This is an utmost important aspects in any methodology you would select. The planning process should address the core milestones in this approach, which spans scenarios, configured solutions with validation, and feedback, performed in an iterative way.

The following visual shows the various steps and processes, with the flow of information involved in this approach:

Considering that the CRP's success lies in its pilots, the following factors should be leveraged in arriving at the number of pilots needed:

• Long-term as well as short-term goals of initiative/program:
  • Use of top-down as well as bottom-up attainment of goals
  • Hierarchical map of goals, business processes, scenarios, and requirements
• A standard solution functionality span and fitment
• Enhancements/modifications need
• Localization, country, or legal requirements
• Security and data privacy, or SOX
• Connectivity (network latency) or performance
• Maintainability, deployment, or downtime for maintenance
• Licensing, support, and upgrade costs
• Shared services, inter company transactions, and master data management