Best Practices in Streamlining Global Concur Implementations

1) Ensure Team Readiness

For the Core Team:

• Is there executive sponsorship to support local country buy-in?
• Who is assigned to oversee communications and training?
• Are resources available to support IT/Interface development?
• Is project related travel in-scope and budgeted for?

For the Local Country Teams:

• Is there local buy-in?
• Are local resources able to commit to the project?
• What will the end-user support model be?
• Are there any competing projects that may impact resources or the timeline?
• What is the status of the local corporate card program?
• Is the necessary hardware in place (e.g., scanners, access to broadband connections)?
• If planning on using mobile, will smart phones be issued or is bring your own device (BYOD) permitted?
• Is translation to local language required? If so, have resources been selected to complete the translation?
• Have local works councils been informed?

2) Plan for Deployment

Group Similar Markets

Group similar markets in the same phase to ensure project discussions and requirements gathering efforts are more efficient. Grouping criteria include:

• Languages/Time zones
• Shared service support locations
• Same HR Information System and/or ERP
• Similar T&E policy, statutory travel allowance or VAT regulations
• Same corporate card program/provider
• Same travel management company

Decide on a Deployment Approach

• Are there IT or other black-out periods for the project or go-live?
• Is there a target date for completing the roll-out across markets?
• Will you follow a big bang or phased approach?
• Will you pilot in each country or region?

3) Review Corporate Card Provider

Pick a corporate credit card provider that allows a regional contract instead of a separate contract for each market. This eliminates the need to wait for a new contract / card feed setup.

4) Create a Global Model

Create a simple global model configuration which sets the groundwork for future scalable implementations.

The global model helps define configuration specifics and ward off
scope creep for markets. This reduces requirements gathering
timelines, decision making, and complexity of system maintenance.

Having a consistent design also enables scalability for training
materials.

5) Standardize Documentation

Develop global template worksheets using a global model that markets can use as a basis for requirements gathering. These worksheets should include available expense types, workflows, audit rules, related GL account structure, VAT requirements, and available expense type forms.

6) Leverage Your Network

Reach out to peers at other companies who have implemented Concur in your target markets (via Concur user groups on LinkedIn), and ask for
tips and their best-practices.

Attend events like conferences, trade/industry meetings, and webinars to gain relevant insights.