Issue link: https://resources.tangoanalytics.com/i/1465842
8 Tips for Improving SLM & IWMS Implementations SLM / IWMS Leading Practice: Tip 2 Let me guess. Your SLM / IWMS implementation started off full of energy and momentum, with promises of a better future with less manual work and more time to focus on "high value" activities – like actually understanding which general contractors are consistently blowing their budgets or how to better negotiate with large landlords. Fast forward a year, the new system is live but the organization can't seem to transition to the new way of doing things. Half of the users are reverting to the "old" way of doing business and half are attempting to forge a new path forward using new system capabilities and business processes. After seeing hundreds of software implementations over the last two decades, this one is an oldie but a goodie. You cannot outrun the lack of change management on system adoption. The 'soft' side of implementation has the potential to make or break the success of your implementation. Change management isn't rocket science, but it requires discipline and creativity. And don't make the classic mistake that communication should be focused only on end- users in preparation for go-live. The job starts straight away at project kickoff where you define the model by which you will design the system. Will it be a single subject- matter-expert (SME) per function, a SME group or a committee? These decisions have an impact on the quality of the design and whether or not people will respect and buy into the decisions being made. What works in one organization might not necessarily work for another. One of our favorite sayings holds true here: If something doesn't change, nothing changes. If We Build It, They Will Come Lack of Change Management Changes Everything • Executive sponsorship and championing of the new system and way of doing business is the most important factor in system adoption. • Create a design process that will incorporate feedback from key personnel so that system design is comprehensive and will have the support of the masses. • Market and sell the new system and its benefits to end users throughout the lifecycle of the project, including frequent communication and previews of the system. • Measure the expected impact on your business as a proof point that the pain is worth the gain.