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Top Tips for a Successful Software or Technology Implementation  

Author: Laura Tooker 

solution to success, implementation partner, risk of an implementation, ROI and value, software or technology implementation

When an organization invests in a software or technology solution to address its business requirements, they expect that the implementation of that solution will be a success. However, assuming it will be a success, delivering both ROI and value, but not taking steps to support that outcome increases the risk of an implementation not achieving its intended benefits. 

This blog will review the basics of a successful software or technology implementation and offer tips on how to achieve that success. 

Implementation Basics

When approaching an implementation, always consider these implementation basics: 

  • Implementations Bring Change 

Understand that the implementation will have an impact on your processes and people, and preparing for that impact will help mitigate risks 

  • Suitability and Timing  

Take into account the suitability of the solution, as well as the timing of the implementation, for your organization’s industry, customers, employees, and individual business needs 

  • Integration and Configuration Help Determine ROI 

For any size implementation, keep in mind that the technology will always achieve more benefits if integrated and configured appropriately; it helps to increase user productivity and adoption rates, and achieve the solution’s intended ROI and value 

    • Integration 
      • When integration is done well, systems and solution components work together seamlessly, with clear paths to and from each other 
    • Configuration 
      • While there are applications and technology that can complete some of the adaptation for you, configuring a solution enables it to meet the business’ and end-users’ needs more efficiently 
  • Post-Implementation Planning 

 Ensure that your organization has a level of comfort and knowledge with the technology or solution that will enable self-support 

    • Or that you have access to the necessary support you will need to take on solution ownership after the implementation is complete 

Top Implementation Tips 

Tips for ensuring your organization gets the implementation basics listed above right and can limit the risks associated with implementing a new solution or solution component.  

  • Narrow Down Your Organization’s Pain Points and Prioritize Needs  

Remember that once you find a starting point and lay a solid foundation, you can add to your solution from there 

    • A business review or health check can help with this step 
  • Find the Right Partner  

Make sure your implementation partner has the technical experience and certifications you need, but make sure you’re comfortable working with them as well 

    • This is particularly important for multi-phase projects and where support is needed after project completion 
  • Align Expectations 

Go through the demo process with your solution partner; expectations should be clear on both sides — no solution can fix everything, but you should have a concrete idea of what’s possible and what they can provide 

    • If your solution partner doesn’t understand your industry and organization’s needs, it’s often clear at this stage 
    • They should understand your business, and what’s needed, and be able to demonstrate that the solution meets your requirements 
    • Offer feedback, and modify the solution at this stage to avoid project delays  
  • Communication is Key 

Communication is vital throughout the integration process between both your organization and integration partner; and your organization and stakeholders 

    • Your integration partner should be scheduling regular touchpoints, and communicating consistently about project milestones and any necessary changes 
    • Don’t forget to address people and processes via training and change management — regardless of how well an implementation goes technically if your people won’t use it, you won’t achieve ROI  
  • Timing Goes Beyond Project Kick-Off 

How often testing happens throughout the project, your implementation project’s go-live date, and having a clear plan for hand-off after project completion is as important for avoiding risks and delays as deciding the project’s start date 

    • If the project occurs and goes live when your organization is less busy, your solution and processes might not be fully optimized 
    • This is why support and additional training can be necessary after an implementation is complete 

Implementation Support 

Regardless of whether you’re looking to make your new solution implementation a success, or trying to get an unsuccessful implementation back on track, we’re here to help. Contact us.