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| Case Study |
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Process Diagnosis for Software Process Improvement |
McCormick scripted its Software Process Improvement plan for a successful ERP
implementation using Patni's Process Diagnosis solution.
The Client
McCormick & Company, Inc. is a
global leader in the
manufacturing, marketing and
distribution of spices,
seasonings and flavors to the
entire food industry.
Established in 1889, McCormick
is a Fortune 1000 company
headquartered in Sparks,
Maryland.
The Challenge
McCormick's IT set-up based in the Maryland headquarters was the IT
backbone for the organization worldwide. This IT department, a sizeable
team of about 200 people, was implementing SAP ERP globally in a
phased manner, starting with rollout for the US operations. To support
such a large scale packaged ERP rollout, McCormick recognized that it
needed to streamline its homegrown IT processes. Simultaneously, it also
wanted to improve its Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes
to support all future IT initiatives.
Accordingly, McCormick embarked on an organization-wide Software
Process Improvement (SPI) initiative that was focused on its key thrust
areas and business goals.
The Solution
McCormick partnered with Patni to conduct an assessment of all the IT processes and subsequently
establish an SPI roadmap. Considering the challenges with respect to McCormick's organizational
culture, IT process maturity and urgent time-frame, Patni's Process Consulting Practice zeroed in on
Process Diagnosis as the solution. Backed by proven experience in similar engagements across varied
industry verticals and sizes, Patni quickly identified that a fully focused SPI plan aligned with
McCormick's business imperatives was the best-fit solution for the engagement rather than an
industry-recognized framework or benchmark.
The Process Diagnosis solution primarily comprised of a comprehensive, structured Gap Assessment.
The target IT processes included Requirements Management, Software Configuration and Change
Management, Design and Coding methods, Software Quality Assurance, Verification & Validation,
Reuse, Build and Release Management.
The key objectives of the exercise were:
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Conducted an iterative exercise through preliminary reviews of process artifacts and practices |
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Prioritized gaps and identified projects/ actions that could be executed immediately |
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Provided quick-fix solutions by drawing upon similar past experiences |
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Recommended tools for automation of certain processes |
Based on this wide-reaching Process Diagnosis exercise, Patni
outlined a high-level SPI Roadmap for McCormick explicitly stating
all the requisite elements for a successful initiative:
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Strengths and gaps along with benefits and impact for each
process area |
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Prioritized processes for an improvement program |
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Resources, timeline and milestones for such a program |
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Preliminary solutions to be worked upon. |
The Benefits
Patni's Process Diagnosis solution enabled a successful global ERP
implementation and rollout for McCormick. More significantly, it
laid the foundation for all future process improvement initiatives.
Some key benefits include:
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Alignment of SPI focus with business goals |
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Increased visibility and quality within the entire SDLC |
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Enhanced control on cycle-time, defect rates, rework and
productivity |
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Improved potential of reducing project costs and effort |
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Explicit prioritization of IT process areas for improvement
initiatives. |
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