Implementation.
Approach, timelines, phasing, training, and post go-live support.
How does IDU approach implementation?
IDU follows a structured, phased approach, starting with a scoping workshop and progressing through configuration, integration, training, go-live, and post-implementation support. Each phase is clearly defined, with agreed deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities to ensure a controlled and predictable outcome.
Who delivers the implementation?
All implementations are delivered directly by IDU’s internal consulting and technical teams. This ensures a single point of accountability, consistent methodology, and deep product and finance expertise — no reliance on third parties, and no handovers between teams.
Do you support global implementations?
IDU has delivered implementations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. The same methodology and delivery standards apply across all regions.
How long does implementation take?
Most organisations are live within weeks for an initial phase, depending on scope and readiness. Larger or more complex implementations are delivered in phases, allowing you to go live early and extend over time.
What impacts implementation timelines?
Timelines are influenced by the complexity of planning requirements, number of users and entities, integration scope, data readiness and availability, and internal stakeholder availability. A detailed timeline is agreed during the scoping phase.
Can we implement in phases?
Many organisations start with core budgeting and reporting, then extend into areas such as capex, workforce planning, or advanced modelling. This phased approach reduces risk and accelerates time to value.
How does IDU integrate with our ERP?
IDU integrates using APIs, SQL-based services, direct database connectivity, or secure file-based methods. This ensures compatibility with both on-premise and cloud ERP environments.
What data is integrated?
Typical integrations include actual financial data from the general ledger, chart of accounts and cost centre structures, organisational hierarchies, and historical data for trend and comparative reporting.
Can IDU write data back to the ERP?
Yes. Approved budgets or forecasts can be written back into the ERP where required, ensuring alignment between planning and financial systems.
How often does data update?
Actuals are typically refreshed on a scheduled basis, such as overnight or more frequently where required. This ensures planning and reporting are always based on current data.
Will we need to rebuild our financial model?
No. IDU reads your existing chart of accounts and organisational structures directly from your ERP. The system is configured around your existing financial framework, not rebuilt from scratch.
Can IDU handle complex organisational structures?
Yes. IDU supports multi-entity environments, multiple departments and cost centres, and decentralised budgeting across the organisation. This enables collaborative planning with central governance.
Can we change the model after go-live?
IDU is highly configurable, allowing your team to adapt structures, assumptions, and models as your business evolves.
How are users trained?
Training is delivered through a combination of instructor-led sessions, scenario-based learning, the online Training Academy, and embedded in-platform assistance. This ensures both finance and operational users are confident in using the system.
Will we be dependent on IDU after implementation?
No. A strong focus is placed on knowledge transfer and enablement. Your team is equipped to manage the system independently, with IDU providing support where needed.
What happens after go-live?
Post-implementation support focuses on stabilisation, user support, resolving early queries, and ensuring adoption. This phase concludes with formal sign-off and transition to ongoing support.
Do you provide ongoing support?
Yes. IDU provides functional and technical support, defined service levels, ongoing system optimisation, and advisory support as requirements evolve.
How experienced is IDU in implementations?
IDU has 28+ years of experience, 350+ successful implementations globally, and experience across multiple industries and geographies.
What kind of environments does IDU support?
IDU supports organisations at different stages of maturity, from those formalising their planning processes to those moving away from spreadsheets or disconnected systems. We work across a wide range of industries, including financial services, banking, FMCG, healthcare, public sector, education, mining, and utilities.
How is implementation priced?
Implementation is scoped based on your requirements and typically delivered on a time-and-materials basis. Final costs are confirmed following a detailed scoping exercise.
What typically causes scope changes?
The most common factor is a change in requirements after the project has started. IDU manages this through structured change control and regular project reviews.