HERMES is a comprehensive management system that can be used for different types of projects and programmes, such as organisational changes, IT projects or service development. It was developed by the Swiss Confederation, which offers it free of charge as an open standard.
HERMES 2022 is an open standard for the management and execution of IT projects.
HERMES is the Swiss method of project management in information technology, service and product development, and business organisation adaptation.
The HERMES certification scheme has two main levels, HERMES Foundation and HERMES Advanced.
The HERMES method has been developed since 1975 and has been constantly refined with the active support of users and technical experts.
Since 1975 HERMES has been used by the Federal Administration to manage and implement IT projects. Over the years it has been further developed and revised.
HERMES ensures a common understanding of the project and supports all project participants in the efficient and successful fulfilment of their tasks and responsibilities. Due to its clear structure, HERMES supports different use cases and can be easily customised according to project needs.
HERMES Project Management Method: Components
HERMES project management facilitates the control, management and implementation of projects, supporting the development of organisational structures, products, services, IT systems, logistics and infrastructure of varying complexity. A project can be divided into sub-projects, each focusing on specific aspects (e.g. users, creators, operators, organisation, IT, legal bases). Complex or long-term projects do not necessarily have to be structured as programmes, but can be managed as projects with operational units.
HERMES project management presents a clear and comprehensible methodology with uniform terminology for all participants. It has a modular structure, which is easily expandable and is continuously updated and improved.
HERMES is developed according to:
- Phases
- Scenarios
- Modules
- Outcomes
- Roles
1. Phases
The HERMES phase model is the backbone of every project, ensuring a common understanding between participants and supporting effective cross-organisational management. Based on the project lifecycle, it includes an “initiation” phase at the beginning and a “closure” phase at the end, applicable to both classical and agile approaches, covering all phases of solution development.
Projects follow five or three phases: initiation, concept, implementation, deployment and closure for the classical approach, and only initiation, implementation and closure for the agile approach. The initiation phase defines the possible solutions and the path to follow, while the closure phase concludes the project and manages the organisational transition.
The decision between the classical and agile approach is made during the initiation phase, based on technical and procedural justifications. In a programme, some projects may adopt the classical approach and others the agile one.
2. Scenarios
In an organisation, various projects are carried out, differing in content and complexity. HERMES project management offers scenarios to manage this diversity, defining a development process from initiation to closure: in the classical approach, this includes concept, implementation and deployment; in the agile approach, implementation.
A scenario guides the implementation of specific projects, containing the essential elements of the HERMES method for the development of solutions, making project management simple and fast.
During the initiation phase, the project manager chooses the appropriate scenario for the development process, planning the procedure and development of the solution. HERMES offers a selection of standard scenarios, such as for organisational adaptations or service/product development.
HERMES users can adapt the standard scenarios to their own requirements by creating custom scenarios.
3. Modules
Modules are reusable components assigned to the various phases for the creation of projects and scenarios. A module consists of results thematically related to the associated tasks. The project manager can create additional modules and integrate them into the individual scenarios.
4. Outcomes
Each outcome is described in detail, with specific documents. Tasks and roles are assigned, indicating responsibilities and involvement.
HERMES establishes the essential required documents for project governance.
Milestones mark the beginning and end of phases, guaranteeing quality in decisions. In an agile approach, an optional release can be requested, generating additional milestones.
All milestones represent critical decision points of the projects. Depending on the module, there are several additional decisions and milestones.
5. Roles
HERMES Project Management distinguishes between roles in the core organisation and in the project organisation, but focuses exclusively on project organisation. Each role is described with its responsibilities, competences and relationships, and it is assigned to a specific hierarchical level. Different roles have been defined to suit different needs.
User, creator and operator are partners included in the project organisation, each assigned to specific roles.
HERMES 2022 and HERMES 5: Main Differences
The 2022 edition of HERMES Project Management reflects the evolution of project design and user expectations for a more advanced approach than the previous Hermes 5.
The HERMES method integrates the agile development approach into the phased model, taking existing governance and interfaces into account, with greater emphasis on organisation and business orientation than on IT.
HERMES distinguishes between classic and hybrid project management, enabling the standardised integration of agile methods. The basic structure and methods remain unchanged, but the results are now at the centre, with some changes to the chapter titles.
The HERMES terminology is essentially unchanged. Classical development puts the activity at the centre, while agile introduces a possible release authorisation for the client, while maintaining governance.
The main changes include:
- Project phases now consider agile requirements.
- Project management is central, with agile as a black box.
- The project starts with a lean initialisation phase.
- The procurement process is planned already in the initialisation phase.
- The milestone control function is strengthened and it is applicable regardless of the chosen procedure.
- Tasks now define the required deliverables.
- Minimum roles: project sponsor, project management and user representative, with clearly separated management and technical competences.
- The project manager requires management rather than specialist skills.
- The user representative has increasing technical responsibility.
Like previous editions, the manual provides a basis for larger projects tailoring the method based on the project. The aim is to reduce the complexity and increase the user-friendliness of HERMES project management.
The HERMES Certification: Main Benefits
The HERMES method is designed to support the steering, management and execution of projects with different characteristics and levels of complexity. Thanks to its modular structure, it can be adapted and expanded according to specific needs.
HERMES distinguishes between classic project management and hybrid management. Hybrid management enables the integration of various agile development approaches in a consistent manner.
HERMES is an open method, developed by the Swiss federal government and recognised by the eCH association as a standard (eCH-0054).
HERMES is an immediately usable tool offering numerous advantages for project management. With its methodological support based on a web interface, it provides specific scenarios for the concrete realisation of projects, together with checklists and templates that facilitate the execution of activities.
The simplicity and intuitiveness of HERMES are among its key points. It offers clear task descriptions through well-defined activities, concretely described roles and document templates for quick results.
HERMES is a valuable aid for various people involved in projects:
- For contractors, it facilitates the implementation of governance and sustainability.
- For project managers, it supports the planning, control and management of activities.
- For project staff, it simplifies the execution of tasks.
- For management, it facilitates overall strategic project management.
In summary, HERMES is a versatile and accessible tool, ideal for improving efficiency and effectiveness in project management at various organisational levels.
HERMES Certification Programme
The Hermes certification programme has two main levels:
The HERMES Foundation level is intended for those who require a general knowledge of HERMES.
The HERMES Foundation examination is designed to ensure that the candidate has a basic understanding of the HERMES project management methodology. The candidate will have a thorough understanding of the interplay between the various elements of the methodology, will know how to approach a project in a methodical manner and will be prepared to work effectively on HERMES projects.
The HERMES Advanced level prepares participants for the practical application of the HERMES method.
The HERMES Advanced examination aims to ensure that the candidate knows how to manage and lead a HERMES project and has practised selected project management tasks by working on case studies.
Obtaining the HERMES Certification
QRP International offers HERMES through virtual courses and offers HERMES E-learning.
The body responsible for certification is TÜV SÜD.
The Foundation certificate is valid indefinitely. The Advanced certificate is valid for five years. To renew it, the necessary documentation must be submitted to the TÜV SÜD body.
Advanced certification and recertification are guaranteed by the TÜV SÜD Examination Institute.
