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The most important part of software implementation is being able to understand exactly what it is you’re implementing. Having a team that can work with you toward achieving go-live success is essential to help you be more knowledgeable about your new application. It will also go a long way in enabling you to get the software up and running as efficiently as possible.

Ideally, most teams would also like to have a quick solution. Having an implementation team allows you to deliver a digital platform within a matter of weeks – something that can take months to achieve on your own.

Here are six best practices for providers to achieve success when implementing new technology.

1. Have clear objectives

When you purchase a software or application, you must understand the goals it can help your agency reach and the problems it can help you solve. This knowledge allows you to communicate to your vendor what you’re working toward, making it clear what objective needs to be delivered both in implementation and beyond.

2. Define a project manager

A defined project manager is someone on the customer side who will:

  • lead and dedicate time to the project
  • have access to resources and departments
  • gather all the necessary information
  • understand everything that is happening
This manager can then collaborate with the vendor implementation team, ensuring everyone involved is on the same page and objectives are being met throughout implementation.

3. Create a role for a project sponsor

Unlike a project manager, this role is responsible for the overall project, without getting involved in day-to-day aspects. A project sponsor can make certain decisions and remove roadblocks that managers cannot, while making sure that all team members and resources are available to make the implementation a success.

4. Make appropriate resources available

Aside from the project manager and sponsor keeping implementation on track, it’s important to have appropriate stakeholders involved from each department that will be impacted by the coming changes. For example, the resources may be needed for individual or department training. A stakeholder could also be a department manager who needs to plan for process updates and changes.

5. Address change management concepts

Change can be difficult to embrace, especially when it comes to adopting new technology in the workplace. For end users who are used to doing things a certain way, it’s important to:

  • address the coming changes with them
  • explain why you chose the technology
  • describe what they can expect with implementation
  • continue with transparency throughout the entire process
In other words, don’t just have a conversation at the beginning. Set expectations and do regular check-ins on progress to see how things are working during and after implementation is complete. You may need to tweak some elements after going live – so change management should extend after implementation as you move forward. This will make users feel a part of the process and also help with adoption and buy in.

6. Engage your team

Implementation isn’t just about the technology. It’s also about the people who will be using it to make their lives easier. Engaging and communicating through creative training events like luncheons and parties can make it a fun experience. And being positive and transparent about the changes with your team will give them ownership in the process and increase buy-in.

Each of these best practices are key to going live faster, ensuring long-term success with your new technology, and empowering your team to adopt it with enthusiasm.

To learn more about achieving software implementation success, contact Brightree today to speak with a team member or to schedule a demo.

Liz Brown, Vice President, Customer Satisfaction, Brightree

As vice president of customer satisfaction Liz is responsible for professional services which includes project management, consulting services, data conversion, training, extended services and customer support. She has more than twenty-five years’ experience servicing global customers in the information technology, financial services, and HCM industries.

Prior to her time at Brightree, Liz served as chief operating officer at startup S2Verify LLC where she developed the customer support, vendor management, and outsourcing programs in support of the background screening technology platform. Before that, she served as vice president of client satisfaction for screening solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, where she led the strategic account management, implementation and customer support teams accountable for 80 percent of the divisional revenue. She has also held various customer satisfaction and operations leadership roles at ChoicePoint, Inc., S1 Corporation, Witness Systems, Dun & Bradstreet Software, and MSA, Inc.

Liz Brown, Vice President, Customer Satisfaction, Brightree

As vice president of customer satisfaction Liz is responsible for professional services which includes project management, consulting services, data conversion, training, extended services and customer support. She has more than twenty-five years’ experience servicing global customers in the information technology, financial services, and HCM industries.

Prior to her time at Brightree, Liz served as chief operating officer at startup S2Verify LLC where she developed the customer support, vendor management, and outsourcing programs in support of the background screening technology platform. Before that, she served as vice president of client satisfaction for screening solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, where she led the strategic account management, implementation and customer support teams accountable for 80 percent of the divisional revenue. She has also held various customer satisfaction and operations leadership roles at ChoicePoint, Inc., S1 Corporation, Witness Systems, Dun & Bradstreet Software, and MSA, Inc.

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