Tools And Subscriptions
At Axelerant, we understand the critical role of tools and technology in enabling our team to deliver exceptional services to our clients. As a global remote organization, it is essential to ensure that acquiring new tools or replacing existing ones is handled with due diligence, considering the impact on our operations, team productivity, and the ability to meet our organizational goals. This policy outlines the guidelines for procuring, evaluating, and implementing tools and subscriptions within Axelerant.
By following these guidelines, we aim to foster a culture of responsibility, efficiency, and collaboration across all levels of our organization, ultimately enhancing our capability to serve our clients effectively and achieve our business objectives.
This document is subject to periodic reviews and updates to reflect the changing needs of our organization and advancements in technology.
Determination of Need
Criteria for New Tools or Replacement:
Performance Metrics: Tools that no longer meet performance benchmarks or fail to integrate with our evolving tech stack.
Team Member Feedback: Consistent insights from those using the tool about limitations or challenges.
Market Evolution: Availability of new tools offering significant advancements or cost benefits.
Scalability and Flexibility: Current tools that cannot scale with our growth or adapt to changing business needs.Evaluation Process (<30 days)
Evaluation Process (≤ 30 Days)
Steps for Identifying New/Replacement Tools:
Requirement Gathering: Collect detailed requirements from potential users across different teams.
Market Research: Identify tools that meet business and technical needs.
Feature Comparison: Evaluate features, compatibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Trial and Testing: Shortlist tools for trial; collect team member feedback on usability and performance.
Consultation in the Evaluation Process (≤ 30 Days)
Stakeholders Involved:
Service Leadership: To understand specific needs and impacts on their teams.
People Care – Infrastructure Compatibility: To ensure alignment with our tech environment and security practices.
People Care – Budget and Procurement: To assess cost implications and ensure budget alignment.
Team Members Using the Tool: To provide feedback on practicality and user experience.
Final Approval Process (< 14 days)
A detailed proposal including the objective, impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis, adherence to security policies, and user feedback summary is submitted to the people care team who’d evaluate and consult relevant team members and provide approval. A CEO approval is required only when costs are $10K/year.
Rollout Planning
Implementation and Onboarding:
Documentation: Maintain appropriate documentation in the Axelerant Handbook.
Training: Conduct structured training sessions for all team members using the tool.
Onboarding Schedule: Roll out in phases, beginning with a small initial group of team members.
Stabilization Period: Monitor tool performance and address issues promptly.
Support System: Establish channels for timely assistance and resolution.
Guidelines for Ongoing Management
Ensuring Continued Alignment:
Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic assessments to ensure tools remain effective.
Feedback Mechanism: Maintain an open channel for suggestions and issues.
Update and Upgrade Policies: Define and document procedures for timely tool updates and security compliance.
RASCI Framework
Role | Responsible Parties | Responsibilities |
Responsible | Service Leadership, relevant department heads |
|
Accountable | People Care |
|
Supportive | End users, relevant stakeholders |
|
Consulted | Potential users across different teams |
|
Informed | CEO |
|
Common Axelerant Tools & Subscriptions
Tools
- 1Password - Password Manager
- Ask Nicely - CX Scoring
- Confluence - Wiki and collaborative documentation
- Google Workspace - Collaboration suite
- Grammarly - Content Correction
- HubSpot - CRM & Marketing
- Jira - Agile project management
- Kantata (Mavenlink) - Portfolio Management
- Leapsome - Employee Engagement & Performance Management
- Loom - Cam/Screen Recordings
- Make - No-code Workflow Automation
- PandaDoc - Signature & collateral
- SignatureSatori - Email signatures
- Slack - Group communications
- Timetastic - Leave management
- Xero - Accounting
- YouCanBookMe - Appointment Booking
- Zapier - App connector
- Zoom - Videoconferencing & webinars
Subscriptions
Egghead (Login using the following link: Learn to Program JavaScript Web Applications - @eggheadio )
PHPStorm (For active contributors on http://Drupal.org)