Quick-Start Advantage
          A rapid and reliable deployment program for
             Business Rules Management Systems




Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group     www.TheSummitPointGroup.com
Quick-Start Advantage



       What is Quick-Start Advantage?

       Quick-Start Advantage is a structured 10-week program that delivers a fully
       functioning Business Rules Management System prototype. The program
       includes opportunity discovery and strategy definition, as well as rapid
       design, construction, and implementation. At the end of the 10-week
       engagement, your organization will have a fully functional pilot Business Rules
       Management System, a benefits case, and a comprehensive road map for full
       implementation.

               The Summit Point Group will help your organization design,
               develop, and deliver a Business Rules Management System with
               measurable business benefits.


       What are the benefits of a Business Rules Management System?

       Enterprise decision services implemented via Business Rules Management
       Systems offer a number of benefits to an organization, while enabling effective
       and efficient management and delivery of business policy through business
       systems. Business Rules Management Systems permit quick and dynamic
       modification of business policies and procedures in fast-paced operations
       environments. Business policy can be efficiently and consistently
       implemented across multiple operational platforms, reducing time-to-market
       and expense.

       Business functions that involve high levels of complexity, intense manual
       calculations, routine repetitive review, significant levels of risk or compliance
       oversight are often areas where Business Rules Management Systems provide
       significant return on investment. Controls can be implemented consistently
       across the enterprise while managed and deployed from a centralized
       location; the risk introduced through multiple hand-offs and varied
       implementations is avoided. In addition, authorship and management of
       business rules can often be fulfilled by business analysts, resulting in greater
       alignment between business and technology organizations.

               The Summit Point Group brings decades of experience to your
               engagement, ensuring that your organization realizes the highest
               possible return on the implementation of a Business Rules
               Management System.


Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group                  www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 2
Quick-Start Advantage



        How does Quick-Start Advantage work?

        Quick-Start Advantage is a structured methodology that will be executed in
        three major phases. First, The Summit Point Group will work with your
        program leads and subject matter experts to define the scope and functional
        requirements of the engagement. Next, our knowledge engineers will validate
        requirements, complete analysis, document data requirements, design
        business rules, and construct and test a business rules engine prototype.
        Working with your team, we will provide product demonstrations and conduct
        stakeholder review sessions, develop an executive presentation and benefits
        case, and help you assess organizational changes required for adoption. At
        completion, you will have a fully functioning pilot Business Rules Management
        System as well as a roadmap for full implementation.



                                       Weeks 1 & 2                                 Weeks 2 to 8                                   Weeks 8 to 10


                               Scope & Requirements                          Design & Construction                          Validation & Review

                           •   Project identification and scope      •   Validation of functional requirements,    •   Testing and validation of requirements
                               development                               analysis
                                                                                                                   •   Product demonstrations and
                           •   Management and subject matter         •   Development of technical requirements         stakeholder review
            Activities




                               expert interviews and working
                               sessions                              •   Object model Implementation               •   Development of executive
                                                                                                                       presentation & associated benefits
                           •   Knowledge harvest; Review of          •   HW/SW environment analysis                    case
                               business policies and procedures
                                                                     •   Pilot software selection & acquisition    •   Organizational assessment
                           •   Strategy validation
                                                                     •   Rules engine development
                           •   Project scope document                •   Software and interface specifications     •   Executive presentation with
                                                                                                                       opportunity assessment and benefits
                           •   Feature-function matrix               •   Working business rule engine                  case
            Deliverables




                           •   Data model                            •   Business user facing business rule        •   Workforce adoption and training plan
                                                                         management environment
                           •   High-level functional requirements,                                                 •   Detailed implementation roadmap
                               including detailed rule flows         •   Technology integration plan & interface
                                                                         specifications                            •   Fully functioning pilot business rules
                           •   Business rule module(s) definition                                                      engine
                               and composition                       •   Data persistence and integration plan




                                                          The 10-Week Quick-Start Advantage Program



        What are common Business Rules Management System applications?

        Business Rules Management Systems will yield the greatest organizational
        returns when used to replace highly repetitive and/or complex manual
        activities, or when used to centralize the management of business policy and
        rules that are common across multiple business functions and systems.



Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group                                                                       www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 3
Quick-Start Advantage



       Examples of common Business Rules Management System applications might
       include:
              Mortgage or insurance eligibility; rapid screening of complex
                transactional terms and identification of best-match opportunities
              Mortgage or loan underwriting; quickly assessing the terms of the
                transaction and providing instant guidance for processing
              Risk grading and pricing; flexibility, granularity, and consistency in
                addition to rapid time-to-market changes
              Compliance; fully automated enforcement of controls and rules while
                providing centralized management of all policy

                 The Summit Point Group will work with you to identify
                 opportunities to gain the greatest value from your Business Rules
                 Management System assets.


