The HERMES project management method has a modular structure and consists of various method elements that can be flexibly adapted to different project types and sizes.
The most important method elements are

Phases

HERMES divides a project into different phases that cover the course of the project from initialization to completion. Each phase has clearly defined objectives, activities and milestones.

The standard phases are

• Initialization: Clarification of the project idea and framework conditions.
• Concept: Elaboration of the proposed solution, requirements and feasibility.
• Realization: Implementation of the concept, including development, testing and documentation.
• Implementation: Transferring the project results into productive operation and ensuring operational readiness.
• Closure: Formal conclusion of the project and dissolution of the project organization.

Alternatively, the concept, realization and introduction phases can be implemented in an agile (iterative-incremental) manner.
Dependencies and details on the phases can be found at: https://www.hermes.admin.ch/de/pjm-2022/verstehen/phasen.html

Scenarios

Scenarios are predefined processes for specific project types.
A scenario describes the activities that need to be carried out in a project in order to achieve a specific goal.
Typical scenarios in HERMES are

• IT development: For the development of IT systems.
• IT adaptation: For the adaptation and integration of IT systems available on the market.
• Service/product development: For projects in which products or services are developed and provided.
• Service/product adaptation: For projects in which products or services available on the market are procured, adapted and integrated.
• Organizational adaptation: For projects in which new organizations are set up or existing ones are adapted.

Further scenarios can be created as required and integrated into HERMES.
Further information on the scenarios and tailoring options can be found at: https://www.hermes.admin.ch/de/pjm-2022/verstehen/szenarien.html

Modules

Modules are reusable units that are tailored to specific scenarios and consist of tasks and results.
Typical modules include

• Project management: Includes the overall management of the project.
  
• Project management: Activities for planning, managing and coordinating the project.
• Project basics: Definition of the framework conditions and requirements for the project.
• ISDS: Implementation of the necessary measures for information security and data protection.
• IT system: Introduction, further development or replacement of an IT system.
• Organization: Establishment or adaptation of the organization.
• Tests: Organization and execution of the tests.

Other modules included in the HERMES standard are the implementation organization, IT operations, IT migration and product.
As with scenarios, modules can also be individually expanded and adapted to company-specific requirements.
A detailed description of the modules can be found at https://www.hermes.admin.ch/de/pjm-2022/verstehen/module.html

Rollers

HERMES defines clear roles and responsibilities in order to structure cooperation in the project.
Mandatory roles for every project are:

• Project manager: Responsible for planning, controlling and achieving the project goals.
• User representative: Responsible for the product.
• Client: Overall responsibility for the project and the achievement of objectives.

Other optional roles defined in the HERMES standard are the operations manager, business analyst, developer, development team, technical committee, ISDS manager, project committee, project support, quality and risk manager, sub-project manager, tester and test manager.
The detailed role descriptions can be found here: https://www.hermes.admin.ch/de/pjm-2022/verstehen/rollen.html

Results

Deliverables are the concrete products or documents that are created during the project.
Each deliverable is assigned to a specific milestone or phase.
Typical deliverables include

• Project initialization order: Formalizes the project goals and defines the framework.
• Study: Describes the desired solution and compares possible solution variants.
• Solution requirements: Contain the functional and technical requirements of the solution.
• Test protocol: Documentation of the test results.

The complete list of results can be found at: https://www.hermes.admin.ch/de/pjm-2022/verstehen/ergebnisse.html

Tasks

Activities are the specific tasks that need to be carried out in the various phases.
Each activity is assigned to a role and leads to specific results.
Examples of activities are

• Develop solution requirements: Collection and documentation of the department’s requirements.
• Perform test: Testing the developed solution.
• Managing risks: Identifying and assessing risks and defining measures to minimize risks.

compliag AG also develops its products and services using the HERMES project management method. We would be happy to share our expertise in the use of HERMES with you and show you the advantages and possible applications of HERMES in your company. Contact us now for a non-binding consultation.