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bward
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9/27/2007 9:00 PM
It is terrific to find a forum such as this. I am working for the executive leadership of a well known company that is going through some growing pains. They currently are using the unsupported version of Lawson for HR and Finance (modules were not installed properly according to client). Many of the major objectives of the finance department are dependent on the successful implementation of the supported version of Lawson (reporting, reducing monthly close, Sox compliance, etc).

As a finance professional, what challenges should be expected from a high volume/highly manual process oriented shop such as this? I would love to bounce ideas off any finance execs that have been through this before.

John Henley
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9/28/2007 12:19 PM
Bill, welcome to the LawsonGuru.com Forums--I'm glad you found us!
As for your situation, my focus would be:
1) Getting on a supported install. I'm not sure what you mean by "modules were not installed properly according to client"--can you provide more details?
2) Assuming Lawson is the right fit for your business (i.e. you're not looking at opening up a system selection question) I'd start looking at building disciplines around your processes. In particular, using automated routing/process flows and notifications, metrics/workload analysis (where/who are the bottlenecks?, etc.).
3) Implementing reporting/BI processes.

Now I'll shut up and let the rest of the Lawson community speak up...
Thanks for using the LawsonGuru.com forums!
John
Bill Ianni
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9/28/2007 2:59 PM
I agree with John that your first priority is to resolve the "unsupported" platform. I assume that you mean they are running an older version of the software, and that will impede your company from making any further progress particularly with reporting initiatives. Go one step further and get a clear picture of the entire technical platform. How current are they with operating system and database releases? There technical prerequisites for BI products. Is the infrastructure ready for them?

The fact that they are running unsupported apps hints at a lack of consensus within the organization. Does that stem from office politics, turnover of key personnel, or perhaps a lack of funds or resources??? One of the first things to do is to create a formal business plan or "roadmap". Float the idea of engaging a consulting firm to draft a formal Assessment of the current state and identify and prioritize future opportunities. An outside firm will help you build the consensus you need be successful. It doesn’t necessarily have to be comprehensive or expensive. The point is to identify a couple of quick wins. The idea is to get a momentum going and show progress/ROI. My company specializes in this. Visit our website to get some ideas (Click the Assessments tab.
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