Has anybody developed a monthly Apptio checklist that they would like to share?

Hi Don,

What type of checklist are you thinking of?  Each TBMA will have different actions to complete each month, but I would consider some core tasks to be:

• Data management: uploading and validating data
  • if you want to be comprehensive, list out which datasets need to be updated each week, month, quarter, etc.
• Pro-actively seek out new users, explaining what TBM is and why it is important
• Create processes to support new use cases, including making configuration changes and creating reports
• Seek out feedback by hosting forums with end users and sending out surveys asking for the value stories and any problems that were encountered
• Record the value that was achieved using Apptio
• Send out monthly newsletter to socialize wins and point out new features

I'm sure that I've missed some important items.  Any ideas @Kelly De Bartok, @Jonathan Strauss, @Kelly Smith, @Kevin Mullen, @Chris Davidson, @Kyle Wimbish, @Vincent Liew, @Fred Salatino, @Sandra Daniels, @Giuliano Pezzoli?

Diane,

Thanks for the response.  I am looking for a comprehensive upload and data validation checklist like you mentioned in your first bullet point.

I'm interested, too - unsure what level of data validation most do - we get about 50 or so data feeds.  We had a deal this past month (after reports went out) where the data we received for the app inventory had the incorrect management chain in it.  So I'm thinking, okay, do we have to do a before/after on each column of data per dataset to make sure nothing looks weird before loading?  What do most folks do?  Thanks much and don't mean to hijack the thread - if I need to post in a new thread I will, just let me know - thanks all!

Hi Jenny,

Cost Transparency has some data quality reports built in, although you will need to map to them and they are not all encompassing.  It is also possible to build additional reports to check on the validity.  I generally recommend checking the data quality reports and doing a quick click through the main top level reports.  I would suggest talking to your CSA to get more information.  This is definitely something he can help you with.  @Robert Viggiano

Hi Don,

It's hard to say as the data that you need to keep up to date will be different for every customer.  The first place to look would be your run book.  If you don't have one or it is out of date, I would suggest looking at the list of datasets you have in the data tab and creating a list from that by deciding how often each will need to be updated.  For example, your actuals probably need to be updated every month but your budget will probably only be updated annually (not counting any forecasts you'll have).  Your Customer Success Manager should be able to help you with this.  @Vincent Liew

I found some time ago in this forum a document describing the roles that may answer some of these questions. Search for the

TBM Office Operating Model.

This document might also be of interest: RACI for TBMO

Don:

I think I understand what you are looking for....and I have been looking for the same thing. We have started building our own - be glad to share that - but it's far from complete. Clearly, you would have to tailor it to your organization - but it could be a start. Feel free to email me directly: Robert.WinchesterJr@FirstCitizens.com.

Here is a list of the things we do in our validation steps at Humana.  Keep in mind we have cost transparency, applications and services and Business Units.

We do a month over month comparison of totals in various layers, including costs within each object with the 'layers' so we can identify any anomalies in the totals and provide explanation if needed.

Aggregate totals of Cost Source to Towers & Subtowers (and all objects totals between)

    - Validate all objects totals for month over month trending and identification of anomalies

    - Detailed validations of Towers & Subtowers for month over month trending and identification of anomalies

Applicaiton TCO totals

    - Application TCO Cost Drivers totals for month over month trending and identification of anomalies

Services to Business Units

    - Services totals for month over month trending and identification of anomalies

    - Business Unit totals (for month over month trending) and identification of anomalies by service

Unit Metrics

    - Tower & Subtower Units and Unit costs for month over month trending and identification of anomalies

We use an Excel spreadsheet for our validation (but we use many of the reports available in Apptio for this monthly validation).  Our hope is that we can create something similar in Apptio at some point so it will automatically update and we'll just have to review the reports for anomalies.  If you would like a copy of our Excel file, just email me and I'll be glad to send along our template.

Kathy Ferry (kferry@humana.com)

Allie, check out this discussion @Allie Smith

This is a great addition to the discussion we had the other day. 

@Kathy Ferry...is this something you still have or are able to share?

Yes, please send your email to me and I'll send along to you.  kferry@humana.com

Thanks Kathy! I sent you an email