6 Steps to Avoiding Failed Software Implementations

Software implementation is a process every organization goes through when adopting new software or updating existing systems. It’s developing, deploying, and maintaining software applications to meet business needs. A good software implementation plan will get you the desired outcomes, more efficiency, better customer satisfaction, and lower costs. 

This is especially important if your software is showing signs of fatigue or slowing down and you’re considering making a switch. Not sure? BrainSell can help with that!  

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More importantly, you wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint. The same goes for software implementation! BrainSell’s proven business blueprint process is designed to ensure adoption and operability. 

It would help if you had a plan to avoid failure in software implementation. In this post, we will review the six crucial steps that should be in every software implementation plan. 

Step 1: Goals and Objectives

The first step in a software implementation plan is to define your goals and objectives. This means understanding why you need the software, what problems it will solve, and what you expect to see after implementation. Setting clear and measurable goals for desired outcomes allows you to track your progress and ensure the software performs as expected. 

Step 2: Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups vested in the software implementation project. They can be end-users, IT staff, management, and other decision-makers. It’s important to involve stakeholders early in the planning process to address their needs and concerns throughout the implementation. 

Step 3: Project Plan

Project management is key to any software implementation, and a project plan is necessary. It should outline all tasks, timelines, and responsibilities for each stage of the implementation process and include a contingency plan in case something goes wrong during implementation. 

Step 4: Test and Configure

Before you deploy the software to end-users, you need to test and configure it. This means unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). By testing and configuring the software, you can find any bugs or issues that must be fixed before final deployment. 

Step 5: End-User Training

The success of any software implementation depends on how well end-users are trained on the new system. Comprehensive training, such as hands-on training, user manuals, or online tutorials, is critical to ensure all users are comfortable and familiar with the software’s features and functions. 

Step 6: Monitor and Evaluate

Once the software is deployed, you need to monitor its performance and gather feedback from end-users. This will help you find any issues missed during testing and make continuous improvements. Regular evaluations will also help you track progress towards the goals and objectives you set in step 1 of the software implementation process. 

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More Tips for Success

• Involve end-users in the planning process early to get their input and feedback. 

• Communicate with all stakeholders regularly to keep them informed and promptly address any concerns or issues. 

• Consider a pilot before the full implementation to find any issues and adjust. 

• Plan for post implementation support and assistance to end-users, help desks or user forums. 

• Prioritize data security throughout the implementation process to protect sensitive information. 

• Use project management tools to collaborate and be more efficient. These tools centralize communication and resource allocation and improve project management. Features like Gantt charts and Kanban boards help organize and smooth out transitions to new systems. 

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Following these six steps in your software implementation plan will increase your chances of success. Every organization is unique, so be adaptable when creating a software implementation plan. Communication and collaboration between all stakeholders are also critical to smooth implementations. Overall planning, testing, and evaluation are the keys to a successful software implementation that will drive business growth. 

By following these practices, you will meet your initial goals and make long-term efficiency and productivity improvements. Successful software implementation requires continuous adaptation, support, and collaboration so that the technology and the organization can thrive. Partnering with experts like BrainSell ensures you create a successful software implementation plan quickly and effectively. Connect with us today!