The integration of two (or more) organizations is difficult. These are some of the considerations:
Personalities and turf of key people
General organizational culture
Pay and benefits differences
HR policies
Relationships with customers
Marketing, advertising differences
Business processes
Documentation systems
A tale of two entities
Documentation is usually the toughest entities to change. Most of the other consideration in the previous list can be implemented reasonably quickly and effectively. Even turf wars and culture can be modified by new policies, incentives, reporting structures, as well as changes in personnel. However, documentation is a different ball game, because it's always a part of everything in the organization, and one cannot retrain or readily terminate old dysfunctional documents and systems. For example, it is especially difficult and complicated because:
The organization cannot operate without involving documents, making the transition (phasing out of the old and phasing in of the new) challenging. And shutting down the organization for 3 months is not an option!
There are legacy documents that must continue to be used. It is out of the question to convert and modify old documents to conform to the changes.
There may be scores of differences between the two systems. For example: standards like templates, writing styles, document approval processes, archiving policies, nomenclature, security, distribution policies and processes, etc.
As the changes are implemented, everybody must be retrained.
Storage issues, like mediums and locations.
It is human nature to resist and resent change.
The corporate cultures and skill sets may be very different.
The “improvements” and changes may be poorly developed, tested, and implemented.
And yet when documentation systems are changed, it is very important to get it right the first time or chaos and resentment may result! This must be done in real time while, while the normal daily activities of the two organizations continue.
Temp Ramp-up Package
For the workers to be productive in the shortest time possible, the employer should have a package “on the shelf” to provide to the contract employees. We will create a customized package, which will guide you through the whole process, from preparing for the interviews, through the training process, to the final day check-off list.
Mergers and Acquisitions Merging documentation systems along with merging companies is usually a daunting task. We provide turn-key integration services to combine dissimilar documentation systems.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Publicly held corporations must have documentation controls in place for internal financial information that affects the accuracy of corporate financial reports. We provide documentation processes and procedures tailored to your company's exact needs to meet the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
ISO 9001-2000 ISO requires specific documentation, processes, and procedures to meet and maintain the ISO certification requirements. We provide assistance for the analysis, development, and implementation services to help your company successes in its ISO certification.
Supply Chain Many manufacturers use just-in-time delivery of raw materials, subassemblies, and modules. The real-time documentation reporting and tracking provides the information needed to monitor this process. We provide the analysis and implantation you need to make this system work efficiently.
Outsourcing Whenever organizations establish information processing partnerships with outside teams, whether down the street or across oceans, it's the on-line documents that ensure a smooth and timely flow of information. We work with you to make sure that there is a timely and available flow of information.
