Implementing new software is a business upgrade that can improve productivity, save money, boost employee satisfaction, and help your team produce better work. That said, rolling out new software isn’t easy. KnowledgeWave notes that without a solid software implementation plan, your rollout may be met with a decrease in productivity. Team members aren’t always happy to adopt and learn a new tool, especially one that may impact their existing workflow. What’s more, a new software product that doesn’t solve a current problem can just add an unnecessary level of complexity to an otherwise smooth system.
A great software rollout plan will ensure your business gets the most value out of your new system while minimizing productivity loss during the transition. Below, Arch Web Design shares some key tips to help you implement an effective rollout!
Choose Your New Tools Carefully
Setting the stage for a smooth software rollout starts by interviewing software development companies and finding the right agency to help create the particular software tools you want to use. Next, consider the problem you’re trying to solve. Is your business spending too much time and money on social media marketing? You can solve this problem by using a content marketing tool that features editorial calendars, auto-generated designs, and post scheduling.
It’s also important to make sure your new tool will integrate seamlessly with your existing applications and operations. Shopping around, comparing tools, reading reviews, and asking providers for demos is a great way to ensure your investment will have a positive impact on your business.
Avoid Common Rollout Mistakes
When it comes time to deploy a new software solution, be careful to avoid common mistakes. For example, you may be focusing too much of your attention on gaining approval from leadership instead of discussing the rollout with the actual employees who will be using the system every day. Think about the people who will be adopting the software and ask for input from these individuals. This will give you a chance to plan around their workflow and ensure your implementation will not create new obstacles.
Inaccurate budgeting is another mistake to avoid when implementing new software. Consider the impact on your bottom line as well as the ROI of your implementation. While a custom-built software solution may offer the best results for your business, a ready-made product may fit your needs without blowing your budget.
Develop a Team Training Strategy
Not training end users is another mistake that will create problems with your software rollout. How are you going to get users to accept and adopt your new solution? As HPPY explains, communication is key! Before deploying the new tool, make sure your employees recognize the problem you want to solve and how your solution will benefit them. Showcase the benefits of adopting the new technology and how it will improve the work process for your business and your employees. For example, implementing a social media marketing tool will save your staff from the tedious process of downloading and uploading content, sending designs via email, and manually posting on social media.
This is also a good time to establish a team training plan, as explained by The Digital Transformation People, to ensure your employees know how to use your new platform on a day-to-day basis. Beyond teaching your team how to use the particular software, communicate the best way to integrate this tool into their existing workflow. If you don't have IT staff to help with team training, try to identify a few key players on your team who feel comfortable adopting new technology or have prior experience with the systems you’re implementing. These people can help the rest of your team overcome obstacles with adopting your new system.
