One of the most common mistakes of implementing projects is not putting together the right team. Typically, all things software fall squarely on the lap of IT professionals with the expectation they will install the system, configure, train users, and switch it on. Computer project for the computer guy, right?
When it comes to small business accounting software, this is an unrealistic expectation. Let's use another project example for a moment: suppose you're remodeling your kitchen. Would you defer all of the decisions regarding your new kitchen to your general contractor? Why not? He has the tools and the experience to measure, install cabinets, counter tops, hook up appliances, etc.
Well, first of all, the contractor doesn't live in your kitchen.
He probably doesn't know how much time you spend there, how many people use the space on a regular basis, personal preferences, or what type of cooking and entertaining you do. Perhaps you have special needs such as lower cabinets, wider counter tops, or a wine fridge. In this case, a successful remodel involves the owner working closely with the contractor on a regular basis to plan and execute a kitchen remodel that meets the owners’ needs.
The same holds true with small business accounting software. It's not enough for the IT people to manage the implementation entirely on their own. In order to be successful, the business owners must work closely with the IT staff to explain their needs, walk through the business process, and test the application. They're going to live and work in it; they need to own it too.
So who's on the team? For smaller companies the project team may just be two or three people. In larger organizations, it may require a business representative from each functional area. It's important that these team members have the authority to make decisions on behalf of their department and understand basic business principles, which make the company operate smoothly. There needs to be clear, on-going communication and collaboration between knowledgeable user representatives and technical staff.
Building a collaborative team from different areas of the organization will not only improve your chances of implementation success, but will be key to continue improving business processes and operations even after the implementation. As Winston Churchill famously said, "If we are together, nothing is impossible. If we are divided, all will fail."
Jim McCluskey
Jim joined xTuple's professional services team in May 2014 after consulting as an Elite Partner for three years and an xTuple champion and customer for five years with The Marena Group. His career in manufacturing organizations spans the support of both accounting and informational technologies functions. In addition to xTuple, Jim has implemented and worked with a multitude of ERP systems, including ASK/MANMAN, Oracle, Visual Manufacturing, and Sage MAS 200. He earned a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Bostonís Northeastern University, a B.S. in Information Technology from the DeVry Institute, and a M.B.A. from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, near Boston. Jim splits his time between our Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.