Contributor: Arianna Kessler, Project Coordinator, MCCi
It’s a fact — sometimes software implementations fail because they go over budget, there’s no end–user buy-in, go-live deadlines slip, and a host of other reasons.
We have a few tips to ensure your new software platform, like Laserfiche, implementation is swift, clean, and drives adoption across the enterprise.
As the world’s largest seller of Laserfiche, we know the ins and outs of implementing this best-of-breed content services platform.
Plan
Your software implementation plan should cover all the steps of your implementation, from business drivers, desired outcomes, roles/responsibilities, technical requirements, installation, configuration/customization, testing, training, integrations, and ongoing maintenance and support.
- Ensure your plan is realistic and project team members are properly trained on the plan before you begin.
- Define the critical path with milestones.
- Stick to it to avoid scope creep — plan checkpoints at each milestone to guarantee that your goals and expectations are met and eliminate miscommunication.
- Confirm contingency plans for existing business processes affected by the implementation are in place.
Advocate
Any software implementation is too big for one person. Leadership needs to be aligned from the beginning and give the authority necessary to get the implementation across the finish line. Buy-in is not limited to the people who evaluated and selected the solution. End-users need to see how they will directly benefit. They should have the opportunity to give their feedback in the early stages and throughout the entire implementation process. Advocacy needs to ensure support for the project and the users to drive adoption.
How to Implement Laserfiche for Managed Cloud
How to Implement Laserfiche Cloud
1. Secure Appropriate Licenses
Laserfiche has many licensing options. Therefore, it is essential to map out the roles and responsibilities of each user group so you can ensure that your licenses match your intended use cases.
2. Determine Type and Size of Data
Consider the amount of data and file types stored on Laserfiche Cloud to prepare for the time it will take to migrate data.
3. Structure the Data
Microsoft SQL is most compatible with Laserfiche. It will be purchased, installed, and configured on the server.
4. Set Up Public Access
How easy should it be to share files with external resources/vendors? Only the sender needs to have access to Laserfiche, making external collaboration more accessible, but controls should be in place before go-live.
How to Implement Laserfiche Self-Hosted
1. Update Software
We often encounter unanticipated delays when the hosting environment has some out-of-date hardware, software, or firmware. Staying up-to-date means you take advantage of all the support offered and benefit from greater compatibility with other software.
2. Secure Appropriate Licenses
Laserfiche has many licensing options. Therefore, it is essential to map out the roles and responsibilities of each user group so you can ensure that your licenses match your intended use cases.
3. Determine Server Infrastructure
You will need support from IT for DNS aliases, server configuration, and secure access to the server to install and manage Laserfiche.
4. Set Up Database
Microsoft SQL is most compatible with Laserfiche. It will be purchased, installed, and configured on the server.
These best practices require collaboration between your organization, your trusted implementation partner, and Laserfiche Support. Although it can be time-consuming, engaging in a continuous dialogue with your software partner is the best way for everyone involved in the project to be on the same page. In addition, by carefully planning and advocating for your software implementation project, you’ll encourage widespread adoption and the best return on investment.
