Project Tracking Software

Hi,
In the “Six Sigma & Lean Deployment” I am responsbile for (currently 9 countries across Europe) we use Programme Manager software (i-nexus, i-solutions) very successfully. The tool is more than flexbile, e.g. allows multiple currencies at the same time, there are a lot things in the system we can modify ourselfes (without extra pay to consultants!) and the supplier is very responsive and customer-oriented to our requirements.
Payback is coming (and partly measured) from huge reduction of manual reporting effort (automated now), using the most current common workbook & methodology standards, the transperency across all projects in all countries/ locations, by re-using of results from other projects than my own and by the leveraging best practices across countries, by using the integrated (approval, notification, reporting) workflows as well as from avoiding redundancy of information in different local systems and various excel/access-sheets we had before.
What you need to make it run is an appropriate amount of rigour & “discipline” in updating the project information by all project leaders (Belts). But this you also need if you decide to work with ms excel & co.
Norbert, GE-certified MBB, LSS Deployment Leader Europe
 
 
 

Generally I can echo what Norbert posted and would also say that without proper Project Tracking Software you shouldn’t even start LSS Deployment. We implemented the Instantis solution right at the beginning of our LSS journey. We have some areas where the also use the Minitab s/w that is very attractive for the Belts but as it is a single user system it is inappropriate for enterprise management. On this site you can buy a report where several dedicate Project Tracking Software solutions are compared.Peter van den Akker Deployment Manager Lean Six Sigma Xerox Europe

Peter,
Did you intend to post a link to that software comparison site? I
would be interested in knowing of it in order to have my company’s
product considered for review.
Thank you.
David Wright
Business Process Excellence LLC
Developers of Applied Strategy Execution(TM)

David, I was referring to the iSixSigma site and tried to find it back for you, but had insufficient time. I believe it was also publish in the magazine, so if you have access to the archive you can search there. I found this link to another article that might be useful, but I haven’t read it https://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c080530a.aspSuccess & regards, Peter
 
 
 

Darrin
I did a benchmarking and acquisition project for a program to support the enterprise LSS deployment in 2005/6.  The two top contenders were Instantis and PowerSteering (substantiated by the subsequent isixsigma review in late 2006).  We acquired PS and used it with great success for many of the reasons stated by the previous commenters.  The “benefits” that sold the adoption were two-fold.  First, the ability to accelerate project completion thereby capturing the value of the solution more quickly.  Secondly, the ability to manage the financial approval process for benefits and track the actuals to plan. 
Cris Dreher
Senior Manager | MBB with a global financial services company