For any success-driven organization, implementation and deployment are two of the biggest challenges. This is simply because an error can likely delay the project beyond deadlines and make the jobs of employees more difficult than ever. Thankfully, here are some tips on how to create a future-proofed and progressive system, and just as importantly, a more productive and happier workforce.

#1. Select technology based on your business requirements

All forms of technology should always be driven by business processes and requirements and not what the technology vendors suggest. This is simply because allowing technology to lead your business, instead of the opposite, can take your organization down a path where employees are left perplexed by the introduction of technology while the board is left perplexed by the lack of ROI.

Whether it’s about Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), or Human Capital Management (HCM), it is important to first perform an organization-wide utilization map and gap analysis. This helps in selecting the best solution to address critical issues.

#2. Engage users from the off

For any technology to be a success, it’s important that it receives buy-in from the end-users else its potential can never be truly realized. The sad part is that most organizations somehow overlook engaging system users as all efforts are instead diverted to gain board approval and ensure the build goes to plan.

#3. Allow business requirements to dictate the tech solution

There is no denying the fact that the cloud is the unopposed future of technology. Yet, it may or may not be right for your organization now. Therefore, you should allow your business’s specific requirements to dictate the technology solution.

#4. Never put style over substance

The unique selling proposition and features are what truly sell a tech solution and organizations should never get drawn in too much by sales tactics. It is always a good idea to evaluate each solution’s industry, customization, preferences, trends, integration ability, and success history. All in all, if the system is unable to do what is required in the first place, it is like putting lipstick on a pig.

#5. Carefully evaluate the people aspect

Believe it or not, business transformations cannot be driven by technology alone. Organizational success is dependent on three critical areas: people, technology, and processes. To be successful, you’ll have to carefully consider the people aspect and how you can create a harmonious synergy between the three critical areas.

#6. Keep communication channels transparent & open

You should make serious efforts to ensure that all communication channels are seamless, open, transparent, and harmonious. Furthermore, you should make it a point to provide regular updates as to how the projects are progressing and what are the expected deadlines. The point is to be clear on your communication channels before you start with things and reinforce that with regular updates throughout the project.

#7. Don’t put unnecessary stress

You should only break your back for ‘hard’ deadlines that you must achieve without fail, not for the soft deadlines. The point is not to take or put extra pressure on yourself and/or team members.

#8. Never go back on promises

If you have made promises to employees to get their buy-in, you should fulfill them as any failure can be detrimental to staff goodwill.

#9. Test, test, and test again

Testing should be based on the agile methodology throughout the project. You should always provide extra time for testing to make sure that the testing team has enough time to flag up issues. Moreover, there should be plenty of time to make the changes and retest.

#10. Implement in stages

Your organization doesn’t have to leverage all of the new system’s functionality from day one. A phased approach can be a good choice so that people get themselves accustomed to the basics before they are expected to be made aware of the more advanced functionalities.

Need more help with how to create a future-proofed and progressive system? Contact us at Dana Sacco now!