After implementing enterprise software, training and support are key throughout the software lifecycle. You want to ensure that you get maximum value from the software, now and in the future. Your company benefits most from the software when support, training and consulting are well organized throughout the software lifecycle.
Don't limit training to the implementation project
Software training helps your people understand the business processes they perform and lets them see how the software system supports those processes. It makes your people happier, more motivated and ultimately: more productive. Hands-on training results in value to the organization; this value can exceed the initial investment in the training sessions. With new versions of the software, additional modules and functionalities, new employees and changing business needs, training cannot be limited to the implementation project, but is a necessary component throughout the life cycle of your software.
"Software training makes your people happier, more motivated and ultimately: more productive."
You ask for (and demand) top quality support
Software is critical to your business. If you cannot complete a process in the software because you encounter a bug or error or do not understand the system, it is frustrating and it costs time and therefore money. In such a case, you want to be helped quickly by an expert. Make sure your enterprise software partner has a dedicated support desk with qualified and experienced staff. They should understand the importance of the software to your organization and to you personally, and they should be able to help you immediately or enlist the help of an expert consultant and keep you informed of progress.
Close collaboration with the consultant
Throughout the year, you should be in constant contact with your software partner so that communication remains successful throughout the life cycle of your software. Together with the software vendor's business consultant, you should focus on the value and return on investement of the business software by discussing the questions below:
- What effects does the system have on your business throughout the year?
- Does the software make your business more productive?
- Does it add value to your business?
- Are new developments in the system needed to make your business more effective?
- Are employees using the system effectively?
The answers to these questions help you define the next steps and optimization projects. The consultant helps to design the framework for planning, analysis, implementation, testing, monitoring and finally delivering a quality product to end users. Your focus and therefore the focus of your business software partner is on realizing your ambitions. By implementing advanced business software, providing your staff with the right education and training and thanks to top quality support, you will be able to achieve your goals.
April Potts is responsible for Marketing & Sales at Dysel North America and combines experience in marketing, at equipment dealers and with ERP software to help dealers drive their business forward.
