As a consultant, one of things besides knowing ISM inside and out and delivering my customers needs is also helping them prepare for the big go-live day. It’s time to show the company what weeks, sometimes months, of work have wrought. It can be a very stressful time, or it can be a time to kick back, take it all in and enjoy the fruit of your hard earned labor. Here are some things to help ease the go-live jitters.
1. Market ISM to the user community. Your marketing department has the job of bringing in customers from the outside world to your business. See if they are willing to do the same internally. Maybe through some well put together graphics, an internal website showing off the neat features of the new system, maybe some banners around the office. The point is people resist change, even if that change is needed. You should try to get a team together to help encourage the company to embrace the change so you’re not stuck with the duty of also being the sole cheerleader.
2. Have you had focus groups? Do you have job aides or help articles available? Have you gotten feedback from every type of user who will be using the system? Are you prepared to answer the average questions regarding the system with confidence, without having to rely on your consultant? (We’re always here for you regardless). You need to be a strong leader once your new ISM is out in force. People will be looking to you for any questions they have.
3. Do you have a plan of action in case something’s not working right? Is there a DBA available? SE’s? You and your team need to be on the same page every step of the way to ensure the success of your ISM implementation.
These are just a few things to consider when planning for go-live. There are plenty more to be sure. But as long as you have a Dataseti Professional Services Consultant behind you, there is no reason to sweat go-live.
-Chris Revelia, Consultant
Contact the consulting team at consultants@dataseti.com
Find us on dataseti.com or read us on dataseti.blog.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter!