You switch to new business software to get better. To do so, many companies set up an extensive selection process in which the requirements are identified, many potential systems and partners are scrutinized, and only after extensive evaluation is the choice made. During implementation, many employees are involved in setting up process flows, determining the setup and training in the use of the system. But where selection and implementation are usually handled very thoroughly and meticulously, many organizations leave stitches after going live. The system is up and running, there are no major problems, so one can sit back and relax. But that's a waste! As a service manager, I see daily how important it is for our customers to remain critical of the use of the software within the organization. Here are the main reasons not to sit back:
1. Processes can always be better
Business software supports business processes. But it is never perfect. No matter how hard you try to optimize the processes in consultation with your own people and the software partner, perfection is an illusion. Only after the go-live, when the software has been in use for a while, can you evaluate what could be improved. Something that seemed like a good idea in theory may turn out very differently in practice. Therefore, continuously look at each process in detail. Where can it be done even faster? Which step is not necessary? Where am I missing the right information? Which checks are superfluous? There is always room for improvement, and this pursuit of optimization will save you a lot of money.
2. Adding new features based on ROI pays off
When transitioning to a new system, you cannot possibly meet all the requirements. You will need to define a clear project scope. Focus primarily on the most important issues; the rest comes later. Only after the go-live will you start looking at new features and additional modules and solutions. Return on investment is your driver. If the advantages/benefits outweigh the disadvantages/costs, then go for it.
3. Software should grow with your business
The software solution you have at go-live is at that moment what you need (or at least think you need). But that's a snapshot in time, and time changes everything. New technologies come along, laws and regulations change, your business grows (hopefully), you may enter new markets, your suppliers, customers, partners and employees change. Software has a supporting role for your (changing) business. So if your organization grows, the market changes or circumstances change, it should be a matter of course that you critically examine whether the software is still supporting your business in the best possible way.
Bad news, then; it's never a good time to sit back and dabble on with your existing business software. Or rather good news; those who continually look critically at opportunities for improvement in the software can really make a difference over the competition.
Teun Arts is Service Manager at Dysel and ensures that customers make optimal use of the software's capabilities, now and in the future.
