Cooper Software's IFS Associate Framework is an open network of independent IFS Consultants. The Associate network will work collaboratively to provide an independent source of expertise and consultancy services for IFS User companies.
Although partnering is often talked about in the community, it often fails to deliver the required success for all involved. Cooper Software's Associate framework creates a vehicle that will change all this, enabling a true win-win-win situation for the Customer, the Associate and Cooper Software.
The focus of this framework is to provide a credible alternative for IFS Users that delivers real benefits. At the same time, it is driven by incentive for Cooper Software and its Associates to develop mutually beneficial opportunities.
What`s the opportunity to the Customer?
The customer will have a credible, alternative Supplier to meet their IFS needs:
- Who understands IFS entirely and is capable over all IFS modules (many Associates being ex-IFS), with a wide available resource pool.
- Who has a resource pool that is significantly more cost effective than the other resources.
- Who provides not only the solution but who also provides the confidence that they will be supported after go-live.
- Who has a library of supporting re-usable applications and tools that seamlessly integrate into IFS (the more applications, solutions delivered the wider the solution library becomes).
- Who can take a lead role / project manage IFS Upgrades and Implementations.
- Who is able to deliver impartial expert advice, who have significant technical expertise of not only IFS but the other main ERP offerings that are available.
Typical Soution Delivery Process Development Framework:
Each project requires a balance of technical expertise and business consultancy. This is the main reason why IFS Users are forced down the incumbent supplier route when they are considering solutions and support options - because until now there has been no credible alternative.
Associates would provide the necessary on-site business consultancy and Cooper Software would provide a remote development and support service.
What gives Cooper Software this capability, and why now?
Cooper Software is uniquely placed to organise an Associate framework. Outside IFS, we are the only organisation with the knowledge, expertise and resources to operate at the deep technical level. However, we are not line-of-business consultants and so we do not compete with our Associates. Instead, we cooperate to our mutual benefit and to offer a complete service to our customers.
We have created a software development framework, which is based on best practice and is ISO 9001 accredited. Our software development framework is proven to deliver successful applications, and solutions to IFS companies. The framework has been designed to encourage, and facilitate, collaborative and iterative working.
We have also invested in a comprehensive supporting technical infrastructure and support capability. Including the development of a number of industry strength solutions for IFS User companies, which can be re-used and applied to any version of IFS, some of the solutions include:
- Management Information Web Portal & Consolidated Reporting
- EDI Integration
- Maintenance Application
- Document Management
- Project Management
- Planning and Forecasting
- Sales and Prospect Management
These solutions were made possible by using a bespoke DAL (Data Access Layer) that we have developed, which enables easy integration to IFS's Software Oriented Architecture (SOA). This DAL is easily accessible and enables a multitude of software applications (including Microsoft applications, Word, Excel, Access, Project, etc...) and programming languages (including VB, ASP, Java, C++, etc...) to access it and therefore make interfacing with the IFS SOA much easier. We have proven that we are able to extend the life of implementations using our DAL.
What's the opportunity to the Associate?
Associates will introduce opportunities to Cooper Software by way of setting up an initial meeting with potential Customers to enable us to understand the IFS issues that they are experiencing. The target of this meeting would be to sign the Customer up to a Business Information Review.
Incentives will be offered to each Associate for opportunity introductions, which will be followed-up with additional bonus payments as projects are commissioned and delivered. This is a collaborative agreement and Associates will be involved in the delivery of any projects that arise from opportunities that they put forward, enabling them to generate Consultancy revenues for themselves. Cooper Software would reciprocate and open up opportunities to its Associate network as they uncover them.
£400 for each qualified meeting arranged.
Bonus: 10% of total Business Information Review value; + any consultancy fees charged directly by the Consultant. Typical cost £2-£5K
Bonus: 10% -> 5% (Sliding Scale: Small Project -> Large Project) of total Project Development value; + any consultancy fees charged directly by the Consultant; Project fees range from small up to £50K; medium £50-£250K; large in excess of £250K
Bonus: 5% retainer of Support work value; + any consultancy fees charged directly by the Consultant; Typical support cost @ 20% of Project Cost per annum.
Who is the ideal Associate?
We are looking for respected, experienced and professional independent IFS consultants to join our Associate network.
An individual or existing partnership with a proven track record of delivering value to IFS User Companies either independently or as an IFS employee. Each associate must have at least one positive referral from an IFS User company
The Associate needs to be sufficiently well connected to create introductions to IFS User companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for membership to become an Associate?
No.
Who owns the opportunity?
The opportunity will be owned by Cooper Software, and the agreement for each opportunity will be between Cooper Software and the Customer directly.
How will each opportunity be framed?
Each opportunity will be outlined in the Business Information Review (BIR); this not only outlines the business case and the scope of the project but also the work breakdown and responsibilities of the Customer, the Associate and Cooper Software.
Can there be more than one opportunity per Customer?
Yes, each Customer opportunity (Project) will be clearly defined and scoped in Business Information Review document.
Who manages the opportunity?
This will be documented in the BIR, but the expectation would be that Cooper Software would provide the programme management, but not necessarily the project management of the project scoped in the BIR.
Does this restrict the associate working directly with a Customer in future?
No, the Associate and the Customers terms are unaffected and there is no tie in which will prevent any of the parties working with each other in the future.
What is the process of engaging with the Customer?
Step 1: is a qualified introduction by the Associate to the Customer for Cooper Software to discuss a Business Information Review.
Step 2: based on the initial meeting Cooper Software will present a letter of engagement to the Customer (mini-contract) outlining the purpose of the BIR, its cost and who will do what to complete this exercise.
Step 3: Once the Customer has signed the letter of engagement the Business Information Review process will take place. This process ranges between 3 and 10 days depending on the scale of the project. This time is broken down into 3 phases:
- Workshop on site with the project owner and associated stakeholders to understand the project requirements, scope, priorities, infrastructure capabilities, etc...
- Completion of the document, design, planning, proposal etc...
- A presentation on site to deliver the completed BIR and Customer Proposal.
What does a Qualified Customer Introduction mean?
Qualification criteria will be determined on an opportunity by opportunity basis between the Associate and Sales Director of Cooper Software, but typically the verification will be around the following:
- Value
- Budget
- Identified Sponsor
What is a Business Information Review (BIR) and why is it important?
The BIR is a part of the ISO accredited Software Development Framework that we follow in delivering all of our projects. This framework is based on best practice and is the essential starting point for each project, which will maximise the chances of a successful delivery.
More information can be found here: BIR Template (this is the template that we would look to complete and deliver as part of the review) and MiView BIR Overview.
How much does a BIR Cost?
The BIR is charged at a flat rate of £500 per consultant day based on the duration of the BIR - typically this is between 5 and 10 days.
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