Project Management Software Implementation
The successful implementation of project management software requires an understanding of both the organization and tool to be deployed.
The successful implementation of any business solution requires a thorough understanding of the people that will use the solution, the organization itself and the relationship of units within it, and finally the tool that will be deployed.
In a project management software implementation initiative, this understanding includes the workflow the new system will be taking over, the data it will utilize and its impact on the workflow's participants.
Mapping Processes
The first step is to review the processes that currently drive your organization's projects. There are several key questions that should be answered, including::
- How is work accomplished? How are tasks assigned, and their progress and status reported?
- By role, who works for who? What are their responsibilities?
- What intelligence items are generated on an ongoing basis: status reports, schedule change notifications, exception reports and so on. What is their schedule for delivery, and who gets them?
A benefit of developing an organizational road map for project management processes in this fashion is the opportunity it provides organizations to zero-in on areas which historically have created problems. As part of implementating a project management software system, these deficiencies can be identified and resolved in the new system.
The personnel management module of TrackerSuite.Net, combined with its ability to map organizational relationships, make it simple to map the relationships of resources and business units, and the processes they participate in. Through its integration with email, the project management module of TrackerSuite.Net, Project Tracker.Net automates processes as well, including notifications of task assignments and status updates, reminders for late status reports, and more.
Organizations sometimes struggle to implement a new project management system
Moving Data
One of the larger hurdles that organizations face in a project management software implementation initiative is the transfer of data from one project system to another.
This presents organizations with the opportunity to review the data they routinely capture in their projects and resolve important questions, including the value of individual data items, and whether the organization's needs are being met or if additional data should be captured.
TrackerSuite.Net allows organizations to simply import their organization and project data into TrackerSuite.Net via an Excel spreadsheet. If the organization is utilizing Microsoft Project, their projects can be imported directly into Project Tracker.Net.
User Adoption
The final hurdle to a project management software implementation initiative is the adoption of the new solution by the user base. In this stage, open communication with the user community is required, and understanding their needs and workflow is most critical, in order to show them how their existing processes will transition into the new system.
TrackerSuite.Net simplifies the user adoption process several ways. First, it can be surfaced within the email client a user works with every day, eliminating the need to open and log in to multiple interfaces. Second, its role based user interface is configured for the needs of that user, presenting them with only the tools and information they need, eliminating information clutter. Finally, users can configure their interface to their individual preference, to create a comfortable, personal workspace.