HERMES

Support right from the start - flexible for every HERMES scenario

The open HERMES method is used for the uniform and structured implementation of projects in IT, communications technology, service and product development as well as corporate organization. The method has a modular structure and supports projects with varying degrees of complexity. Do you want to carry out projects according to HERMES? Projektron BCS supports you in planning, managing and working according to HERMES every step of the way. The main components of HERMES, phases, milestones, scenarios, modules, roles and tasks, are easily mapped in BCS.


Projektron BCS as versatile and flexible HERMES software

What if you had a project management software for your HERMES projects that...

➤ Flexibly adapts your projects to the different requirements of various HERMES scenarios?

➤ would make your project planning and implementation much more efficient?

➤ would display the progress of your projects transparently and clearly?

➤ effectively support you in decision-making and review processes with checklists, workflows and process modeling?

➤ would also provide you with the full range of functions of Scrum software?

➤ could map the organizational structure, roles and responsibilities in detail?

ISCeco

Information service provider for the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)

We have been using the time recording and project functions of Projektron BCS since March 2010, the usage of which was immediately met with broad acceptance. During the project and introductory phase, we received exemplary support from the Projektron company.

HERMES project planning made easy: customizing scenarios and templates

Does your organization carry out a variety of projects that most likely differ greatly in terms of content and complexity? In order to do justice to the diversity of your projects, HERMES offers scenarios that contain the required modules. As a HERMES user, you need to be able to adapt the eight standard scenarios flexibly and easily to the needs of your organization and your respective projects or to design individual scenarios quickly and easily as required. Projektron BCS offers you precisely this flexibility.

With the help of a wizard, you can easily create templates for projects in Projektron BCS - so you can design specific scenarios for your HERMES projects in advance. When the time comes and a new project is due, you can select your customized or user-defined scenario from the templates and start the project. This saves you time in project preparation.

Once you have selected and customized the scenario, you can develop the project-specific work breakdown structure, the document templates and the checklist. You can also define easily customizable templates for these three elements in Projektron BCS. In addition to the tasks, workflows, checklists and even planning data can be stored here.

Project-specific phase plan, milestones and reports - ready for any HERMES project

Regardless of the scenario, the phase model forms the backbone of the project. HERMES projects are carried out in four phases according to a standardized phase model:

  • Initialization
     
  • Concept
     
  • Realization
     
  • Implementation
     

In the most common HERMES method, HERMES 5, there is also a fifth phase: completion. The start and end of each project phase are marked by a milestone that serves as a quality gate: the aim is to check the status of the project and the quality of project planning and implementation. There are also scenario-specific milestones.

In Projektron BCS, you not only define your project-specific project phases, you also easily define the milestones for your HERMES project as quality gates.

Thanks to the clear phase and task planning with milestones, you can see at a glance in the clear Gantt chart which phase your project is in. The milestones serve as quality gates and decision points: this is where the status of the project and the next steps are checked.

As part of project management, you benefit from the display of your project phases and milestones as an interactive Gantt chart with graphical progress display in Projektron BCS. Here you can keep an eye on all phases, milestones, modules, tasks, decisions and results centrally and are able to take action at any time.

Reporting is carried out periodically along the phases in accordance with the specifications of the parent organization in terms of content and frequency. With the reporting functions in Projektron BCS, you can adapt the standard report templates to your needs in no time at all or generate your own reports with the integrated BIRT report designer.

Workflows, checklists and processes: Decisions, approvals, quality assurance and work organization

Tasks that end with a milestone require one or more decisions. HERMES distinguishes between decisions made by the management and those made by the project management and specialists. For example, the phase release is made by the client (management), while the acceptance of the system architecture is made by an architecture manager (specialist). The decision-making tasks in HERMES are therefore supported by checklists to ensure that the necessary decisions are made and documented in the right order by the right people.

The workflows and checklists in Projektron BCS are therefore indispensable for the structured implementation of your HERMES project. With the system-controlled workflows in Projektron BCS, you can create processing sequences and response times and assign them directly to the responsible persons or placeholders. You can also use checklists to support your employees and ensure the quality of the project. You can also use defined templates here.

