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Persistent Systems looks to enable data interoperability, and eliminate manual processes, and legacy applications by implementing a full Oracle Fusion Cloud PPM solution.
Challenge:
Persistent runs Oracle Fusion Cloud PPM (Oracle Fusion) across its global operations. Their implementation utilized the bare shell of the project and contract modules in conjunction with custom and legacy components for all significant Project Functions. Project Partners conducted a Business Process and Technology Assessment, which identified a few significant challenges:
- The original implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP was minimally integrated with Cloud PPM.
- Major project functions are performed in separate applications, causing data fracturing in multiple locations.
- Reporting is very arduous and requires manual processing.
- All process functions, including business finance, operations, invoicing, planning, and resource management, are complex and impact the quality of reporting.
- Persistent has a lot of manual processes to integrate systems for project approvals and audits.
- No single SOR makes it difficult for project managers to view all project data.
- Reports are manually generated by extracting data from multiple systems to MS Excel and feeding that information into Power BI.
- Project segments in General Ledger (GL) COA cause GL Bloating.
Solution:
Project Partners proposed several modifications to Persistent's Oracle Fusion Cloud PPM instance to utilize most (if not all) project functions and enable all project data. In addition, we recommended bringing all project data currently maintained in separate custom or legacy systems into Cloud PPM to establish a sole source of truth.
Include in PPM
Persistent's partial implementation of Cloud PPM during their initial Cloud Financials rollout resulted in using multiple disparate systems for project management. Consequently, the company faced operational and management reporting and project management challenges. To address these issues and fully utilize Cloud PPM's native functionality, we recommended incorporating the following items:
- Tasks (WBS)
- Budget linked to Estimates
- Idents
- Resource Allocation
This approach aligns with best practices and unlocks the benefits of Cloud PPM.
Add in PPM
Cloud PPM offers several benefits for accounting and tracking costs, revenue, and invoicing. We recommended incorporating the following items:
- Actual worked hours, expenses, and supplier invoices, including Project Costing and Project Accounting.
- Project Revenue Accrual, Accounting, and Invoicing (and transfer to AR)
Cloud PPM's project-specific rules automate cost accounting, eliminating the need for manual knowledge of specific cost accounts. The same applies to revenue and invoicing. This ensures accurate booking into the appropriate accounts. Including cost, revenue, and budget information in Cloud PPM enables Project Managers to access Budget vs. Actuals data from multiple angles. Additionally, Cloud PPM's native Contracts functionality allows for effective backlog management, enforcing controls such as adhering to contract values for billing and revenue recognition.
Move to PPM
Moving billing data to Cloud PPM enhances project billing efficiency. Invoices can be generated directly from project data by incorporating data like bill rates and milestones into PPM, eliminating the need for manual calculations. Moreover, this information ensures that project billing aligns with the contract terms, eliminating the requirement to cross-check in another system.
Integrate with PPM
By integrating Contracts and Legal Documents with Cloud PPM as attachments (performed by a 3rd party tool), Project Managers can access the documents at their fingertips for reference.
Approach:
- Project Partners will provide a complete, detailed configuration of the PPM solution based on the proposed design.
- Some process changes and solution extensions would be reviewed and applied to the standard product to meet all of Persistent's requirements.
- Project Partners will provide two different implementation approaches with pros and cons for each method to Persistent to ensure the company could best meet its business needs.
Outcome:
Based on Project Partners' findings, the impact of utilizing the complete Fusion PPM module would:
- Management has full visibility into all aspects of operations and key projects. All operational users can now use the application.
- All project data is visible (including audits of all approvals).
- Revenue recognition and reporting is simplified, using standard and custom OTBI reports for all users.
- OTL provided cost and operational efficiencies for time entry.
