You move to new a business software solution to get better. Many companies set up an extensive selection process in which they map their requirements, they get to know many potential systems and partners and the choice is made only after extensive evaluation. During the implementation, many employees are involved in creating process flows, determine upon the setup and they get trained in how to use the system. But where the selection process and implementation process are usually done very thoroughly, many organizations are less critical after the go-live. The system is running, there are no major problems, so you can just lean back. But that is such a waste! As a service manager, I see every day how important it is for our customers to remain critical when it comes to how the software is used within the organization. These are the main reasons why not to sit back and relax:
1. Processes can always be better
Business software supports business processes. That never goes perfect. No matter how hard you try to optimize the processes together with your own people and the software partner, perfection is an illusion. Only after the go-live, when the software is in use for a while, can you evaluate what can be done better. Something that in theory seemed like a good idea can turn out very different in practice. Therefore, look continuously at every process in detail. How can I make things go faster? Which step is not necessary? Where do I miss the right information? Which checks are unnecessary? It can always be better and this striving for optimization brings you a lot of money.
2. Adding new features based on ROI pays off
With moving to a new system, it is impossible to meet all your requirements at once. You will have to define a clear project scope. Focus primarily on the most important issues, the rest comes later. After the go-live, you will look at new features and extra modules and solutions. Return on investment is your motive. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then go for it.
3. Software must grow with your business
The software solution you have at the go-live is what you need at that specific moment (or at least what you think you need). But it is a snapshot and time changes everything. New technologies arise, laws and regulations change, your company starts growing (hopefully), you may be entering new markets, your suppliers, customers, partners and employees can change. Software has a supporting role for your (changing) business. So as your organization grows, the market changes or the circumstances change, then you should critically look at whether the software still optimally supports your business.
So, bad news for you; it is never a good time to sit back and be satisfied with your existing business software. Or maybe good news; if you continuously look at opportunities for improvement in the software you can really make a difference compared to your competition.
Teun Arts is Service Manager at Dysel and it is his job to ensure that customers make optimal use of the software, now and in the future.
