Software projects are challenging. A recent study by Oxford University revealed that 74% of software projects are challenged or unsuccessful. Similarly, a study by Mercer Consulting found that 80% of software projects cost more then they return. With these types of statistics floating around, it is easy to understand why organizations get uneasy when the time comes to implement or upgrade their WFM software. Working with an outside consulting firm can be a great way to avoid becoming a statistic. When a consultant takes on a project, the ultimate goal is to make sure your Kronos application is giving your organization the highest ROI possible. At times, reaching that simple end goal can become very complicated for the consultant because the organization does not understand the steps they need to take to help ensure a successful project. So, to help make things a little easier on you and your Kronos consultant, here are the five things your Kronos consultant wishes you knew about your WFM project:
In the planning phase, it is crucial that we understand every detail of how your organization uses your Kronos application. We cannot give you an accurate picture of how long the project will take or how much it will cost unless you give us all the necessary information. Leaving information out because it seems unnecessary or because it is embarrassing will only cause problems later on. Spending the time up front to adequately understand all the processes and requirements is the only way to achieve maximum ROI. Improvizations conducts an Implementation Audit to ensure that we gather all the information we will need to execute a project successfully.
Expecting an upgrade or implementation to solve all of the problems your organization is facing, without planning for the change, is unrealistic. Most organizations who implement new or upgrade old applications use less than 50% of its capabilities. Designing a comprehensive Change Management strategy and measuring your organization’s levels of user adoption is key. Employee engagement with the software can easily be ignored, inhibiting organizations from truly utilizing the full value of their applications. The technology does not make the changes, the people using the technology makes the changes. Make sure those people have the training and tools they need to use the application successfully!
If an organization functions with flexible work hours, issues can arise when implementing a computerized scheduler. The more flexibility in your organization’s work schedule, the more work it will be to maintain your scheduler. Ideally, an organization using computerized scheduling should have at least 80% of their schedule be inflexible (hospitals being the exception). If your organization functions with a schedule that is extremely fluid, you may want to reconsider implementing a computerized scheduler. You might find your organization will spend more time maintaining the scheduler than you would spend not having a schedule at all, negating any ROI.
Consultants can revolutionize your Kronos application, but they are not super-heroes. Often organizations will hire a consultant, hoping to have all of their problems solved instantly. Hiring a consultant is a great step towards having a successful WFM project. However, the wrong consultant at the right time is still the wrong consultant. Vice versa, the right consultant at the wrong time is still the wrong consultant. It is crucial to match the consulting firm with your organization’s needs. Deciding whom to work with can be an arduous process, but it is necessary to ensure good chemistry between your organization and the consultant you choose. Secondly, if you choose to spend resources on a consultant make sure your organization is read to listen. Hiring a consultant only to ignore their advice or feedback is a waste of your organization’s time and money. Your consultant wants to do the best job possible, but if your organization is unwilling to listen and take action, you will not see the results you expect.
If you are dealing with a complex implementation or upgrade, do not try to fill the gap in your project team with a quick fix consultant. Make room in your budget to hire someone who really and truly knows what they are doing. Hiring a cheap, quick fix consultant is detrimental to the progress of your project and often costs organization’s more in the long run because of replacements and project re-dos.
Your organization is investing substantial labor and financial resources to deploy your workforce management applications. Working with the right team can be the difference between a successful project and a complete disaster. Comprehensive strategic planning with an experienced consultant at the outset of the implementation can save time and money, while increasing the likelihood that the expected benefits will be delivered on time and on budget.