For every type of industry and facility, we have effectively designed and implemented enterprise asset management (EAM) systems through an approach called Pathways^SM. We know what it takes for a successful implementation: team-building, good communication, and a firm commitment to client satisfaction. That is why the Professional Services Group employs a devoted project management department specializing in effective client liaison, project organization, and personnel deployment.

Project Management Team
The Datastream software project management team consists of trained professionals whose entire focus is to track and monitor each project that enters the program. Project managers are selected for their technical knowledge (integration, product development, functionality), organization, and communication skills. The project management team is led by individuals with experience managing multifaceted projects for numerous types of industries.

Each client is assigned a dedicated project manager who serves as the client's single point of contact during the course of the project. The project manager:

• Allocates Datastream resources to the project.
• Leads the project team through to completion.
• Provides a single point of contact for the client on all issues.
• Ensures the agreed upon project deliverables are produced and issues resolved.
• Coordinates tasks between departments and functions.
• Informs the client of project status on a regular basis with special emphasis on changes in scope, schedule, and budget.

Solutions
Finding the right path is always a challenge. However, managing asset performance and increasing profitability are common goals. Using Pathways, we look at a company's objectives (technical, financial, and internal) and then finds solutions to address each one, focusing on speed, efficiency, and effectiveness. Meeting these often complex and sometimes conflicting objectives requires close contact with clients and an ability to offer economically and technically sound strategies to implement a Datastream solution.

Pathways
Through Pathways, enterprise asset management systems are implemented around each client's individual operating environment. Project managers employ a unique understanding of technical systems coupled with a practical knowledge of the best maintenance practices. An integral part of Pathways includes a systematic, phased process with solution-oriented procedures. Pathways begins with planning and concludes with a final review to assess actual performance against objectives.

As a project methodology, Pathways utilizes a phased approach to deliver a successful implementation by:

• Communicating, setting, and meeting expectations
• Accepting deliverables
• Focusing on time and budget requirements

This methodology provides a standard sequence for the tasks involved in every project—whether the project is simple or complex. Pathways guides the project management team through a client-focused, six-phase project lifecycle with corresponding activities to ensure that all critical functions are addressed and project deliverables are provided.

Methodology Description
Pathways Project Implementation Methodology has six major phases: Sales, Define, Design, Develop, Implement, and Improve. In the first three phases, project managers help customers assess their asset management needs, determine what their asset management system will accomplish, and create and refine an outline for implementation. During the final three phases, project managers and staff and the client core-team train users, refine workflow configuration, and implement the software. After three months, a Pathways project manager returns to conduct an audit measuring the performance of the software and to make improvement recommendations.

Pathways facilitates the success of a project by providing a repeatable, scalable project management process for implementing Datastream applications and services.