Successful Software Adoption Doesn’t Stop With Implementation

Successful Software Adoption Doesn’t Stop With Implementation

Investing in software is expensive. Not only does it cost a lot on the front end, but you have to spend even more on employee training, implementation, and maintenance. But the last thing you can afford to do is cut corners in order to save some money.

Hire a Software Consultant to Streamline Implementation

Purchasing software is just half the battle. In today’s business world, implementation requires just as much time and effort as the research and purchase process. And if you don’t have a plan for how you’re going to deploy your software, then chances are pretty high that you won’t get the most out of it.

This is where a software consultant comes into play. As the name suggests, a software consultant is tasked with helping businesses implement and use a given piece of software. This usually lasts for the first few weeks or months of use, but sometimes persists on an ongoing basis.

When implementing a piece of software, there’s obviously some hesitancy to spend more than you have to; however, you really can’t afford to not hire a consultant.

Here are some reasons why they’re worth their weight in gold.

1. Software-Specific Expertise

Software consultants have expertise and are proficient at specific tools and solutions. Take RPI Consultants as an example. They specialize in Lawson systems, and therefore spend all of their time working with and mastering the ins and outs of the various Lawson business solutions. If you’re investing in a Lawson system, wouldn’t it make sense that you’d hire a consultant with vendor-specific experience?

This is the value of software consultants. Unlike your average business consultant who may have some experience with a variety of different tools, software consultants have specialized expertise.

2. Better Training

While the software vendor may provide a basic training course for your employees – or you may even know enough to teach a couple classes – is that really the best way to bring your employees up to speed? With a software consultant, you get access to better training programs that actually speak to your employees and allow them to grow. This makes a huge difference in the long run.

3. Ability to Maximize Features

When you were vetting different software solutions, you most likely had a list of the features that mattered most to you. With this list, you were able to evaluate competing products and whittle your options down. This process may have taken weeks or months.

If you simply purchase software and then tell your employees to get to work, you aren’t going to maximize these features that you meticulously scrutinized for so many weeks – thus rendering your hard work useless. However, when you hire a consultant, they can ensure your company maximizes each and every feature available.

4. Ability to Focus on What Matters

You’re in the business of selling a product or service, not trying to master a software program. If you’re spending hours each day worrying about software implementation, then you aren’t focusing on your core tasks.

“This is where consultants shine, allowing your organization to focus on its core business,” says Jill Barson Gilbert, a leading executive and IT advisor. “A consultant fills the gaps and complements your resources, whether you need business, subject matter, or IT expertise; business process, organizational change, program or risk management expertise.”

Find the Right Consultant for the Job

Just because a company adds “software consultant” to their name doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. When searching for a consultant, do your due diligence and ask around for referrals. The software vendor may even have some good suggestions. Once you find the right one, you’ll be able to unpack the many benefits listed in this article.