10 Secrets to Ensure Your Software Rollout Goes as Smooth as Silk
Nobody loves change, but when it comes to rolling out new software, many business owners will put it off as long as possible to avoid disruptions in their routine. There is good news, though. Keep these ten tips from software development experts Taazaa in mind, and you’ll be in good shape for a smooth transition.
- Identify gaps. You might be generally aware of a need for tech upgrades but unsure what specific software will help your small business. Research the types of software that make the must-have lists for businesses like yours and think about how those solutions can solve problems for your business. Do you need better payment processing to ensure customer satisfaction? Are you making use of social media in your marketing efforts? How does cyber security fit into your business’s big picture? A thorough assessment can be very revealing and help you develop growth strategies centered around your choices.
- Build it into your budget. Bringing anything new into your business requires proper budgeting, and when it comes to deploying new software, there are layers of numbers to consider. Customized software will be pricier, but it will provide results that exactly meet your needs. Mission-critical software can also take a significant portion of your budget. And bear in mind that there is maintenance, training, and a certain level of talent required to get the project off the ground.
- Get client feedback. If you’re considering a product that impacts your customers in any way, make sure you invest in the features that are important to them. Without their input, you might spend money in the wrong places, wasting funds and missing opportunities.
- Make a plan. One big mistake you should avoid is winging your rollout. Create a timeline that brings everyone on board, includes an appropriate amount of time for training, and keeps your organization’s bigger picture in mind.
- Proactively manage the change. Lucidchart notes the best way to do this is to adopt a time-tested change management model. It should help your team understand why you’re making this change, how it will help your organization as a whole, and what gains individuals will see thanks to embracing the rollout.
- Work with your people. When you’re anticipating a rollout, probably the worst thing you can do is lose sight of the people who will be using your new software. Talk the transition through with your team. Answer all their questions and get their input on key concerns like timing, how the new program will meet their needs, and how the deployment will affect goals.
- Hone in on resources. Each of your team members brings something different to the table. Look closely at their strengths and weaknesses, habits, and routines. For example, those who work with finances can assist with developing your project budget; those who help with scheduling can ensure the timeline is practical; and so forth. Let them help you shape the journey. Their ownership in the process will inform you and ease their minds.
- Provide a roadmap. Don’t expect your people to absorb the details immediately, even if you have an excellent workshop planned for your rollout. Develop written training materials and videos they can refer to when they need to jog their memories.
- Make cybersecurity a priority. Your software development team will have security in mind as they design your software. However, cybersecurity should be top of mind when implementing your new software. First, assess possible vulnerabilities and then run tests. Lots of tests. The last thing you want is a chink in the armor. Ultimately, as you prepare for a new software rollout, adopt additional cyber security data protection that will help you stay vigilant and mitigate any potential attacks.
- Address resistance. You might find some people are especially slow in embracing new software. While it’s normal for people to resist change, it needs to be addressed if you find someone still dragging their feet about using your new software a month after deployment. The chances are that person has anxiety, and a little one-on-one time to address unanswered questions will put their fears at bay.
Change is challenging for both individuals and teams, but your software rollout will go smoothly with the right plan. Budget and coordinate carefully, get everyone on the same page, and provide them with an appropriate roadmap. Your deployment day will go as smooth as silk, thanks to your wise choices.
