What to Include in a Software Implementation Plan

April 22, 2022

Starting to implement software can seem like a daunting task. Between vendor selection, evaluation, and adoption, there are many steps involved in the process. To ensure your implementation goes smoothly, it’s important to lay out your plan ahead of time and follow these tips on what to include in a software implementation plan.

What to Include in a Software Implementation Plan

Vision Statement

First, you’ll need to establish your vision for implementation and clarify your goals. Then, make sure that everyone involved understands what they need to do. You’ll also want to figure out how closely your current systems match up with your desired vision.

Goals of the Implementation

Once you understand what the implementation plan needs to address, you’ll be better equipped to decide on your goals. Each element of your implementation plan should support these goals.

Timeline

As every business will be unique, there is no one-size-fits-all implementation plan. To determine your timeline, it’s important to consider all of your business needs and wants, including financial deadlines and goal completion dates. According to Userlane, “The implementation time for different software solutions obviously varies greatly with complex cross-functional platforms such as ERP systems that might require up to a year or even longer.”

Risks Section

It’s important to anticipate what could go wrong with your implementation plan. These risks will help you keep your end goal in mind as you move forward and ensure that you have adequately accounted for potential setbacks.

Materials Needed for Implementation

If your company has purchased new software, you’ll need to buy or rent other equipment, such as computer monitors and webcams. The number of items you need will depend on how much training each employee will need. For example, if employees have to complete several training modules before they can use their new software program, you might want to provide them with a laptop to access all their materials at home.

You should also consider providing internet service for those who do not have high-speed connections at home. A good rule of thumb is that every employee needs one hour of personal time for every hour spent in training. So if an employee spends three hours learning about his new software program at work, he should be able to spend three hours learning about it from home without disrupting his workday too much.

Training & Support Needs

When adopting new software, one of your main objectives is to train users and ensure they have access to support when they need it. So when developing an implementation plan, consider asking: What training is required? What kind of support should you provide?

Tracking Your Progress

A project plan is an essential component of any software implementation. You’ll want to create a project plan that serves as a roadmap for future implementation phases during your initial planning stage.

No matter how much time you’ve spent planning and designing your software implementation, there are still many things to consider as you put together your plan. To help you create an effective implementation plan, keep your project on track and maximize its success in both functionality and efficiency.