Consulting Services

ResearchMaster through the course of its normal work also offers the following expert consulting services:

• Systems Implementation & Integration Encompassing: Training in ResearchMaster Enterprise
• Training - Oracle Database maintenance and database functions
• Database Migration and clean-up
• Process Improvement & Change Management Process writing and modifications
• Creation of help and training documentation
• Adaptation and modification of current processes to fit ResearchMaster Enterprise functionality
• Data modification and merging due to infrastructure change
• Database design, optimisation, maintenance and backup
• Custom programming
• Intranet design and development
• Customised report creation
• Data extraction and output manipulation

A number of standard consulting packages are available:

• Pre Implementation Package
RMPL recommends to clients for any purchase of new functionality that RMPL is engaged to provide some Pre Implementation consulting. This is generally a package of 4 to 8 hours to facilitate a degree of due diligence for the client. During this consultation RMPL will lead a process of identification of the goals of purchasing the functionality, consideration of the expected outputs of the system (eg reports), consideration of expected system users, expectations of communication between and linking to existing modules, in order to provide guidance and recommendations based on our intimate knowledge of the system. This consulting does not require a site visit and is achieved via email and the telephone. The end result is a document detailing these expectations, findings and advice, that should ensure a smoother more targeted approach to the implementation of the software going forward as well as enhanced risk management.
• Work Process Analysis Package
Provides a written report outlining the various processes used within the research administration process within a client's environment. The package highlights risk areas and provides recommendations of how to overcome the risk as well as how best to utilise the ResearchMaster system.
• Strategic Planning Package
Provides clients with onsite project management assistance in the form of various ResearchMaster personnel providing input into the implementation process. ResearchMaster Pty Ltd (RMPL) would supply a person(s) for the client at various times during the administration process that will advise and assist in issues related to the implementation including technical, functionality, work process planning, custom/parameter reporting/setup, organisation politics and change management. A written framework for a ResearchMaster Implementation Strategic Document would be the primary deliverable.
• Change Management Package
Involves RMPL staff taking a direct involvement in assisting in the implementation of the ResearchMaster product and any changes to work processes and/or policy that it brings. ResearchMaster would assist in handling the internal politics within an organisation based on it's knowledge and experience in other client environments.

Post Implementation Packages

Many software sites do not develop an ongoing post-implementation strategic plan (like a software 'business plan') when looking at an implementation. As such, once the training and installation has been completed, people allow the implementation to run it's course. Sometimes this can work well, while at other times, the software fails to reach it's potential.

The Post-Implementation packages deliver to clients a series of reviews and reports that can confirm that the implementation is progressing well and at maximum productivity. The objective quite simply is to supply an impartial assessment and information resource to (a) ensure that the site is running at its optimal capability and (b) to deliver written advice and recommendations as to how the site can improve from it's current functionality and utilisation.