You can even use the integrated BPMN process designer in Projektron BCS to model decision-making processes or complex checking processes that are to be triggered on a scheduled or event-driven basis and handled automatically. BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is a widely used method for modelling business processes that enables standardized representation and analysis. The process generates the appropriate task or checklist for the person responsible in real time.

HERMES agile with Scrum: a good team

HERMES itself offers a module for agile development ("Entwicklung Agil“), which is included in the "Agile service/product" and "Agile individual IT application" scenarios. This agile aspect is designed using the Scrum framework.

Thanks to its simple structure and predefined roles, Scrum can be implemented quickly in Projektron BCS and ensures flexibility and transparency. BCS offers you a digital scrum board for effective daily scrums as well as a clear burndown chart for constant monitoring of sprint progress. With integrated time recording, you can quickly book and evaluate time spent on Scrum activities. Structure your product backlogs clearly with user stories and epics and track sprint metrics to keep an eye on team velocity and development effort.

Benefit from the comprehensive possibilities of Projektron BCS and combine both project management methods to seamlessly map your agile modules in HERMES.

Uniform role model and flexible organizational structures for your HERMES projects

HERMES distinguishes between roles in the core organization and roles in the project organization and defines their relationships. There is a role description for each role in the project organization. It defines the role in terms of its

  • responsibilities
     
  • competencies
     
  • required skills
     

Each role in the project organization is assigned to one of the hierarchy levels Control, Management or Execution.

In Projektron BCS, you define your own role model exactly as you need it for your HERMES project: With the flexible rights management in Projektron BCS, your system administrator can easily create the required roles. You then define the rights for the individual roles yourself.

Flexible organizational structures are mapped simply, individually and in detail in the Projektron BCS organization chart for HERMES projects. The different hierarchy levels in the project organization and roles of a person in the master organization and project organization can also be mapped here in detail with role descriptions.

As a HERMES project manager, you can assign both individual people and entire groups of people to your project during project planning. You can easily access the data stored in resource management and keep an eye on the workload of employees during the project. In this way, you can control the workload and ensure that the company's resources are used optimally.

Projektron BCS also enables a clear separation of resource management and project management. While the project manager plans his projects with placeholders, the line manager can assign employees accordingly.

Regardless of whether internal departments, external employees or direct assignment to the project: Projektron BCS supports you in scheduling employees on a daily basis over long periods of time. The scheduling view shows days that are already occupied so that you can quickly see which employees are scheduled and which are available. You also get an overview of multi-day appointments and potential scheduling conflicts that should be resolved immediately.

 

 

Projektron BCS as HERMES software - your benefits at a glance

Manage your HERMES projects online with Projektron BCS and benefit from the tools of professional project management software:

Comprehensive support for various HERMES scenarios and levels of complexity

Efficient adaptation of standard scenarios and project planning to the needs of your organization & projects

Transparent presentation of project progress and results through clear reporting and dashboards

Simple assignment of tasks and resources via flexible organizational structures and role models

Integration of BPMN process modeling for complex decision-making and review processes

Clear planning and monitoring of project phases and milestones with interactive Gantt charts

Supporting workflows and checklists for structured decision-making

Integration of Scrum for agile development with digital Scrum tools and time recording

Flexible role model and clear organizational structures for targeted assignment of tasks and optimal use of resources

 

Get to know the comprehensive and flexible functionalities of Projektron BCS for project management according to HERMES! Convince yourself of BCS as a comprehensive, open-method project management software with numerous ERP functions and start your free and non-binding test now.

 

FAQ — HERMES

What is HERMES?

HERMES is a project management method that is widely used in Switzerland and was developed by the Swiss Federal Administration. The name is an acronym for "Handbuch der Elektronischen Rechenzentren des Bundes, eine Methode zur Entwicklung von Systemen". The method is an open standard for the management and execution of projects in the field of information technology (IT projects), for the development of products and services and for the adaptation of business organization.

  • HERMES can be used for projects of different characteristics and complexity.

