In the last two blogs, we have discussed the importance of the initial planning phase, followed by a structured tender process – this will all come together to ensure that you make the right decision for your organisation and don’t look back with regret. As mentioned, the top four operational challenges stated in Memberwise digital excellence survey 2019, were all related to technology so consider the below recommendations when you are making the final decisions – this will ensure that the technology fits your organisation.
In addition to what the technology offers, there are three other considerations when selecting the right supplier for your organisation. They need to align to ensure that you can effectively move forward, you have to keep in mind that there are no perfect suppliers but when you address these areas you will be able to have a balanced and informed decision.
Fit
Reengage the team you used during the business requirement setting, get them actively involved in assessing and using test sites. This ensures that it is a decision you make now will be one you don’t have challenges with later. Does the demo tick those boxes, are the users enthused by it?
In the last blog we advised you to request a test/lite version for a few people to do some user testing, this will really help you now.
Budget
During the tender process we advised you to be transparent with your budget, this ensures that you get a realistic response from all the suppliers, but also gauge the level of focus you will have on your project. All suppliers will estimate the budget needed for the roll-out, if you have done the background planning then this should be a very good estimate – changes to requirements are the biggest contributors to budget creep. You need to ensure that your budget is realistic if you fully scope the requirements you will not be disappointed.
Culture
This element does get de-prioritised but don’t underestimate the importance of this to ensure success. You must make sure that the whole organisation appreciate the value in the change, fully understand what this does, both, for your members and the users – will your supplier help with this process?
We have one client that is not only providing staff with information sessions on the new system but have created a full change management programme, KPI setting for employees as well as inclusion in their staff annual reviews. How would this work in your organisation? This can be linked to the original team, peer to peer support, super users etc…..
Can’t see the wood for the trees?
There will be some moments of confusion, remember this is about business requirements first and not technology, it is natural for people to get excited by the art of the possible but do you need it?
We recommended that you created a simple scoring system so that people understand the areas to really focus on, this will help set the stage – remember don’t be wedded to this but it is a great level set and drives the discussion during the review process.
The final stage is deployment, we will follow up with a blog on this soon but don’t underestimate the time and resource needed, ensure that you have someone assigned to manage the project. This is the final mile but one that still needs focus.
If you want to read some more of our thoughts and advice on your digital journey we have created articles designed to focus on the key areas.
Business requirements for your new CRM/CMS solution
Planning and running the tender process
Managing the project from end to end
The Last Mile
Data empowers decision making
Chrysalis Digital provides a digital transformation service designed to help build a more agile, efficient and innovative organisation. With its broad cross-sector experience Chrysalis has helped many organisations map their digital path and through careful planning and assessment, choose the right technology partners. Chrysalis Digital is 100% agnostic when recommending CMS and CRM suppliers to its clients.
If you need any help with the next steps in your journey, please call Ben Sturt on 07469 768990 or email info@chrysalisdigital.co.uk