AccountancyManager 10 tips to implementing new software

10

tips to implementing new software

Walking into your office and announcing that you’re using new software doesn’t work. As humans we like our routines and aren’t huge fans of change. So what does work?

@accountancymgr

James Byrne, Chairman and Co-founder,

AccountancyManager

During his time as a practising accountant, James identified a range of operational inefficiencies - which he knew the right software would solve. Thing was, it didn’t exist yet. Jump forward four years and AccountancyManager helps thousands of practices automate their onboarding, record requests and task lists every day.

This article is N othing upsets us more than seeing a business

that would massively benefit from AccountancyManager, not adopting it once they sign up.

Here are a few ideas on how to combat the big bad barrier of change. Note that the first five steps should start before your trial and implementation.

1) Ask your team about their frustrations

As soon as word starts spreading that you’re bringing in new software, people will start to put up mental barriers. So at the beginning, don’t make it about software, make it about solving your team’s problems.

3) Align the change with your business goals

Make tangible connections between the vision for your business and what the software can do. Try to be specific, for example – how will the software help you: grow your client base, open more offices or deliver new services? Support flexible working hours and locations? And how will you use the time you recoup?

4) Pick a tech ‘champion’ (or one for each team)

2) Involve your team as early as possible

Change can be difficult, especially if it means tweaking long-held habits, but sudden change is much harder than gradual. If everyone at your practice feels like they are part of the journey and the decision-making process, you’re likely to have fewer ‘stick in the muds’ down the line.

Your AM champion will prioritise learning the new software and encourage other colleagues to embrace and grips with it. Perhaps they’ve used the software before, they’ve an interest in technology or they simply have infectious enthusiasm for a more efficient firm.

Our suggested steps for AM...

1. Add every client to AM (very important) 2. Apply your branding to the Client Portal 3. Register every client for the Client Portal 4. Use the Task List to manage your time

5. Onboard every new client

through AM

6. Set up all your clients’

record requests and reminders to go automatically

7. Move your Self Assessment

process to AM

5) Make a plan of attack

Work with your software champions or your whole team to make sure everyone agrees and feels part of the plan. And don’t forget ‘SMART’ goals. Make your plan specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound.

6) Carve out time for exploring and learning new features

We know asking accountants to ‘find time’ is a tall order, but remember – you’ll make that time back when the software is up and running. Whether you bring your team together for training or let them learn alone, it’s a good idea to dedicate time to implementing your software.

7) Set realistic expectations

Using software is easy once you get the hang of it (if it’s designed well), but learning new processes does take work. Explain this to your team, so they’re prepared to push through if they struggle to shake old habits.

8) Keep an eye on adoption and ask for feedback (constantly)

People that are totally bought into your vision and open to using new

technology may not need much encouragement. It’s those that are particularly comfortable with their routine you’ll need to focus on. If you leave it too late, they will strengthen the idea that the software ‘isn’t working’.

9) Take advantage of all the support you can get

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or ping over a quick email with any questions. Good support teams (like AM’s) will get back to you straight away and help solve problems however big or small.

“Phoned us five times this week? No problem. Everyone has questions at the start. We’d rather have that sixth call than you suffer in silence.” - Marcus Bellis, AM’s Head of Sales

10) Stick to your guns

You decided to implement software to make your practice better. You have a vision of a more efficient, more future-ready firm. So don’t let negative vibes sway you along the way.

And always, always lean on support.

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