Issue link: https://construction.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1520113
8 Best Practices for Deployment Success The team behind an estimating application has a major impact on the performance of the software itself. Here's what to look for: Proven Experience A supplier with experience relative to your work types and requirements and a long list of successful installations can provide practical, best-practice information you can draw on during installation, training and ongoing utilization. Implementation and Training Expertise and structured, proven methodologies are the key considerations. Look for a supplier that customizes an implementation and training plan in cooperation with your team. Consultative expertise is also beneficial for the initial building of cost resource databases and for optimizing the management reporting capabilities of the software. Technical Support Enterprise-class software that is intuitive and easy to use minimizes the need. Still, when you need it, responsive, world-class expertise is essential. Ask about processes, e-mail and phone accessibility and the average times for responses and issue resolution. Comments from reference clients are another good way to verify capabilities and get a feel for what it's like to work with a supplier. On-line Resources A web-based portal is valuable for interacting with a supplier and with other users quickly, efficiently and at your convenience. Sites typically provide a library of best-practice, training and FAQ content. They can also allow you to get the latest product downloads, submit ideas for features and improvements and initiate and track support requests. User Conference A robust, high-value user conference is sign of a supplier's long-term commitment to its clients and its products. Conferences are also an excellent opportunity for training, strengthening relationships with a supplier, networking with other users and exploring new features. "We called tech support at 2:00 am. They resolved our issue within a half hour, and we won the bid the next morning." CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT Software technology progresses constantly. The needs of your company will evolve too, and your employees will come up with new ideas as they work with an application. Choose a supplier that has: • A record of releasing valuable updates on a frequent basis • Substantial, specialized development resources • An established processes for responding to requests for new features • A commitment to incorporating the latest technology as it emerges