Perhaps you can figure out “RIM” from the drawing above…
A simple definition: R.I.M. is an old consulting and tech-speak acronym for “Rapid Implementation Methodology.
A bit more detail: Rapid Implementation Methodology or “RIM” is a consulting/services approach to implementing software (primarily), based on template(s) and “best practice(s)” rather than a completely unique “start from scratch” approach to each project.
In the early years of software for business, as people in accounting or operations implemented ERP or other business-critical software systems, they had mixed results. At first, nobody really had ANY or much experience, so every project was a “start from scratch” effort, with maximum dollars paid out to the consulting and implementation team. The consultants provided full, project-specific, unique-to-your-business analysis, requirements gathering, documentation, consulting, training, and more.
And, those early consultants made a killing, because there was little or no precedent, no experience, and few of their clients had any idea how to implement big software — it was the wild west! Unfortunately, many of those early consultants did not know much more than the clients they served, and did not have a truly insightful, evolved methodology. Thus, the “mixed results” of those early projects, with dissatisfaction driving the development of RIM’s in the years that followed, to limit scope-creep, lower costs, and improve results.
RIM = Rapid Implementation Methodology
Most RIM’s out there are based on a few core concepts developed and proven over time by companies with deep pockets and lots consultants claiming to be experts. Today, there are many RIM’s, mostly tuned to specific types of software, and business models. As a result — because any methodology is only as good (or bad) as the people who use it — there are virtually thousands of RIM’s out there! Every consulting or software company has their own “flavor” or version, and a few still wing it and are surprised at the end of a project when things actually come in on time and under budget! Wait – that NEVER happens!!!!!
Seriously, any consulting and implementation services company or team, which has no structured approach, a rapid implementation, and best-practices methodology, will ALWAYS exceed the time limits/deadlines and blow the budget, to say nothing of inevitably introducing rampant scope-creep (i.e.: more cost). So, RIM to the rescue!
What the heck is a “RIMETER”?
And what inspired the drawing? One day, after explaining the concept of RIM to a yet another client with a glazed look in their eye, I grabbed a red magic marker and a piece of paper to show it in simple, visual form. Voila – le dessin, le schéma (the drawing, the diagram) you see above! The point was to show the range from one extreme to the other; from a 100% template (lower cost, less time) project to a 100% unique (high cost, more time) project. And what better way to measure this range of project types, hours, and costs, than with a specialized meter? Thus the “RIMETER” was born, and will exist forever, immortalized, in red-and-white…
#Random2Results
Of course, we have our own RIM, and we call it #Random2Results which is largely based on concepts provided by Navision (later Microsoft Dynamics NAV) software around 1995, which was developed and documented by a team including some ex-IBM’ers. Most of our peers in the software consulting world use a similar approach.
Over the years, we evolved and refined our own RIM methodology, based on experience with diverse clients and business models, incorporating new ideas and technologies.
Three things at the core of our RIM:
- LISTENING (with understanding),
- Needs-Based Solution-Selling,
- Long-Term Relationship-Building.
Today, everything we do for our clients is infused with a RIM mentality and approach, to maximize project results, and minimize project time/cost.
Here’s how our Project RIM basically works:
And the RIM keeps on flowing during support, repeating after go-live:
Get in touch if you need the RIMETER!
Tell us where you want to go and we’ll take you there!
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