Software Installation and Upgrade Process Important Steps!
Each year, businesses across the board spend
an average of around 8.2% of their revenue on IT. Your
company’s technology is a huge component of your success. However, if you’re not a
tech guru yourself, you may be intimidated at the thought of completing an unfamiliar software installation and upgrade process. Don’t let fears hold your company
back from the success and follow the below steps.
Two Types of Software to Consider
If you’re not sure where, exactly, to channel
your information technology dollars, consider project management and ERP.
Project Management. The PDCA Complete project management software
from Quality Assurance Solutions helps you improve all aspects of your
company. Using this program, you will focus on lean techniques and look for ways
that your company can improve continuously. With centralized data, your key employees can access the program at the same time which ensures improvements take place simultaneously.
Enterprise Resource Planning. Enterprise
resource planning is crucial to your bookkeeping efforts. As your company
continues to expand, you need to take steps to ensure your finances stay
balanced. For this, you’ll need the right software. One example of business software for your enterprise is the
aptly named FractionERP. Although it operates much like a large ERP,
it’s more affordable and easier to learn. The program tracks stock, balances workflow, and manages purchases.
PDCA Complete is an organizational task management system with built-in continuous improvement tools. Includes projects, meetings, audits and more.
There are many reasons that updating your
company’s software is a smart idea. First is security. Updated software combats the most-recent threats.
Next is usability and features. Unless you frequently update or upgrade
your software, you may miss out on important features that boost
efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, if your business maintains compliance with regulatory boards, new software helps
you do this. These are just a few of the most important reasons cited by AZ Big Media.
Software Installation and Upgrade Process
Knowing what type of software you want for
your business determines only half the battle. You also need to
plan ahead if you want a successful release. Your software installation and upgrade process should
include these steps:
Define objectives by department. Talk to each
department head about what you expect them to get out of your new software.
Give them clear objectives so that they know exactly what to look for in the
new program.
Understand roadblocks. The software installation and upgrade process doesn't always go smoothly. Work around challenges such as interrupting your
current shipping schedule.
Create new processes, and train your employees in them. Very rarely does the newly installed software allow you to run your business the same
exact way as before. There will be new processes that must be learned. Know
these early on. Then train your employees on how to best implement
your new programs. Training is a priority.
Communicate with key players. Communication is
essential throughout the software installation and upgrade process. Stay in
constant contact with key members of your team.
Bring in help if you need it. If you have an
IT department, great. Your developers and techs may be able to handle software installation and upgrade process with relative ease. However, if you don’t, consider
outsourcing integration and coordination with an IT services firm. Your
outsourced IT can handle everything from server installation to operating
system upgrades, according to Geeks On Site.
Document everything. Even if your new software
isn’t particularly complex, still, document your internal processes.
This way, things run smoothly, even without your primary end-user.
Always test before a full rollout. Don't make this a complicated process. If nothing else, bring in a group of employees on a Saturday for a mock workday to make sure
that your new program runs at opening on Monday.
Get feedback. Finally, no matter the
success of your software installation and upgrade process, always ask those who use the
program. Don’t just assume that because things went well on test day that these
results translated into a seamless user experience. Make sure to ask lots of questions
and make changes, if necessary.
TrainingKeeper Software. Keep, organize and plan all your employees' training and activities. Software includes multi-user support with reports, certs, and calendars.
Adding new and upgraded software to your
business is crucial to your success. But don't always “set it
and forget it.” Make sure you know how, exactly, to implement a software
rollout so that the investment doesn’t slow your company
down.
Article written by Cody McBride of techdeck.info for
Quality Assurance Solutions. Article edited and posted by Quality
Assurance Solutions
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