By Ralph Ceccarelli

There are many reasons companies engage in software implementations, often times,
it’s because they’ve either outgrown the existing system, or its become obsolete. Other times, it’s because they’ve been forced to downsize and need a system that will help automate processes and make each employee more efficient. Or perhaps their company is part of a consolidation effort and a new enterprise‐wide system is required to consolidate data among all entities.

Whatever the reasons for engaging in a new software implementation, the process can be complex and fraught with unforeseen twists and turns if you are not prepared. What many companies don’t realize is that the more effort spent prior to engaging in a software implementation can make all the difference as to whether or not their implementation is successful. Here are 10 points to help guide your way before the implementation process even begins:

• Do as much up front work as you can. Get your needs and pain points on paper. Be
  specific. If possible, create a flow chart with what you would like your new processes to look like and details about how your business works. This allows your reseller to know your specific needs and make the software work for you.
• Consider environmental variables. Evaluate the functions and capabilities of staff
  members as well as the physical specifications of your company. All too often
  companies do not take the intangibles into consideration. For examples, a business that wants to increase business by adding inventory cannot if its warehouse is already overstocked.
• Once you’ve written down a comprehensive list of your needs at every level of your
  business, prepare a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) that states the exact functionality required by your company in the new software (then distribute this to various resellers).
• Find a reseller who is properly staffed to handle your needs. The company should be
  able to handle all aspects of the implementation or have partners available for
  outsourcing. Ask the reseller how many implementations they are currently running in order to avoid their capabilities being spread too thin. Be sure the reseller is equipped with a support staff that is accessible 24/7 as well.
• Get everything on paper. Ask your software reseller to document the specifics on how your issues will be resolved in the new system. For instance, some resellers provideGantt Charts outlining implementation steps between the company and the reseller. Don’t forget to review the chart before signing it so both parties are on the same page.
• Allocate appropriate resources. When implementation begins the transition can be
  facilitated if a company assigns a project manager to make sure the staff is available for training. On average 20‐25% of your staff’s time is standard in order to move the implementation process along. Consider seasonal timing when you begin
  implementation. It’s wise to start the process during your slow season.
• Complete up‐front work before beginning the process. This will save you both time and money. Clean your database. Define detailed roles and processes within your
  organization. Examine how you fulfill orders, your invoicing process, check writing, and end‐of‐month allocation.
• Conduct a conference room pilot. Get all top executives to review a day in the life of the software. Enter transactions, run reports, etc. It’s best to fix mistakes in a test
  environment rather than waiting until you go live, or after the entire staff has been
  trained.
• Budget accordingly. Avoid sticker shock by understanding what you are purchasing and how it will fulfill your business needs. Be aware that the more components and
  functionality you add on the longer and more costly the process will be. Prepare your staff for the new system. Expect a learning curve and be amenable to making
  adjustments.
• If possible, avoid custom programming. It is often more cost‐effective to slightly adjust your processes to meet the software as opposed to heavily modifying the software to meet a specific need that may not be that important to your business. In some cases this cannot be avoided. In this case, document your needs as specifically as you can, as much can be lost in translation.

In conclusion, preparation is essential. Most of these steps can be performed prior to
engaging in any implementation, or signing a contract (although some resellers may charge you for some of these services). Regardless, spending a little time thinking about your implementation project can save you exponentially down the line in terms of wasted hours, energy, and dollars.

Ralph Ceccarelli is Vice President of Business Development at Southeast Computer Solutions, the Miamibased software reseller. For more information, call 305.556.4697 or visit www.southeastcomputers.com.