Best Practices for Implementing a New Software Solutions System

Best Practices for Implementing a New Software Solutions System

Are you working to make the most of new technologies for your dealership? Good for you. Today’s software applications can help you serve your construction or trucking customers better, and help you manage your dealership more efficiently, too. With one caveat: proper training is required.

Maybe your new software seems so user-friendly anyone could figure it out for themselves. Don’t bet on that. Rarely are software applications that simple. If they were, they wouldn’t be all that useful. The more things your new app can do for you, the more you’ll need to learn about it. And, as we said, that takes training.

So let’s talk about how you can implement that new software successfully, so you can put it to work efficiently.

Every user

Our point about training every user is crucial. Here’s why. First of all, people who aren’t comfortable using the software won’t. So they immediately become a missing link among those who need to use the app to communicate and share information. If everyone isn’t “in,” the app’s value us greatly diminished.

Second, skipping individuals or segments of users when training means they cannot participate even if they want to. Again, the collaborative value is erased. Technology tools can streamline work processes and boost results, but only when everyone understands how to use the tool and how using it will benefit them.

To plan your training, first determine who needs to learn. For one of your construction customers, that might be office personnel, jobsite personnel, sub-contractors, property owners or others. For your dealership, it might be admin staff, parts and service teams, sales and marketing folks. In some cases it will also include OEMs and/or your customers. For instance, here at ADI Agency, we have developed specialized software that helps dealerships like yours manage warranty and loyalty programs. These apps link you with your customers, and the warranty app links both of you with OEMs. They need to be as well-trained as your in-house people, so all users benefit most effectively.

Every aspect

It’s all too easy to learn a couple of key moves with a new software tool, then stop learning. Who cares about all that “other stuff” you don’t need right now? But using only part of the software is the same as using only some features on a piece of equipment. What good is a versatile machine if you only use it to accomplish one task?

Effective training is comprehensive.

The right trainer

While you may think it’s more efficient to adopt a “train the trainer” approach, this doesn’t produce the best results. Like the old children’s game of “telephone,” the message can get garbled as it passed along. Key facts may be omitted. And your people already have work to do. Who’s going to do that while they are working on software training? Worse, if the instruction they provide is less than adequate, your new tool will be less than effective.

The best trainers are experts from your software provider. They know the product inside and out, and they know how to tailor their training for people with every level of expertise. The other key to successful implementation is offering training when and where it is most convenient. That could include any combination of:

• Classroom sessions

On-site individual or group sessions

• Webinars
• Videos

And there is one more element for successful implementation — ongoing support. Most people won’t remember everything they hear during initial training, especially about software features they don’t use often. Refreshers boost training and remind users about the app’s full capabilities. Aside from periodic refresher sessions, help desk availability is vital. If a user gets stuck, they need help right now, no matter where they are.

Before choosing any software provider, ask about the extent of training and ongoing support they offer. Is it comprehensive? Is it fast? Their product may be fabulous, but it won’t help your dealership if your people cannot use it to full advantage.