IMPLEMENTATION
METHODOLOGY

Our Approach

Pyramid offers two implementation paths, each designed to match different business requirements and timelines:

Core Planning

• Custom model built to your specific business requirements
• Custom views, workflows, and calculation sets/formulae
• Full flexibility to match your existing planning processes
• Implementation timeline: typically 6 months (data depending)

FastPlan

• Best-in-class pre-configured planning model
• Pre-defined workflows with industry-standard calculations
• Integrated standard reporting included
• Implementation timeline: typically 3 months

Both paths include Merchandise Financial Planning (WSSI), Channel/Location Planning, Key Item Plans, Pre-Season Planning, In-Season Forecasting, and OTB Management.

FastPlan Implementation Timeline

The FastPlan accelerated implementation follows a proven 14-week programme:

Weeks 1-2: Kick-off & Review

• Project kick-off and team alignment
• Technical and functional review of current processes
• Environment setup and access provisioning

Weeks 3-5: Configuration

• Adjust FastPlan configuration to match business requirements
• Configure hierarchies, calculation sets, and workflows
• Set up user roles and access permissions

Weeks 6-8: Data Import & Validation

• Import historical and master data
• Validate data accuracy and completeness
• Configure data feeds and integration points

Week 9: Pre-UAT Training

• End-user training on the configured system
• Training on workflows, views, and reporting
• Knowledge transfer to planning teams

Week 10: UAT & Data Validation

• User Acceptance Testing with real business scenarios
• Final data validation and sign-off
• Issue resolution and refinement

Week 11: Report Adjusting

• Finalise report configurations
• Custom report development (if required)
• Dashboard setup and validation

Week 12: Pre Go-Live Checks

• Final system health checks
• Performance testing and optimisation
• Go/no-go decision and sign-off

Week 13: Go Live

• System goes live for production use
• On-site support for initial planning cycles
• Real-time issue triage and resolution

Week 14: Go-Live Support

• Continued on-site or remote support
• Post-go-live stabilisation
• Handover to ongoing support team

Module Implementation

Beyond core planning, additional Pyramid modules can be implemented in parallel or as phased rollouts:

• Assortment Manager: Store grading, option planning, range building, and size profiling. Typically implemented alongside or shortly after the planning module.
• Allocation Manager: Workbench setup, allocation method configuration, optimum management, and ERP integration for purchase order distribution. Can be operational within weeks of planning go-live.
• Replenishment Manager: Sales curve configuration, fill level setup, automated scheduling, and warehouse integration. Often the final module in a full-suite deployment.
• Forecast Manager: Statistical model configuration, data mining structure setup, and integration with the analytics data warehouse. Can run in parallel with planning implementation.
• Analytics: Data warehouse setup, SSAS cube configuration, SSRS reports, and Power BI dashboard development.

Data Migration & Integration

Every Pyramid implementation includes a structured data migration process:

• Master data: Product hierarchies, location hierarchies, supplier information, and size scales
• Historical data: Sales history, stock levels, and transactional data for analytics and forecasting
• Plan data: Migration of existing plans from spreadsheets or legacy systems (where applicable)
• Integration setup: Configuration of data feeds from ERP, POS, and warehouse management systems

Our implementation team works with your IT department to establish automated data pipelines that keep Pyramid synchronised with your source systems.

Training & Change Management

Successful implementation requires more than just technology. Pyramid's training programme ensures your team is confident and productive from day one:

• Administrator training: System configuration, user management, and maintenance procedures
• Planner training: Workflow execution, data entry, plan submission, and reporting
• Manager training: Plan approval, KPI monitoring, and executive dashboards
• Train-the-trainer: Building internal capability for ongoing team development

Training is delivered through a combination of on-site sessions, remote workshops, and comprehensive documentation.

Ongoing Support

After go-live, Pyramid provides continued support to ensure long-term success:

• Dedicated account management: A named contact who understands your business and configuration
• Technical support: Issue resolution, system monitoring, and performance optimisation
• Product updates: Regular platform updates with new features, security patches, and performance improvements
• Optimisation reviews: Periodic reviews to identify opportunities for workflow improvements and additional module adoption
• User community: Access to best practices, knowledge sharing, and product roadmap input