optessa work with clients to address any challenges or obstacles that may arise?

At Optessa, we have encountered diverse challenges during the Discovery Phase with different clients. For instance, we once worked with a manufacturer in the green phase, yet to start production. Since they lacked specific challenges or use cases at that point, we relied on our experience with clients in production. We collaborated closely with them to understand their envisioned processes and designed a production scheduling solution based on their descriptions. During the delivery, they were able to use test data in lieu of actual orders. Although challenging without real-world data, Optessa provided continuous support, knowing they were not yet in production. Our critical assistance throughout their journey helped them when they eventually transitioned into production.

How does Optessa address changes in goals, KPI's or use cases after implementation?

Optessa is prepared to handle changes in goals, KPIs, or use cases for both clients in the green phase and established clients. We maintain an ongoing relationship with our clients even after the implementation is live. Regular communication allows us to receive feedback and stay updated on any shifts in their business processes, goals, or client base. This enables us to adapt and provide reconfigurations or new solutions to address real-world problems as they arise. 

While working with clients in the green phase, we understand that the data we use is mock-up data, representing anticipated client orders. However, with established clients, we have access to actual client data, which may reveal additional use cases during the testing phase. In such instances, we engage in discussions with the client, analyze the new use case, and make any necessary adjustments to meet their evolving requirements. Regardless of the client's stage, our commitment to ongoing support ensures that we effectively address any changes in goals, KPIs, or use cases that may occur post-implementation.

What is more advantageous - a manufacturer reaching out while they’re not yet in production or in production with challenges?

In our experience, it is more advantageous for a manufacturer to reach out to us while they are not yet in production, in what we call the green phase. By getting involved from the ground floor up, we can proactively prevent efficiency losses before they occur. When we work with an already established client facing production challenges, they have likely already experienced efficiency losses. Therefore, starting with a client in the green phase provides us with the opportunity to help them avoid such losses altogether.

How does Optessa ensure that clients are fully prepared to move on to the next phase of the implementation process?

After completing the requirement gathering sessions from both the functional and technical perspectives, we document all the information gathered. This results in two key documents: the Functional Requirement Specification (FRS) and the Technical Design Specification (TDS). We compile all the details provided by the client into these documents. Afterwards, we share the FRS and TDS with the client for their thorough review. They carefully examine the documents, provide comments, and send them back to us. We meticulously address their questions and clarify any misunderstandings regarding the functional requirements. This iterative process continues until all queries are resolved. When there are no further questions, we mutually sign off on the documents.

With the approved FRS and TDS in hand, Optessa proceeds to configure and develop the production scheduling solution accordingly. The client's thorough understanding and endorsement of these documents ensure their readiness to proceed to the next phase of the implementation process.

What Set’s Optessa Apart?

Optessa sets itself apart from other providers in this industry by maintaining a streamlined organizational structure. Unlike larger companies with numerous layers, Optessa operates with fewer layers, ensuring that clients don't get lost in the process. This advantage allows us to promptly involve the CEO when necessary to address any emerging issues or unique use cases specific to the client. With direct access to top-level management, we tap into concentrated knowledge and expertise, enabling us to swiftly engage key individuals when needed.

With over 20 years of experience, Optessa is committed to being open, transparent, and collaborative with its clients. The company's promise is to work together to figure out how to meet your unique needs. If you have questions about production scheduling software, please feel free to reach out at 1-800-918-3597. You can also email marketing@optessa.com or visit us at https://www.optessa.com/