Software selection and rollout advice - Blog
Software selection and rollout advice by Carleen Moore from thebizbuzz.net
Using software in your business can help you save resources and scale up. But a software rollout takes careful implementation for maximum savings and minimum stress. These steps, outlined here by TrustList, can help you navigate the rollout with confidence.
Using software in your business can help you save resources and scale up. But a software rollout takes careful implementation for maximum savings and minimum stress. These steps, outlined here by TrustList, can help you navigate the rollout with confidence.
Investing in software can change business operations in many ways. Some software your business can benefit from include customer relationship management, payment processing, cybersecurity, project management, and inventory management software.
Apps and programs with automation can even reduce time spent on manual tasks, freeing up workers’ time for additional projects and duties. Of course, selecting the right software is essential for your budget and operations. Outline a budget for your software additions based on current expenditures. Factor in potential increases in revenue related to higher efficiency and other software perks.
While higher-level managers often have more decision-making power than other workers, team input could prove invaluable during software setup. Slack recommends setting the stage for group decision-making by taking job titles out of the equation and encouraging critical thinking.
Encourage input from your team on software selections, features, and improvements. When possible, try out software trials and ask for honest feedback. It may take trial and error to settle on the right fit for each application.
Most companies want to rush software implementation when said software promises to save time and money. But a hurried rollout could result in losses if unexpected issues come up. To ensure things go smoothly, dedicate some time to planning.
Outline an implementation plan to keep your team on track. Include goals, a timeline, potential risks, milestones, and responsibilities for your team. This should be part of your business plan, as well. Thorough preparation doesn’t guarantee flawless execution, but it increases the odds of success.
New software means more training for your team, which can feel daunting. Methods will vary depending on the type of software you’re using, but, as Lifehack notes, learning by doing is beneficial for internalising new processes.
Encourage your employees to train within the software, whether in a sandbox environment or through a designated test site. Ideally, your software vendor will also provide a support person or easy-access help content.
For more complex software or new team member onboarding, consider creating a training protocol. Whether for one software system or your entire operation, online employee training platforms are affordable and scalable.
Even the best software requires testing, but it’s not a one-and-done type of process. Testing should occur throughout your rollout and afterward, too. Trialling each function, making adjustments, and monitoring updates keep everything working correctly.
Dedicating resources to testing means less software downtime as small issues crop up. Consider organising a team to handle regular testing and updates to keep your software on track. Routine meetings also maintain an open flow of communication so everyone is on the same page.
Asking software users for their feedback can be instrumental in future improvements. The process for soliciting feedback will depend on who is using the software, however. With internal teams, maintaining open communication ensures that any software flaws are caught and corrected.
In customer-facing use cases, you may need a strategy for requesting feedback. Focus groups can provide opinions, while online surveys or built-in help requests can highlight issues as they occur. A help or FAQ system can also assist clients with common questions and troubleshooting.
Outsourcing can be a great way to free up resources and focus on your business's software rollout. By outsourcing tedious tasks such as customer service, data entry, and accounting, you can free up time and money so you can focus on other aspects of the rollout.
Choosing to implement software in your business operations has countless benefits. With a smart rollout plan and well-trained team members, new software can help take your business to the next level!
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