In this era of fast-moving technology, where the demands and expectations of customers are changing every day, it's never been so important for your company to keep up to date with the latest software available.
However, the integration of innovative technologies can cause big headaches if the approach hasn't been carefully considered - and if you're not mindful - the addition of any new tool or software program can often be the type of organisational change that creates resistance.
We believe that regardless of the software your company has decided to adopt; it needs to be implemented properly and with a lot of consideration.
Here at Teletrac Navman, we have our own Professional Services Team to assist our customers in the process of successfully integrating new software to their business.
Haydon Davis, who is Head of Professional Services at Navman Wireless, gives us his top tips on how you can successfully implement new technology platforms across your entire business, and how to keep your staff on-board.
Haydon told us about how vital it is to involve all touch points of the business to make sure they are included from the start, as input from different areas can help define the system requirements.
Key stakeholders can include members of your Fleet, IT, HR, Training, Planning and Procurement department.
What's involved in implementing a software tool for an enterprise business?
Lots of planning. We created a specific Professional Services team to help guide our customers through the important implementation process. We've been involved in many different kinds of system implementation; but every single one offer some of the same challenges. It's always a good idea to phase in the new software incrementally via a predetermined plan to ensure everybody within the business is in sync and moving in the right direction.
What to consider when implementing new software?
Many Corporate customers operate a tight IT policy that will prevent software from being loaded locally and may also block access to unknown websites. We recommend that IT are briefed and involved from the start of any software introduction project. Getting IT staff on-board right from the start will minimise any potential resistance but most importantly give them the opportunity to help identify possible barriers or challenges sooner rather than later.
If the implementation involves the use of new equipment, it may require changes to certain policy documents originally signed by staff, so try to ensure internal HR and Health and Safety teams are involved in the process from the early stages.
Remember, new software may be alien to your workforce so they'll need to be given time to get to grips with whatever platform you introduce. It may be important to try and time the introduction around a quiet period for your business.
Training your staff on the new system.
Most software platforms will offer training schedules and opportunities with new accounts, so be sure to seek out all the training resources offered by your new technology provider and get to know your account manager. Ensuring that your staff are properly training will obviously have a huge impact on the success of a new system introduction, so don't rush this part!
Who else should be involved during the implementation process?
It's vital to encompass all touch points of the business to make sure everyone who needs to be involved from the start is aware of what needs to happen. This will save any future problems of people potentially complaining that they weren't aware of the system introduction. It can also help define the system requirements needed for different areas of the business.
Shout about your success!
Once new software has been successfully deployed and a company is starting to see results, it's time to let the business know about the good work you're doing and the advantages the new technology is presenting. It's a good idea to send regular updates to show just how valuable the business the new software is!
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