During each phase of the installation, it is helpful to have checklists and review points. The checklist should cover each of the tasks that need to be completed in order to successfully move on to the next phase.

Here are some examples of the transition times (when the checklists should be complete before moving on):

1. Hardware installation and Integration.

  • Are all the PC’s powerful enough to run the software and do they have the client software installed?
  • Are all the printers installed and integrated with the software?
  • Is the VPN (if applicable) working properly?
  • Is the server being backed up routinely?

2. Initial data conversion and training.

  • Has the master file data been converted?
  • Have the necessary people been notified about the training schedule?
  • Have you set up a “Sample Company” to use for training purposes?

3. Go live date.

  • Is there a plan for the final transaction data conversion?
  • Have all involved employees learned and practiced how to do their jobs in the new system?
  • Have they reviewed the output so that they know where to find information in the new system?

The above are just simple examples of obvious checkpoints and things to check. You should create your own checklists and determine your own checkpoints. If something that is on your critical checklist isn’t done, you should not move on to the next phase. It is much better to do the conversion right than it is to do it over. If it has to wait for another month, that would be much better than doing a slipshod job and regretting it for years (which you will).