From writing RFPs to conducting legal reviews, purchasing any new software can be a long, intensive process for organizations. Enterprise data integration software is no exception. As a Data and System Integration SaaS company, we know that once you’ve crossed the software purchase finish line, you want your software to work…and fast. That’s where implementation comes in.
Regardless of industry or software, the software implementation process is what stands in the middle of purchasing your software and actually using it. With over a decade of integration expertise and more than 60 implementations under our belt, we compiled 4 action items customers can do to achieve a quick and painless software implementation.
We know that the first thing customers want to do when they buy a new software is use it right away. Unfortunately, there are a few more steps to complete before software can be used. That’s why our first tip is to get realistic with a well-structured implementation timeline. A detailed timeline will keep both the software company and software buyer on task with implementation steps and tamper any unrealistic expectations.
At Geonexus, we break down our implementation process into 3 big milestones (workshops, installation and configuration, and production), with smaller goals sandwiched in between. We then create a timeline internally or externally with the customer for completion of these milestones based on the rigor and complexity of each implementation. With a methodical implementation process and an agreed upon timeline, everyone gets a transparent lens into implementation progress.
If you’ve made it to the implementation step, you’ve likely already rounded up significant company buy-in for your new software purchase. So, how can you keep up the engagement? Get the right people in the room.
In Geonexus’ workshop phase of software implementation, we meet with the customer to determine the technical aspects of their implementation—i.e., what databases to connect, guidelines for field mapping, and data flow and functional requirements. This workshop phase only works if key players from both the business and technical side of the organization are present to give input. Having both groups in the room during workshops keeps everyone apprised of integration decisions and technical work within the organization’s databases.
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One of the major roadblocks to quick implementation is access. In order to install and configure integration software, our implementation specialists need access to organizations’ databases, whether that be through a VPN or remote desktop. When preparing for implementation, make sure your organization has protocol for how external people can access your organization’s databases. Plus, our implementation specialists agree, it doesn’t hurt to provide a point of contact for when access issues inevitably arise.
Making sure software implementation specialists have access to the systems they need is the easiest way to ensure a quick and successful integration.
When it comes to data and system integration technology specifically, our experts note a few items to consider before entering the implementation phase. Most importantly, understand the alignment between the systems and data you are integrating, specifically if there is a key field that can be used to link the systems. The Geonexus team has expertise with a variety of scenarios and can recommend an approach based on your situation.
Further, take a look at your data quality before entering the implementation phase. If you anticipate a large data clean up, it may be advantageous to get a head start on that process. Having a good understanding of your systems going into software implementation and communicating that information with the software provider will speed up the implementation process.
Geonexus prides itself on tailoring software delivery to your organization’s specific needs and resource capacity. Learn more about the Geonexus platform, discover our software implementation process, and set up a demo today.
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