Implementing a new Business Management Software system can be a time consuming process. The timeline will depend on how robust a system you are purchasing. There are typically five phases to rolling out a Business Management Software implementation project: Project preparation, business blueprint, project realization, final preparation, and go-live and support. We will examine each one in more detail and give an estimation of what percentage of the overall timeline each phase should take. The figures are estimates taken from rolling out a 10-12 week project.
- Project Preparation: This phase involves identifying a project manager and identifying who needs to be involved to make the project a success. The project manager can either be someone internally or an external business partner who has the necessary knowledge to carry out the project. Goals, milestones, and expectations should be set and the vendor of choice should be selected. Estimated time of the project: 10%.
- Business Blueprint: This phase involves creating a blueprint that will identify how the software will work to improve your existing processes. You will need to determine which features should be added and how they will map on top of your current systems. Involve your staff and determine where efficiencies could be gained by automating processes. Estimated time of the project: 9%.
- Project Realization: This phase involves getting ready for the rollout of the Business Management Software. You will need to look at what customizations are needed to best integrate the Business Management Software system and assign roles to employees for their responsibilities once the rollout is complete. Consider involving additional members of your staff to make this process as smooth as possible. Have a few employees ready to test the system as changes are made and determine with the project manager when the system will go live, what kind of support will be needed and how the training will be rolled out to the employees. Estimated time of the project: 10%.
- Final Preparation: This phase involves training your staff so they are up to date with how to use the new software and every question has been answered. Depending on the location and skill level of your employees, training can be conducted on site through seminars and workshops or can be conducted via e-learning tools and websites. The technical staff should also ensure that the integration has been completed and that the system is running smoothly as a whole. Estimated time of the project: 11%.
- Go-Live and Support: This phase involves officially launching the software. Communicate regularly with your staff to ensure they are realizing the benefits from the new system and discuss any other issues that might need to be addressed. Estimated time of the project: 60%. This is the largest percentage of the five phases because you should ensure that the system is meeting your needs and is helping you to become a more effective organization. Make any modifications necessary to ensure that you get what you need to run your business.
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