5 Ways To Upgrade Company Software And Increase Efficiency
Company software can help a business achieve its objectives by facilitating various operations. Enterprises have grown to rely on different types of systems for varying core and secondary functions. However, a time comes when you have to consider upgrading your software to get more out of it. Systems that no longer fit their roles or fall short of expectations have no business being part of your company. Well-executed and timely software upgrades can save millions, not to mention increase worker productivity. Deciding how to go about a system upgrade is a challenge that many managers face. How can you guarantee that adopting a new system won’t backfire on your company?
Start Early
One mistake most companies make when switching software systems is waiting until the last minute. The transition from one management software to the next is not easy and is bound to cause disruptions on different levels, depending on how much your employees use it. There are also individuals who will have reservations about trying out new software, especially when they already have big projects to work on. Technical questions are inevitable when using new software, and you want to make certain that employees have enough time to get answers. An early discussion about any upcoming changes to your software can avoid such problems. It is advisable as well to involve workers in any modifications that will affect their productivity.
Try Something Different
An upgrade doesn’t always mean getting a glorified version of what you are already using. The chances are that you may end up with the same problem with the new installation. Luckily, if it’s project management software, there are numerous kinds and vendors. Insisting on the same brand of PM software may end up costing your enterprise a load of money. Any changes you are going to make must be worth the time and costs suffered by your business. Focus on comparing different software before making the final decision. However, remember not to veer too far away with your selection as you end up with a completely foreign system that is too complicated for your workers.
Action Plan
Apart from talking about the software upgrade with employees and addressing concerns, the company must have a concrete program. System changes involve significant research, training, and transference of data. An action plan ensures that these aspects are outlined and given a timeframe. Your program can also include information about who will handle the upgrade, any corresponding hardware changes, and the deadline for each task. Such a plan provides a much-needed blueprint that keeps everyone grounded
Get the Timing Right
Just because a manager thinks an upgrade is necessary doesn’t mean that the timing is ideal. Remember that your employees rely on software for most of their duties. An ill-timed modification may end up causing more harm to your business. For example, if your employees are already working with new software, introducing another one can be counterproductive. Workers may also be juggling too many roles to keep up with new changes.
Invest in Training
Some employers are scared of training employees who may leave after a short while, which is a genuine fear given the high turnover in today’s workforce. Even when you have a representative from your vendor as a contact person, training your own is a worthy investment. Regardless of how simple a system may appear, teaching workers how to operate it increases its efficiency. Well-trained employees can teach new recruits how to use the software, which saves the company money. For future reference, you can document any training offered by employees such that, even when they leave, you can use video or audio recordings to train others.
As much as your five-year-old management software may be getting you by, aim for better, and that means upgrading to a more efficient system. This is definitely something that can help save you save a lot of time and money. It is well worth the investment.
