Don’t Buy New Tech Without Following These Best Practices

IMPLEMENTATION

Whether you’re considering a web portal for your customers or completely new fuel delivery software, at some point you’ll go through the process of purchasing new tech for your business. As a software provider for the energy industry, here are our top tips and insights for navigating the process. Read about them below or watch our presentation from the Energize 2020 Digital Conference.

  Find the Right Product & Vendor

  Set it Up Properly for Your Business

  Engage Your Team

  Set Yourself Up for Ongoing Success

1. Find the Right Product & Vendor

Before you start vetting software, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. What are your biggest challenges, what do you want out of a new solution, and what are your purchase parameters? Once you have a clear picture of your needs, you can start looking for a solution to match.

In addition to the software itself, you should evaluate the software provider. Make sure they have experience working with companies like yours and have references willing to talk to you about their experiences. You might want to dig into details like their implementation and training process, support offerings, and how they handle upgrades.

2: Set it Up Properly for Your Business

The way your software is set up impacts how it works, so the key to a successful implementation is to be involved. Don’t gloss over setup decisions thinking you’ll figure it out later. You may be locking yourself into something that will impact your team and your business moving forward. Be sure you understand the decisions you’re making so you can make the best ones.

If you’re loading information into your new software, take the time to clean up your legacy data so you can start with a clean slate. Then, test the new software so you can make adjustments before you take it live. Practice day-to-day scenarios with your team so you know how the software works and how to use it.

3: Engage Your Team

It doesn’t matter how good your new software is if your team doesn’t use it. It’s crucial to engage your team throughout the buying and implementation process so they’re invested in the new software as much as you are.

Market the software to your employees. Explain the features and benefits of the new software and how it will impact each role or individual. Build excitement and anticipation, and get your team ready for the transition. Clearly communicate what’s happening, when it will happen, who will be impacted, what your team needs to do (if anything), and where to get more information.

Set specific goals for the implementation and use of the new software to track and communicate the results. If you’re implementing new fuel delivery software and one of your goals is to increase the average drop size, let your team know when it’s happening!

4: Set Yourself Up for Ongoing Success

Implementation is a big hurdle to clear, but your journey with your new software is just beginning. It will take ongoing effort to get the most out of your new tool and ensure it is still serving your needs as your business grows.

Make sure your team understands your vendor’s support plan and what to do when they need help. Have a plan for onboarding new employees. Make sure new employees are properly introduced to and trained on your software so they have all the tools they need to do their jobs and won’t be tempted to create workarounds.

Understand what’s included in your annual (or monthly) fee. You’re paying good money each year for your software. Make sure you know what that money is going toward and take advantage of all the benefits included in your support plan/renewal. Keep your software up to date so you can get the latest features and the best support. Upgrading your software regularly, instead of waiting years to upgrade, also reduces your upgrade costs.

Engage with other users. No one understands the software better than the people who use it day in and day out for their businesses. Other users will have tips and tricks, best practices, and answers to questions that can help you and your business.

Investing in New Technology

Technology is an essential component of your business strategy. Not every tool may require the same level of research or involve a lengthy implementation, but it’s important to think of technology as an investment. Take the necessary steps to invest in the right places and nurture your investment once you do. The right tools can support your business and drive you toward your goals, while the wrong tools can stand in your way.