       How do you do this in ten weeks?

       The Quick-Start Advantage is an industry-targeted program that relies on a
       knowledge-intensive rapid prototyping approach. The Summit Point Group
       has extensive financial services and mortgage industry experience, combined
       with deep technical expertise, enabling us to quickly engage with your
       company, your management team, and your subject matter experts to design
       and construct a working solution in ten weeks.


                                            •   A top-down approach to identifying required data elements, leads to faster and
                                                more comprehensive data modeling outcomes
                  Industry Standard
                    Data Dictionary         •   Leverage of an open standards-based data model (e.g. MISMO XML Schemas)
                                                leads to faster implementation


                                            •   Leverage the unique strengths of selected Business Rules Management Systems
                                                to quickly categorize rules for implementation
              Deep Technical Expertise
                with BRMS Products          •   Deployment of data models and rule sets in a modular approach, consistent with
                                                vendor offerings, to maximize transparency and testing efficiencies


                                            •   Use of standard templates for requirements capture and standard industry risk
                                                drivers like CLTV, FICO, and DTI, accelerates the rule harvesting process
                 Extensive Mortgage
                 Industry Experience        •   Knowledge of the mortgage asset life cycle ensures implementation to be
                                                consistent with the overall business process



                     The Key Elements to The Summit Point Group Approach to Rapid Deployment




Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group                                        www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 4
Quick-Start Advantage



       Quick-Start Advantage will jump-start your business rules strategy.

       The Quick-Start Advantage program is a key component of The Summit Point
       Group’s proven enterprise deployment methodology. Development and
       implementation of an enterprise-level business rules strategy without a clear
       understanding of the business rules paradigm can prove to be costly and
       complex. Just getting started can prove to be considerably time-consuming.
       We will help you jump-start your enterprise strategy, as Quick-Start
       Advantage will provide you with the necessary foundation of an enterprise
       program.


                Enterprise-Wide Business Rules Deployment    •Business rules management centralized/shared rule repository
                                                             •Business Rules Management Services deployed enterprise-wide
                      Centralized Rules Management           •Full business rules competency reached


                      Cross-Divisional Integration           •Business rules management framework/methods implemented
                  Common Policy/Shared Business Rules        •Business rules shared for some functions across divisions
                                                             •Common rules services replace previously replicated technology

                           Divisional Capabilities
                 Fully Operational Business Rules Platform   •Business rules engine(s) deployed; fully operational platform
                                                             •Supporting methodologies finalized and support skills obtained
                                                             •Business unit/operational division adopts business rules paradigm
                        Pilot Program
                    Functioning Prototype
                                                             •Prototype business rules engine for available for pilot
                                                             •Foundational technology, documentation, tools, and skills acquired
                                                             •Road map and plan for full functional deployment complete



                               Enterprise Business Rules System Deployment Methodology



       In addition, our program will provide a roadmap and plan for adoption.

       At the end of the Quick-Start Advantage program, we will deliver a fully
       functional prototype installed on your technology infrastructure. Engagement
       deliverables will include detailed documentation to facilitate your follow-on
       full implementation and a comprehensive roadmap and benefits case for your
       adoption of a business rules management system approach. In addition, you
       will be provided with decision-making framework documents that can be used
       for subsequent projects.


        Contact The Summit Point Group to learn more about our Quick-Start Advantage Program.




Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group                                   www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 5
The 10-week Quick-Start Advantage Program

       Quick-Start Advantage is a structured 10-week program that delivers a fully
       functioning Business Rules Management System prototype. The program
       includes opportunity discovery and strategy definition, as well as rapid design,
       construction and implementation. A benefits case framework, organizational
       assessment, and deployment plan will provide you with a roadmap to adoption.


                     Business Rule Engine with Service Oriented Architecture                                   Software

                                                                                                   1. Business Rule Engine
               Business Rule                                Prototype                                 (Knowledge Base) deployed as a
                                   Prototype User                                Presentation/
                Management                                Transactional                               Web-Service with an XML
                                      Interface                                 Interface Layer
                  System                                    Interface                                 message specification for
                                                                                                      Input/Output transactions

                                                                                                   2. Proof-of-concept integration
                                                                                                      with enterprise middleware
                                          Web Service                          Business Services
                                                                                    Layer          3. Proof-of-concept integration
                                      Business Rule Engine                                            with enterprise database

                                                                                                   4. Business Rule Management
                                                                                                      system (vendor specific) for rule
                                                                                                      authoring and management

                                                                                                   5. Test bed for functional testing
                                                                               Persistence Layer      of the rules engine
                      Rule             Data
                    Repository       Repository
                                                                                                   6. Testing tools (vendor specific)




                                 The Quick-Start Advantage Program Deliverables



       The Summit Point Group offers management services across the full lifecycle of
       Business Rules Management initiatives. Whether working with your management
       team to consider the benefits of a business rules strategy, or collaborating with
       you to select and implement the optimal system, we provide a deep
       understanding of the benefits and costs of using a next-generation approach to
       overcome next-generation challenges.




