Assimilation of project management is a critical period in the user / supplier relationship.
This is the first time a company gets to prove what it has claimed in the sales process and it is the first time that the user gets to test these claims in a real and living environment.
Future success is defined in the application. This is why it is so important to diligently ask your next project management provider about its implementation and implementation process.
The purpose of this article is to equip you with questions that will help you determine how committed the vendor is to your early and long-term success and how easy (or difficult!) The application will look.
8 project management application questions (with bonus questions!)
1. Can you guide me through standard training?
Straight ahead right?
Your sales rep should be able to answer this quickly. This question will ensure that a standard plan already exists. You feel comfortable knowing that the company is thinking about your long-term success with a comprehensive plan.
bonus question: Can you share resources to detail the joining process?
It’s a simple PDF or an email with a sample program. If your vendor sounds shaky or does not have a direct enough answer for you … abortion, abortion!
2. How long does an application take? When can I expect my team to be on board in full?
Maybe your instinct is to hear a set time like “two weeks” or “3 workouts”, but the real answer is “It depends”.
“It depends” It may not sound good enough, but it should be backed up with confidence in explaining the standard application (see question # 1), typical time frames, support resources, etc.
If you hear an exact number, you are probably misleading.
Studies show that the application can take from anywhere Less than a week to over three years!
Companies that know how to execute correctly know that it takes time and effort on both sides. The application may take a week, or a month or two months. It all really depends on your process, your schedule and your willingness to invest time and effort to learn and adopt.
bonus question: How easy will it be to make additional configuration updates after the initial setup?
It is important to know in advance if you are locked into the configuration you initially chose, or if things can be changed later if / when you realize that another arrangement will work better for your team.
3. What learning and support resources will my team have?
You want to make sure your team has access to as many support resources as possible when increasing the level. Training is essential for employee success And software adoption.
For implementation, this specifically means one-on-one training, group training, on-demand videos, phone support, email or chat support, and user communities if the software is on the more complicated side.
bonus question: What about ongoing support for new employees and system upgrades?
Vendors may offer support in advance when you first board, but what happens down the road when you have new employees to train or you need to learn a new feature? Find out if ongoing training and support is included, offered at an additional cost, or if you can manage on your own.
4. Who will be our points man or coach?
A positive sign of the assimilation process is the existence of a dedicated representative who is your coach and your “way” to any question.
The value of developing this relationship is inconceivable.
bonus question: What are our options for booking an appointment with them?
Having a dedicated coach is great, but what good is it if it takes weeks to meet him? You may be told to talk to another team for technical assistance, but that’s fine. The important part is that you get help quickly!
5. What current costs should I expect?
Your initial manager training may be covered at the beginning of your contract, but most companies will roll over your training costs to the monthly payment or limit the time spent one-on-one to a certain number of hours.
Once this quota is reached, you may need to purchase an additional support package to continue the support of the experts.
The best companies in implementation and continuous success offer free guidance and support to all customers. Read more about project management costs here.
Bonus questions: Are there any other application or tutorial related charges? Are there any additional fees for on-site training or counseling time after a certain period?
On-site training costs certainly make sense, but limiting additional hours or charges for basic training? Make sure you know in advance what costs you are committing to. There should be no surprises later when you receive your invoice.
6. What should we be ready / do before starting the application?
To get the most out of assimilation and training, everything should be ready by the time the vendor team starts working.
If you are transferring data from an existing system or incorporating other tools, you may need to make sure that the provider has the appropriate security classification and access. They may also request access to specific company employees or information, such as a spreadsheet or project hierarchy.
bonus question: Will my current project / history data be transferred?
Whether you are currently using Excel or other software, it is important that you know what can be imported into the new software and what may need to be maintained in your old system.
Also, if you plan to run both systems for a period of time before making a full transition, is there an easy way to copy data, or will your team have to update two systems manually?
7. Have you implemented this software for a client in my industry in the past?
Plenty of vendors offer project management software that can benefit teams in a wide variety of industries and markets. But, each industry usually has its own peculiarities and requirements.
If the vendor you choose has never helped implement the software for a team in your field, they may ignore configuration requirements that are critical to your projects and portfolios.
bonus question: Can I talk to a customer who has implemented in the last six months?
It’s one thing for a vendor to assure you that they’ve done this before. It’s quite different to hear firsthand a glowing review from a last customer. Of course, if the supplier can not connect you until later in the buying process or can not connect you for secret reasons, then that’s fine. The important part is that they can handle your use case.
8. What is the key to a successful application?
Providers committed to your success have a part in your application. They have invested the time and done the research to understand what tends to cause or break your long-term adoption.
Your supplier should be able to share some with you Key factors for successful implementation. As well as provide advice on what you can do to help increase your chances of achieving your goals.
bonus question: How can I measure if the application was successful?
The word “successful” can mean different things to different people. Your vendor should be able to help you define what success looks like for your team and help you set metrics to track that success.
Work area application process
Workzone has been proven 2.7 times more effective in helping organizations adopt consistent project management habits.
A unique success plan like your team
- Needs assessment – Uncover the obstacles and lay the foundation for successful adoption
- Success planning – Based on the needs assessment, Workzone will help design the site definition and the joining schedule
- Definition and customization Adjust your Workzone site settings for your team so that your actual processes match
- Comprehensive guidance Ongoing training and support for your entire team is included for the duration of your contract
- Ongoing training – You will have the opportunity to meet quarterly or whenever you need to ensure your team runs smoothly
Project Management Application Questions? Book an appointment today to learn more about Workzone’s implementation process and our project management software.