System and method for transitioning to new data services
A system and method for providing a transition to new market data services is disclosed. The system and method include a market data services provider and a client. The provider presents the client with a standard scorecard which is used to report the progress and status of various aspects of the transition project using metrics. The client is able to customize the scorecard by suggesting additional parameters and editing its content to tailor the periodic reports to their needs. The provider then takes the proposed changes and undertakes an internal certification process to ensure that the metrics used are accurate, reliable, and consistent. The provider then proceeds with the transition process, providing an updated scorecard to the client at periodic intervals to allow the client to monitor the progress of the transition and relieve any concern regarding delays and/or increased costs.
1 . A method comprising:
providing a plurality of metrics designed to track the progress of an associated task in a transition to new market data services to a client;
receiving feedback from said client including a plurality of proposed parameters characterizing said transition to new market data services;
associating a metric with at least one proposed parameter in said plurality of proposed parameters;
representing the progress of said transition on a status scorecard using said metric and said plurality of metrics; and
providing said status scorecard to said client on a periodic basis.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein said transition to new market data services is a transition from one market data services provider to a new market data services provider.
3 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:
receiving market data including data about at least one of said client's products.
4 . The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of:
performing an analysis on said market data.
5 . The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of:
communicating said analysis to said client.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein said metrics are stored on a computer system.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein said metrics are updated on said computer system without manual intervention.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein said feedback includes a timeframe for completion of the transition project.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein said plurality of metrics includes a metric measuring the amount of client time utilized.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein said plurality of metrics includes a metric measuring the number of training classes completed.
11 . The method of claim 1 wherein said plurality of metrics includes a metric measuring the number of new employees hired.
12 . The method of claim 1 wherein said plurality of metrics includes a metric measuring the number of required employees who have been trained.
13 . The method of claim 1 wherein said status scorecard is sent to said client via e-mail.
14 . The method of claim 1 wherein said status scorecard is made available to said client on a secure webpage.
15 . The method of claim 1 wherein said status scorecard is sent to said client via facsimile.
16 . The method of claim 1 wherein said periodic basis is weekly.
17 . The method of claim 1 wherein said periodic basis is monthly.
18 . The method of claim 1 wherein said periodic basis is defined by said client.
19 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
identifying at least one metric in said plurality of metrics indicating that said associated task is behind schedule; and
in response to said identifying, developing an action plan to bring the progress of said associated task up to pace.
20 . The method of claim 19 wherein said action plan includes a re-allocation of resources.
21 . The method of claim 19 wherein said action plan includes a re-prioritization of tasks.
22 . The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of communicating said action plan to said client.
23 . The method of claim 20 wherein said resources are employees.
24 . The method of claim 1 wherein said associating further includes the steps of:
identifying the type of metric needed to accurately represent the proposed parameter; and
locating said metric in a collection of prior metrics.
25 . The method of claim 1 wherein said associating further includes the steps of:
identifying the type of metric needed to accurately represent the proposed parameter; and
establishing a definition for said metric;
submitting said definition to a certification authority for approval; and
implementing said metric.
26 . The method of claim 25 wherein said certification authority is an internal panel comprising a plurality employees of said market data services provider.
27 . The method of claim 25 wherein said definition is a completed pre-established template.
28 . The method of claim 25 wherein said definition is submitted to said certification authority online.
29 . The method of claim 1 wherein said metric has an associated process owner responsible for the generation of said metric.
30 . The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of:
obtaining approval of said metric from said associated process owner prior to providing said status scorecard to said client.
31 . The method of claim 1 wherein said scorecard is a web page.
32 . The method of claim 1 wherein said scorecard includes a color coded field indicating the status of at least one of said metrics.
33 . The method of claim 32 wherein a green color indicates that said metric is on track.
34 . The method of claim 32 wherein a yellow color indicates that said metric has associated issues.
35 . The method of claim 32 wherein a red color indicates that said metric is behind schedule.
36 . The method of claim 32 wherein said color coded field is generate programmatically using said metrics.
37 . The method of claim 36 wherein said metrics are stored on a computer system.
38 . A computer readable medium capable of carrying out the steps recited in claim 1.