                                 5103 Gainsborough Drive
                                 Fairfax, VA 22032

                                 Contact@www.TheSummitPointGroup.com




Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group                                        www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 6

Quick Start Advantage

  • 1.
    Quick-Start Advantage A rapid and reliable deployment program for Business Rules Management Systems Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com
  • 2.
    Quick-Start Advantage What is Quick-Start Advantage? Quick-Start Advantage is a structured 10-week program that delivers a fully functioning Business Rules Management System prototype. The program includes opportunity discovery and strategy definition, as well as rapid design, construction, and implementation. At the end of the 10-week engagement, your organization will have a fully functional pilot Business Rules Management System, a benefits case, and a comprehensive road map for full implementation. The Summit Point Group will help your organization design, develop, and deliver a Business Rules Management System with measurable business benefits. What are the benefits of a Business Rules Management System? Enterprise decision services implemented via Business Rules Management Systems offer a number of benefits to an organization, while enabling effective and efficient management and delivery of business policy through business systems. Business Rules Management Systems permit quick and dynamic modification of business policies and procedures in fast-paced operations environments. Business policy can be efficiently and consistently implemented across multiple operational platforms, reducing time-to-market and expense. Business functions that involve high levels of complexity, intense manual calculations, routine repetitive review, significant levels of risk or compliance oversight are often areas where Business Rules Management Systems provide significant return on investment. Controls can be implemented consistently across the enterprise while managed and deployed from a centralized location; the risk introduced through multiple hand-offs and varied implementations is avoided. In addition, authorship and management of business rules can often be fulfilled by business analysts, resulting in greater alignment between business and technology organizations. The Summit Point Group brings decades of experience to your engagement, ensuring that your organization realizes the highest possible return on the implementation of a Business Rules Management System. Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 2
  • 3.
    Quick-Start Advantage How does Quick-Start Advantage work? Quick-Start Advantage is a structured methodology that will be executed in three major phases. First, The Summit Point Group will work with your program leads and subject matter experts to define the scope and functional requirements of the engagement. Next, our knowledge engineers will validate requirements, complete analysis, document data requirements, design business rules, and construct and test a business rules engine prototype. Working with your team, we will provide product demonstrations and conduct stakeholder review sessions, develop an executive presentation and benefits case, and help you assess organizational changes required for adoption. At completion, you will have a fully functioning pilot Business Rules Management System as well as a roadmap for full implementation. Weeks 1 & 2 Weeks 2 to 8 Weeks 8 to 10 Scope & Requirements Design & Construction Validation & Review • Project identification and scope • Validation of functional requirements, • Testing and validation of requirements development analysis • Product demonstrations and • Management and subject matter • Development of technical requirements stakeholder review Activities expert interviews and working sessions • Object model Implementation • Development of executive presentation & associated benefits • Knowledge harvest; Review of • HW/SW environment analysis case business policies and procedures • Pilot software selection & acquisition • Organizational assessment • Strategy validation • Rules engine development • Project scope document • Software and interface specifications • Executive presentation with opportunity assessment and benefits • Feature-function matrix • Working business rule engine case Deliverables • Data model • Business user facing business rule • Workforce adoption and training plan management environment • High-level functional requirements, • Detailed implementation roadmap including detailed rule flows • Technology integration plan & interface specifications • Fully functioning pilot business rules • Business rule module(s) definition engine and composition • Data persistence and integration plan The 10-Week Quick-Start Advantage Program What are common Business Rules Management System applications? Business Rules Management Systems will yield the greatest organizational returns when used to replace highly repetitive and/or complex manual activities, or when used to centralize the management of business policy and rules that are common across multiple business functions and systems. Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 3
  • 4.
