The process for GreeneStep Installation, Hosting, Backups and IT Services involves several stages to ensure smooth setup, reliable hosting and ongoing support for users of the GreeneStep system. Below is a detailed outline of each process:
1. GreeneStep Installation Process
a. Pre-Installation Planning
- Requirement Gathering: Understand the business needs, modules, and features required.
- System Compatibility Check: Ensure the system meets the necessary hardware and software requirements (e.g., Windows server, specific databases, etc.).
- License Procurement: Obtain the appropriate licenses for GreeneStep ERP based on the number of users and required modules.
b. Installation Process
- Environment Setup: Prepare the server or cloud environment (e.g., AWS, Azure, or on-premise) for installation.
- Database Setup: Install and configure the database (e.g., MS SQL Server).
- GreeneStep ERP Installation: Deploy the GreeneStep software on the server, configure the necessary services and install any required plugins or custom modules.
- Initial Configuration: Set up business-specific configurations, users, roles and permissions.
- Integration with Other Systems: Integrate with third-party applications (e.g., E-Commerce, B2B and Third Party API’s) if necessary.
c. Testing and Validation
- Functional Testing: Verify that all installed modules are working as expected.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Ensure the system meets end-user requirements.
- Training: Provide user training to ensure they understand how to use GreeneStep effectively
d. Go-Live
- Data Migration: Transfer data from legacy systems to the new ERP system.
- Final Review: Check for issues or bugs that need to be resolved before going live.
- Launch: Officially roll out the system for use across the business.
2. Hosting Options
a. GDC- Hosting
- Server Setup: Dedicated server located at the business site.
- Maintenance: Internal IT team handles hardware, software updates and security.
- Backup Plans: Local or remote backups managed by the internal team.
b. Cloud Hosting
- Cloud Providers: Use cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud to host the ERP system.
- Advantages: Scalable resources, automatic updates and global access.
- Data Security: Managed by the cloud provider with options for encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Disaster Recovery: Cloud providers typically offer disaster recovery options to ensure business continuity.
c. Hybrid Hosting
- Combination of On-Premise and Cloud: Some business-critical functions may remain On Premise while other services are cloud-hosted.
3. Backup and Disaster Recovery
a. Regular Backups
- Schedule Backups: Daily, weekly or monthly backups depending on business requirements.
- Backup Types: Full, incremental or differential backups based on the volume of data.
- Backup Storage: On-site, off-site or cloud storage options.
b. Automated Backup Solutions
- Automation: Set up automatic backup processes to minimize manual intervention.
- Version Control: Maintain multiple backup versions for easy restoration in case of issues.
c. Backup Monitoring
- Alert System: Regularly monitor backups and receive alerts in case of failure.
- Periodic Tests: Perform regular disaster recovery tests to ensure backup viability.
- Recovery Time Objective (RTO): Define how quickly services need to be restored after a disaster.
- Recovery Point Objective (RPO): Determine how much data loss is acceptable (e.g., last backup point).
- Failover Strategy: Establish a secondary environment that can take over in case of failure (e.g., cloud failover).
4. IT Services and Ongoing Support
a. System Monitoring- Performance Monitoring: Regular monitoring of system resources like CPU, RAM, and storage.
- Alerting: Set up alerts for unusual activity or performance degradation.
b. Maintenance Services
- Software Updates: Ensure the ERP software is regularly updated for security patches and new features.
- Hardware Maintenance: For on premise solutions, handle hardware upgrades and maintenance.
c. Security Services
- Firewall Setup: Ensure proper firewalls are in place to block unauthorized access.
- Antivirus/Anti-Malware: Install and regularly update security software.
- User Authentication: Implement strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and access control lists (ACL).
- PCI DSS Scanning: Conduct regular PCI DSS scans to ensure compliance with security standards for handling credit card data.
- Vulnerability Assessments: Identify and fix vulnerabilities to maintain a secure IT environment.
d. Helpdesk Support
- Troubleshooting: Provide a helpdesk to resolve user issues with the system.
- User Training: Offer additional training as new features or updates are introduced.
- SLA-Based Support: Define Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for issue resolution times.
e. System Customization and Development
- Custom Modules: Develop or adjust modules as per changing business needs.
- Third-Party Integrations: Provide integration services with new business systems.
- Data Analytics: Offer support in building custom dashboards or reports.