Spark & Grow : A Smart, Cost-Effective Approach to ERP Deployments

Implementing a traditional ERP system often presents numerous financial challenges. The decision to invest in such a system can be daunting, especially without prior experience or a clear understanding of the system's benefits. Organizations may lack the necessary resources to endure prolonged deployment cycles, which often involve significant challenges in gathering and meeting evolving business requirements, followed by complex deployment and change management. Kainos has developed a specific offering – Spark & Grow - providing a cost-effective and straight forward alternative by providing the leading HR and Finance solution, Workday, as a managed service.

The Financial Burden of Traditional ERP Implementations:

High Upfront Costs

Selecting an ERP system typically requires a significant initial investment, which can be a deterrent for businesses that could greatly benefit from such a system. This substantial financial commitment can strain an organization, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, making it difficult to see the long-term payoff when the benefits seem so distant.

Long Deployment Timelines

Extended deployment periods further exacerbate financial strain, leading to prolonged license costs without the full utilization of the system. Spark & Grow was designed to streamline the complexities inherent in such implementations, enabling organizations to go live on the system as quickly as possible.

Traditional implementations often require a dedicated project team, which frequently operates in a dual capacity alongside their regular job responsibilities. This can lead to diminished enthusiasm as the project progresses and worse turnover. With Kainos's dedicated team, there is reduced pressure on internal resources, allowing for a more efficient and focused implementation process.

How Kainos Reduces Financial Pressure:

Subscription-Based Payment Model

Spark & Grow offers a flexible payment structure over a three-year period, allowing organizations to pay only for what they need. This approach avoids the high initial costs associated with traditional implementations, breaking down expenses into more manageable payments.

Accelerated Deployment

Leveraging best practices and a managed service approach, Spark & Grow significantly reduces the time spent paying license fees before going live. Organizations can now be live on the system in as little as four weeks, allowing them to make decisions based on tangible evidence rather than theoretical concepts. A principal advantage of this service is the substantial reduction in time required to go live, which enables internal support teams to upskill while benefiting from continuous Kainos support.

By going live early in the implementation process, organizations can transition off their existing systems, leading to savings on license costs. Immediate cost reductions can also be realized as the time spent on manual tasks is substantially decreased. Employees gain access to new tools and resources sooner, enhancing productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction, which can lead to reduced turnover costs and improved overall performance.

Comparing Spark & Grow to Traditional Implementation Projects:

Cost Predictability

The Spark & Grow model offers a subscription-based approach with clear, predictable budgeting, ideal for organizations looking to minimize upfront costs and manage expenses over time. Conversely, traditional implementations involve a larger initial investment but provide a highly tailored system from the outset, suitable for organizations that prioritize extensive customization.

Flexibility vs. Customization

Spark & Grow’s rapid deployment allows businesses to go live quickly, offering flexibility to scale and adapt as needed. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking immediate cost savings and faster ROI. Traditional projects, while requiring more time and resources, offer deeper customization, making them ideal for organizations with complex needs that demand a bespoke solution.

Finding the Right Fit

The decision between Spark & Grow and a traditional implementation depends on your organization’s specific requirements. Spark & Grow excels in providing a flexible, cost-effective solution with a quicker ROI, while traditional projects offer the comprehensive, customized approach that some organizations may need for long-term success.