    Quick-Start Advantage Examples of common Business Rules Management System applications might include:  Mortgage or insurance eligibility; rapid screening of complex transactional terms and identification of best-match opportunities  Mortgage or loan underwriting; quickly assessing the terms of the transaction and providing instant guidance for processing  Risk grading and pricing; flexibility, granularity, and consistency in addition to rapid time-to-market changes  Compliance; fully automated enforcement of controls and rules while providing centralized management of all policy The Summit Point Group will work with you to identify opportunities to gain the greatest value from your Business Rules Management System assets. How do you do this in ten weeks? The Quick-Start Advantage is an industry-targeted program that relies on a knowledge-intensive rapid prototyping approach. The Summit Point Group has extensive financial services and mortgage industry experience, combined with deep technical expertise, enabling us to quickly engage with your company, your management team, and your subject matter experts to design and construct a working solution in ten weeks. • A top-down approach to identifying required data elements, leads to faster and more comprehensive data modeling outcomes Industry Standard Data Dictionary • Leverage of an open standards-based data model (e.g. MISMO XML Schemas) leads to faster implementation • Leverage the unique strengths of selected Business Rules Management Systems to quickly categorize rules for implementation Deep Technical Expertise with BRMS Products • Deployment of data models and rule sets in a modular approach, consistent with vendor offerings, to maximize transparency and testing efficiencies • Use of standard templates for requirements capture and standard industry risk drivers like CLTV, FICO, and DTI, accelerates the rule harvesting process Extensive Mortgage Industry Experience • Knowledge of the mortgage asset life cycle ensures implementation to be consistent with the overall business process The Key Elements to The Summit Point Group Approach to Rapid Deployment Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 4
  • 5.
    Quick-Start Advantage Quick-Start Advantage will jump-start your business rules strategy. The Quick-Start Advantage program is a key component of The Summit Point Group’s proven enterprise deployment methodology. Development and implementation of an enterprise-level business rules strategy without a clear understanding of the business rules paradigm can prove to be costly and complex. Just getting started can prove to be considerably time-consuming. We will help you jump-start your enterprise strategy, as Quick-Start Advantage will provide you with the necessary foundation of an enterprise program. Enterprise-Wide Business Rules Deployment •Business rules management centralized/shared rule repository •Business Rules Management Services deployed enterprise-wide Centralized Rules Management •Full business rules competency reached Cross-Divisional Integration •Business rules management framework/methods implemented Common Policy/Shared Business Rules •Business rules shared for some functions across divisions •Common rules services replace previously replicated technology Divisional Capabilities Fully Operational Business Rules Platform •Business rules engine(s) deployed; fully operational platform •Supporting methodologies finalized and support skills obtained •Business unit/operational division adopts business rules paradigm Pilot Program Functioning Prototype •Prototype business rules engine for available for pilot •Foundational technology, documentation, tools, and skills acquired •Road map and plan for full functional deployment complete Enterprise Business Rules System Deployment Methodology In addition, our program will provide a roadmap and plan for adoption. At the end of the Quick-Start Advantage program, we will deliver a fully functional prototype installed on your technology infrastructure. Engagement deliverables will include detailed documentation to facilitate your follow-on full implementation and a comprehensive roadmap and benefits case for your adoption of a business rules management system approach. In addition, you will be provided with decision-making framework documents that can be used for subsequent projects. Contact The Summit Point Group to learn more about our Quick-Start Advantage Program. Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 5
  • 6.
    The 10-week Quick-StartAdvantage Program Quick-Start Advantage is a structured 10-week program that delivers a fully functioning Business Rules Management System prototype. The program includes opportunity discovery and strategy definition, as well as rapid design, construction and implementation. A benefits case framework, organizational assessment, and deployment plan will provide you with a roadmap to adoption. Business Rule Engine with Service Oriented Architecture Software 1. Business Rule Engine Business Rule Prototype (Knowledge Base) deployed as a Prototype User Presentation/ Management Transactional Web-Service with an XML Interface Interface Layer System Interface message specification for Input/Output transactions 2. Proof-of-concept integration with enterprise middleware Web Service Business Services Layer 3. Proof-of-concept integration Business Rule Engine with enterprise database 4. Business Rule Management system (vendor specific) for rule authoring and management 5. Test bed for functional testing Persistence Layer of the rules engine Rule Data Repository Repository 6. Testing tools (vendor specific) The Quick-Start Advantage Program Deliverables The Summit Point Group offers management services across the full lifecycle of Business Rules Management initiatives. Whether working with your management team to consider the benefits of a business rules strategy, or collaborating with you to select and implement the optimal system, we provide a deep understanding of the benefits and costs of using a next-generation approach to overcome next-generation challenges. 5103 Gainsborough Drive Fairfax, VA 22032 Contact@www.TheSummitPointGroup.com Copyright © 2010 The Summit Point Group www.TheSummitPointGroup.com | Page 6