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Purchasing the software was one job. Implementing it was another task – one that Chase Mullin, president, says has been an 18-month work in progress. Today, he says, “We are all eager and excited to have the software working to its full potential.”
Here is some advice Mullin offers about choosing and implementing a software system for your landscape firm.
Research the options. Compare software on the market and keep a priority list of what the product must accomplish at your firm as you investigate the options, Mullin says. Also, ask others who are using the products you’re considering about their experiences. Mullin says he felt confident purchasing the software he chose after an industry consultant used and recommended the brand.
Train a point person. Identify someone in your business who will serve as the software go-to. This does not have to be someone on the IT team. It should be an employee who can communicate well, is approachable and is willing to learn and teach. Mullin identified a key employee who received training from the software company. She then brought her knowledge back to Mullin Landscaping to educate the staff.
Set implementation goals. Set weekly meetings to review and learn key aspects of the software. Identify goals like when information will be merged, when certain departments will begin using the technology, etc. Create a timeline and share it with staff. Involve the team in the implementation process so employees embrace the new software and its capabilities. “It takes a while to establish something new,” Mullin says, adding that a timeline and goals will keep implementation on track.
Be patient. “We are 95 percent done with the ‘old habits,’” Mullin says of encouraging employees to embrace the new technology and trade Excel spreadsheets for the new platform.
