According to reports from international information technology research companies, 60% of medium-sized businesses lack adequate software to improve their operational efficiency. Purchasing or upgrading software is often associated with the following concerns for company management:
Significant financial costs: Developing software in-house can be significantly more expensive than buying a pre-built solution. Off-the-shelf software allows companies to spread costs over many users, making it more affordable.
Time to Market: Purchased software is usually ready to deploy much faster than building a custom solution, which can take months or even years to develop, test, and implement.
The difficulty of finding and implementing a ready-made platform that fits their specific needs;
The complexity of maintaining and developing the software after implementation, especially if the company's core business is not providing digital services and lacks a dedicated technical team;
Focus on Core Business: By buying software, companies can focus on their core business activities rather than diverting resources to software development, which may not be their area of expertise
In the long run, the absence of a modern operating system will negatively impact the company's service quality, competitiveness, growth rate, and ultimately, profitability.
So, what should a medium-sized business do if it doesn't have its own IT/software development department and doesn't know which software to choose? One effective solution is to partner with a specialised consulting firm or an experienced change manager who will help you choose existing software from reputable vendor.
Today, many companies and professionals offer consulting and assistance in selecting and implementing software. This will help you choose a system that perfectly fits your company's needs and budget.
Around 70-80% of companies prefer to buy software rather than develop it in-house. This trend is especially prevalent among small to mid-sized companies, where the cost and time involved in custom development can be prohibitive.
The global enterprise software market, which includes off-the-shelf solutions like ERP, CRM, and HR systems, continues to grow rapidly.
To ensure the successful completion of the software selection and implementation process, several factors and best practices should be considered.
This is a tested 10 step guide to ensure implementation process will not fail:
Executive Sponsorship: Secure the backing of senior leadership to ensure the project has the necessary resources, visibility, and support across the organisation.
Clear Communication Plan: Develop a communication strategy to keep all stakeholders informed throughout the process. Regular updates can help manage expectations and address concerns early.
Risk Management: Assess the risks associated with the software implementation, such as data loss, downtime, or user resistance.
Change Management: Recognise that software implementation often requires changes in workflows, roles, and responsibilities.
Vendor Relationship Management: Maintain strong vendor relations and ensure that SLAs are clear, measurable, and enforced.
Do Independent Quality Checks: Consider involving an independent quality assurance team to review the implementation process, ensuring that it meets quality standards and best practices.
Cultural Fit and User Buy-In: The software should align with the company's culture and values. Engage end-users in the selection process to ensure that the software meets their needs and they feel ownership over the new system.
Scalability Plan for Future Growth: Choose a software solution that can scale with your company’s growth and adapt to future needs.
Detailed Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Maintain detailed documentation of the entire process and ensure that knowledge is effectively transferred from the implementation team to the operational team that will manage the software long-term.
Stakeholder Feedback and Continuous Improvement - After implementation, continuously gather feedback from all stakeholders, including end-users, to ensure the software continues to meet their needs. Continuously monitor the software's performance and user satisfaction post-implementation. Schedule regular check-ins to identify areas for improvement.
Well-functioning software is not a luxury but a necessity for modern businesses. Don't postpone your company's digital transformation – choose the right software and take a step towards success!
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