Cummins Inc. recently transitioned four of its business units to Windchill PDMLink 10.2 for CAD Data Management. The previous Enovia solution had been in place for well over ten years, and was deeply entrenched in all aspects of the business process and user knowledge/expectations. Critical factors shaping the implementation scope included 1,500 users at over fifty global locations, simultaneous implementation for all users/locations, high level of change in both tools and processes, and limited time/resources for end user training. Based on these and many other project constraints, a strategy was adopted to engage many key users for multiple overview, evaluation, and validation sessions alongside regular communications to the whole user base far in advance of end user training. In addition to improving the quality of the training approach and material, when the end user training sessions were conducted just prior to implementation, over 10% of the user base had already received that advanced and more in-depth exposure. These users were able to share information about the project and what to expect with their colleagues, facilitate or support end user training sessions, assist with planning/execution of implementation cutover activities, and provide first-line support to their colleagues after implementation. Having widespread adoption support within the user community contributed enormously to a successful go-live! Attendees learned how all of the above was changed.
