Sigmund Software, LLC

Sigmund™ software´s implementation methodology includes four (4) phases - Discovery, System Development, User Acceptance Testing and Production Rollout. These implementation phases are designed to provide clients with a seamless transition from an existing electronic or paper-based system to Sigmund while ensuring all aspects of a client´s operations are accounted for by the software. The Sigmund project team, comprised of individuals with clinical, billing and operations experience, is equipped with the skills and tools to manage the entire process from system requirements gathering to deployment. Sigmund provides various levels of support, depending on client needs, including client-side Project Management, Process Analysis/Re-Engineering, on-going Training and Configuration Data Entry Services.

The Discovery Phase is preceded by a Project Kick-off Work-session that includes application demonstrations, completion and review of requirements and configuration questionnaires, identification of key client documentation, as well as consultation on possible process re-engineering needs. The Project Kick-off provides your organization with the opportunity to not only introduce the Sigmund Project Team to your organization, but also to define and structure your organization´s Project Team. Detailed Sigmund Process documents covering all aspects of the implementation are provided; these include client responsibilities as well as the best practice approaches to project implementation that Sigmund Software has developed based on several years of successful implementations.

The information obtained during Discovery ensures Sigmund is configured specifically for your organization including such information as Programs Levels, Services, Facility Structure, Treatment Plan Design, User-Definable Tables/Lists, Accounting Chart of Accounts and clinical Documentation (i.e. Forms, Assessments, Polices & Procedures, Government and Accreditation Regulations, etc.). Customization and Data migration requirements, if applicable, are also defined during the Discovery process.

The Discovery process yields the specific client requirements that are used by Sigmund´s world-class Development and Quality Assurance Labs to create the client version of Sigmund. Training System Development will include configuration, data entry and may include customization and data migration identified during the Discovery process. The Training System Development culminates in the installation of a training system which then begins the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) period.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) includes four critical functions in the project cycle: Training, User Proficiency, Process Definition and Finalization of Specifications including Configuration, Customization and Data Migration. The UAT process starts with a series of formal on-site user training sessions followed by one to two months (this varies based upon client needs) of hands-on system use, allowing your organization to practice using the system, conduct additional internal training sessions and begin creating task level procedural documentation. Additionally, this will provide users with more in-depth knowledge of Sigmund functionality, which may lead to additional configuration, customization and data migration requirements. The UAT period will culminate with Sigmund´s finalization of development, quality assurance testing and delivery of system updates in preparation for production rollout. Sigmund offers additional Training, Process Analysis/Re-Engineering as well as Client-side Project Management Services as needed throughout the UAT period.

During this final phase, a master Production Rollout Plan is developed, which details staff communication, training schedule and availability of Sigmund on-site production rollout Support Resources. The plan also includes identification of power users who serve as client functional experts, as part of the "Train the Trainer" model, as well as individuals who will require specialized or more focused training. Additionally, an internal communication plan is established to notify users of the transition to the Sigmund electronic case record and of any expected impact on staff responsibilities. Finally, Production Rollout planning includes the scheduling of Sigmund Trainers and Production Support Specialists to assist in the execution of the rollout plan and provide on-site support during the initial week(s) of the Production Rollout.