For many companies, adopting new software is a serious undertaking. If you implement properly, you enhance the value of new software so that you can quickly take advantage of efficiency improvements. However, if you do not prepare ahead of time, you can experience operational downtime and financial losses. So, as you can see, putting a software implementation plan in place is vital if you don’t want to lose time and money. Regardless of your business vertical and your company size, following these steps ensures successful implementation of the plan and achievement of maximum efficiency.
What Is Software Implementation?
Software implementation, or IT implementation, is the process of integrating new features or new software into an existing digital product. In fact, this is a major change that requires special attention and careful planning. Therefore, a software implementation plan is the representation of the needed resources and the necessary stages of this process.
Why Is A Software Implementation Plan Important?
Following a clearly-structured implementation plan has the following advantages:
- It helps your company deploy new software on time and profitably in terms of finances and human resources.
- Helps to properly configure the system and provide the necessary training for employees.
- Helps to hire required specialists with a certain number of responsibilities.
- Ensures that the company achieves its long-term objectives.
The Main Stages of a Software Implementation Plan
- Build a Business Case
Map your software implementation campaign out. Do the following:
- Analyze the pain points of your enterprise and find areas that need enhancement.
- Decide on the tools you use and the people who will be involved in the process.
- List possible obstacles and suggested solutions.
- Create the timeline of the project.
- Choose a Partner
Software vendors will execute all the requirements following the provided specifications. Set the criteria and evaluate the vendor’s capabilities. For this, analyze the following parameters:
- Supplier’s experience.
- Customer feedback.
- Software functions and features.
- Availability of training, after-sales service, and cloud updates.
- Prevent Scope Creep
Scope creep is the main bottleneck in almost any project, so follow these tips to prevent it.
- Do not try to set up all functions at once.
- Implement only the necessary functions that enhance the existing processes.
- Use functional project management tools to control your scope.
- Assemble a Professional Team
Make sure you have a professional team with the necessary experience and expertise on board to ensure the project’s success. Usually, a lineup that will work on the project consists of the following experts:
- Project owner.
- Project manager (PM).
- Functional and technical leads.
- Core department specialists.
- Implement Software
To ensure that the implementation process is as smooth and efficient as possible, adhere to these guidelines:
- Notify employees in advance of upcoming changes.
- Make sure that there is an employee who will train the colleagues and also provide them with all the necessary information.
- Hold a conference with employees. Introduce a new product and explain the benefits it will bring to the entire company.
- Make sure the support team is on hand during the integration process.
For a smooth software integration, use the ADKAR implementation model, which will expedite the acceptance of a new program.
Bottom Line
Therefore, adherence to these steps guarantees accelerated growth and financial savings for your company and helps you get the most out of your new system.