  • HERMES has a modular structure and can be extended.

  • HERMES is based on a clear method structure.

  • HERMES is process-oriented and its phase model supports both classic and agile approaches.

  • HERMES is based on a practice-oriented approach and takes into account aspects such as risk management, stakeholder management and quality assurance.

  • HERMES is also adaptable and scalable to different project types and sizes.

What phases does a HERMES project consist of?

According to HERMES, the project life cycle is divided into a phase model consisting of project start, solution development and project end.

Project start: Initialization phase

The initialization phase comprises the following activities:

  • Assignment of the project manager: the project client appoints a project manager who is responsible for carrying out the initialization phase.
     
  • Analysis of the situation: A comprehensive analysis of the current situation is carried out, including the general requirements, objectives, context, scope and risks of the project. Various options are considered and a solution is selected, which is described in detail so that it can be evaluated in a transparent and comprehensible manner.
     
  • Stakeholder analysis and conflict resolution: Stakeholder interests are analyzed and potential conflicts are identified and resolved to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the project objectives and outcomes.
     
  • Creation of project charter and management plan: A project charter and project management plan are created, setting out the framework, objectives, resources and project structure. These are submitted to the parent organization for approval.
     
  • Preliminary clarifications such as the PIA (project initiation order), the catalog of requirements and the ISDS document (information security and data protection) are made, the project team is put together and responsibilities in the team are determined according to the scenario selection, project committee, steering committee, phase budgets, project budgets, etc. are announced.
     
  • Approval and release: After approval by the parent organization and the project sponsor, the project is released for the next phase. This includes the signing of the project contract and the release of the required resources.
     
  • Final inspection: At the end of the initialization phase, a final inspection is carried out to ensure that all necessary steps have been completed and the necessary approvals have been obtained before the project moves on to the next phase.

Solution development

According to the classic approach, solution development in the HERMES context comprises the following three phases:

Concept

In the concept phase, the option selected in the initialization phase is concretized and the project team can plan, offer and implement the product or result on a reliable basis. The following steps are taken:

  • Drafting the concept: the concept is drafted on the basis of the selected option in order to plan the product or result in detail. This includes the creation of a preparation plan for deployment and the development of a test plan.
     
  • Procurement (if required): If a product or IT system needs to be procured, this is done in this phase. The required resources are released in accordance with the project management plan and the available offers.
     
  • Development of the integration concept: An integration concept is developed to ensure that the project can be integrated into the existing environment.
     
  • Decision on implementation approval: A decision is made as to whether the project is approved for implementation. The project and operational risks are analyzed and evaluated, and the feasibility of the project is demonstrated.
     
  • Verification of project feasibility: At the end of the concept phase, a check is made as to whether it makes sense to implement the project based on the results of the planning and analysis.

The concept phase enables the project team to create a solid basis for the implementation of the HERMES project and to ensure that all necessary steps and precautions are taken before the actual implementation begins.

Realization

In the realization phase, the product or end result of the HERMES project is actually developed and implemented. The following steps are taken:

  • Preparing the work: the preparatory work done in the previous phases is crucial to minimize the risks during implementation.
     
  • Implementation of business and operational organizations: The required business and operational structures are realized and the appropriate documentation is prepared.
     
  • Deployment preparation: The deployment of the product is prepared, including testing and preparation for migration.
     
  • Release decision: The release for deployment is based on a preliminary assumption and is made on the basis of the information available.
     
  • Resource release: The required resources are released in accordance with the prepared project management plan to ensure that the implementation can proceed smoothly.
     
  • Development risks: The development phase can only proceed if the identified development risks are assessed and deemed acceptable.
     

The realization phase is critical to the actual implementation of the project and requires careful planning, preparation and execution to ensure that the final product meets requirements and expectations.

Introduction

During the implementation phase, the project is put into operation and supported by the project team until it is stable. This includes the following steps:

  • Implementation of the deployment measures: The planned measures are implemented and the operational organization is activated to deploy the product or result.
     
  • Support with problem analysis and resolution: The project team provides support in the initial phase to analyze and resolve problems that may arise during deployment.
     
