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Software rollouts are often a dreaded part of business operations. While IT teams fear technical problems, the rest of the team may feel uneasy about having to learn something new and changing the way they are used to working.
However, the benefits of using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software far outweigh any inconveniences. The secret to a smooth, successful rollout lies in how you start the process. The following guide from Scientific Programmer offers insight on how to transition everyone the right way.
The Power of Business Software
If the coronavirus pandemic has made one thing clear for many organizations it is their high dependency on offices. Businesses of all sizes struggled with the transition to remote working. Suddenly, it was not possible to walk into the office next door and ask about the one file that is crucial to your project.
Whilst most companies adjusted and remote working is likely to stay for at least part of their workforce, many struggled with the process. Real Steel Software notes that this is where so-called enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can make a difference. ERP not only helps you plan. It also takes care of inventory management, provides analytical insights, and much more.
Where To Start
Like many other aspects of business planning, a smooth software rollout starts with a well-defined objective. In order to deliver a successful software rollout, you need to understand exactly what ‘successful’ means. For example:
- Which functions does the software need to have?
- How are these jobs being completed now?
- How difficult will it be to transition from the current way of completing tasks to the new software?
- What is the new software expected to do exactly?
- How can it make the company’s processes and procedures more streamlined?
- In short, what do we expect to have by the end of this process?
Generally, your organization’s executive management will be interested in the financial return-on-investment (ROI) and the audience’s reaction to it.
Setting a financial objective may seem more clear-cut. Together with your company’s finance team, you want to define how ROI will be measured and what exactly is expected from the software rollout. By involving finance experts right at the beginning, you can avoid misunderstandings later on.
Outside of your finance team, stakeholders need a clear idea of the advantages the software will bring to their day-to-day working lives. Communicate what they will be able to do more easily with the software. Understanding the benefits will help create goodwill throughout the development and implementation phase.
For example, if you are introducing bookkeeping and accounting software, your team needs to appreciate how much quicker they can run advanced reports. Spotting and rectifying errors also becomes easier with the help of software.
Plus, using a robust accounting and management software tool like QuickBooks Enterprise does not need to be complicated. QuickBooks’ enterprise resource planning software for your mid-level company offers extensive support features and how-to guides that make it easy to learn more about specific functions and use the software to the maximum of its ability. Rolling out a new software system often comes with a few hiccups, and there will be an adjustment period for everyone in your company who uses it. But by having a solid integration plan from the start, you can help ensure a smooth transition for all.