1. Analyze Pension Plan Requirements

2. Document Decision Logic and Required Data Elements

3. Develop Operational Recommendations

4. Finalize Integration Strategy

5. Design, Develop, and Integrate the Inference Engine

6. Train Users and Technical Staff

7. Implement the System

8. Provide Ongoing Support

1. Analyze Pension Plan Requirements

Each PensionCheck project begins with a thorough examination of the legal and summary Pension Plan documents. Extensive interviews are then conducted with your subject matter experts, pension supervisors, IT Director, and other key staff. This confirms our understanding of the plan’s legal provisions as well as the informal policies and procedures which are unique to your organization. We also observe your pension operations to identify the typical kinds of problems encountered in day-to-day processing. Finally, we consult with the IT staff to develop a preliminary strategy for integrating PensionCheck with the existing database and application environments.

2. Document Decision Logic and Required Data Elements

We document our analysis of the pension plan rules and policies by constructing a comprehensive series of decision-logic paths (DLP’s). Each DLP is a set of English language “if-this, do-that” statements which can be understood by any layperson with a good understanding of the pension plan provisions. We review these DLP’s with plan experts to confirm that we have captured all of the relevant rules. We then identify and confirm all of the critical data elements required to enforce the processing checklist and accurately determine vesting status, eligibility, and benefit amounts.

3. Develop Operational Recommendations

Based on our observations of your current operating environment, the project team may suggest modifications to your existing business processes to take full advantage of PensionCheck benefits and features. The project team will discuss these with you and make any final adjustments to the software design to accommodate your preferences.

4. Finalize Integration Strategy

Before starting the actual Inference Engine development, a final integration strategy is established with the IT staff. All required database and external application interfaces are defined, including changes to existing data structures and application processes. Client staff and/or Potomac team members are assigned to develop and test any required modifications.

5. Design, Develop, and Integrate the Inference Engine

The Inference Engine is developed and tested using live data wherever possible to allow for accurate parallel testing of the new rule structures. Our experience shows that using live parallel data helps in the discovery of “hidden” rules and policies that fail to surface during the analysis phase of the project.

As a final step prior to implementation, we integrate the Inference Engine with related system components to test the complete system architecture before placing it into production mode. These other components may include new applications which are developed during the project in order to provide enhanced system and user capabilities.

6. Train Users and Technical Staff

User training on the new system is scheduled just prior to system implementation to maximize content retention. Training is conducted by a professional Potomac trainer and can be given in conjunction with client trainers. We will also create the required training materials or we can provide assistance to your training staff with this activity if desired. The project team will also train client technical staff to maintain the production system environment. As an alternative, client technical staff can receive formal training in the CleverPath product directly from Computer Associates.

7. Implement the System

The final project phase consists of formal system implementation followed by on-site team support for 5 business days. A standard 90-day software warranty is also provided to correct any issues which arise during the warranty period.

8. Provide Ongoing Support

Potomac offers a standard annual support contract. We can also provide ad-hoc custom modifications on a time-and-materials basis as needed.