  • Implementation of the migration: The migration to the new system is carried out and the old system is decommissioned.
     
  • Decision on project completion: The sponsor makes the decision to complete the project once operations have started successfully. A decision is made as to whether the project will be completed or whether further results need to be achieved before it can be closed. It is also decided whether the project organization should be dissolved.

If the client decides to close the project, the following measures are taken:

  • A final project evaluation is prepared.
  • Outstanding items are transferred to the parent organization.
  • The project is officially closed and the project organization is dissolved.

Alternative phase: Implementation

According to the agile approach, also known as HERMES 2022, the solution development does not comprise the three phases of concept, realization and introduction, but only consists of the "implementation" phase.

The chosen approach is implemented iteratively and step by step. The project organization, including the development team, is defined and the solution requirements are further broken down, refined and specified. The requirements are updated, prioritized and executed (developed, implemented and commissioned) in descending order, with priorities continuously updated and adjusted according to project findings.

End of project: Completion phase

The end of the project is the completion phase, in which the project is formally concluded. A final analysis is carried out to check whether the project objective has been achieved.

What are the strengths of HERMES?

The strengths of HERMES lie in its adaptability and flexibility. HERMES can be adapted to different project types and sizes and also takes into account the specific requirements and needs of the project and the organization.

Another advantage of HERMES is that it is a process-oriented approach that clearly structures and defines the phases of project management. This enables the project to be carried out systematically and efficiently.

HERMES is also strongly focused on stakeholder communication and involvement. By clearly defining and involving the relevant interest groups, conflicts can be avoided and better acceptance of the project can be achieved.

The method also emphasizes risk management and quality assurance, which can help to minimize the risk of errors and failures in the project.

Finally, HERMES also provides a clear definition of roles and responsibilities in the project team, which facilitates collaboration and coordination and contributes to the successful completion of the project.

What are the weaknesses of HERMES?

One of the weaknesses of HERMES can be that the method can be very extensive and complex. This can make it difficult for inexperienced project managers to familiarize themselves with the method and its application.

Another problem can be that HERMES is very formalized and can make it difficult for project managers to focus on the actual needs and challenges of the project. Sometimes the focus can be too much on adhering to the methodology and less on the actual implementation of the project.

Another disadvantage of HERMES is that it may not be as widely used or recognized as other project management methodologies such as PMI or PRINCE2 due to its origin and prevalence in Switzerland.

Finally, the adaptability of HERMES can also become a disadvantage, as it can be difficult for inexperienced project managers to effectively adapt the method to their needs and challenges. In some cases, this can lead to an overuse of the method, which can result in an inefficient implementation of the project.

What types of projects is HERMES suitable for?

HERMES is suitable for a wide range of projects and can be applied to various industries and areas of application. The method is particularly suitable for medium to long-term projects that require a clear structure and organization.

HERMES is particularly suitable for complex projects with many participants and stakeholders where clear communication and coordination is required. The method is also suitable for high-risk projects where systematic risk management is required.

In terms of industries, HERMES is particularly suitable for projects

These industries often have high requirements for transparency and documentation, which can be ideally mapped using HERMES.

Overall, however, HERMES is flexible enough to be adapted to different project types and sizes. Therefore, it can be used for a variety of projects in different industries as long as a structured and systematic execution of the project is required.

Is there a certification for the HERMES project management method?

Yes, there is a certification for the HERMES project management method. The certification is offered by the Swiss Association for Project Management (SVP) and is for project managers who wish to demonstrate their competencies and skills in the field of project management according to HERMES.

The certification comprises two levels:

  • Foundation Level, also known as Basic Level, is a test of basic knowledge of the HERMES project management methodology.
  • Advanced Level, also known as Intermediate Level, is a test of advanced knowledge of the HERMES project management methodology.

Each level requires a certain level of experience and knowledge of HERMES project management and includes a written exam and a practical exam.

The certification offers project managers the opportunity to improve their HERMES project management skills and demonstrate their competencies. It can also serve as a valuable tool for career development in organizations that apply HERMES.

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