A successful software implementation is comprised of two equal parts – the software evaluation and then, the subsequent migration to the new product.  To be successful, one can’t live without the other.

For example, if you choose the best product for your organization, but botch the software implementation – has anything worthwhile happened?  Answer:  No.  Similarly, if you choose the not-best software product for your company and execute the software implementation flawlessly – has anything worthwhile happened?  Once again the answer is ‘No’.

Much of the planning for the software implementation mirrors that of the software evaluation.  You need the same sort of project infrastructure…but this time you will be considering the very-real need of keeping your existing system running while you build/implement the new one.  Think of it as building a highway.  The first thing the construction crew builds or considers is the temporary road to be used by motorists while the new road is being constructed.  The same is true with software migrations.

Other areas to be considered while planning your software implementation are the data conversion, reporting, and training ramifications of the software implementation.  All of these areas are discussed on the Lupine Videos page.

Frequently Asked Questions for Software Implementation Projects

How much transactional history should be converted?

Should these software implementations have an in-house, internal project manager or an external, for-hire project manager?  Or both?  

What should the software company’s role be during the software implementation?

Are canned software implementation work plans available for purchase?

Do you recommend a manual data entry process for data conversion or an electronic approach?

Our company is concerned with our operations grinding to a halt while this software implementation effort is going on.  What do you suggest?

Have you ever participated in a software implementation that failed?

Resources for Software Implementation

Software Implementation Challenges and Solutions

ERP Implementation – The Traps

(Book) Successful Packaged Software Implementation

When a software selection project falls out of the sky and onto your plate, you need a strong heart, a sharp brain, and the courage to tackle the task.  This is the book that provides all three, and more.  It is a clear and methodical map through the unclear and needlessly chaotic process of software selection.

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