Software implementation: 3 steps before you begin

When you hire a new employee, you likely have some sort of onboarding process. Same goes for getting a new software. With a new system, you have to have an implementation plan which involves things like migrating your data, learning new features, and adjusting your workflows.

But what many funeral homes tend to overlook are the things you need to do before software implementation.

By laying a strong foundation beforehand, your launch is more likely to be smooth, efficient, and beneficial for the whole team.

Here are the 3 steps you should take before implementation.

#1. Get to know your implementation team

Imagine purchasing a new system and only receiving a login email and a quick “thank you” from the provider.

You’d be left wondering how to learn the software and who to contact for help. Overwhelming, right?

That’s why it’s crucial to choose a provider with a dedicated implementation team and an onboarding plan. At Passare, you’ll work with an:

• Account Executive: Introduces you to Passare and explains its features and benefits.
• Implementation Manager: Oversees your launch plan, trains you on new features, and ensures your account setup (price lists, forms, accounting, etc.) is accurate.

Pro tip: Save their contact information, you’ll need it throughout implementation.

#2. Define team roles during implementation

Your software provider will guide you through the process, but your internal team also needs clear roles.

Here are the two most important roles for a successful transition:

• “The Boss”: This person is likely you if you’re in a leadership position within your funeral home. Since change works best from the top down, show the rest of the staff how helpful the new software can be and that you’ll check in with them to make sure they feel comfortable with any new processes.
• “The Champion”: This person is the main contact with the new software and will help set up the plan. They will provide a list of all the items that need to be set up in the platform, review them once they’re configured, and schedule training for the rest of the staff.

And depending on the size of your team, “The Boss” might also be “The Champion.” Multiple Champions might represent various teams for larger organizations, such as funeral directors, administrative staff, or accounting.

#3. Clarify your "WHY"

Switching software will change the way your team completes daily tasks, even down to the smallest steps. On top of that, change can be just plain hard.

One way you can ensure your team is feeling confident and ready to tackle implementation is by answering a few questions like:

1. How will this software make their job easier?
2. How will it help them serve families better?
3. What’s the timeline for getting up and running?

This will help everyone on your team feel informed and aware of the plan moving forward. At Passare, we provide a clear onboarding plan, so you and your team know what to expect.

Ready, set, launch 🚀

At the end of the day, following these steps up front will help you avoid getting stuck between old processes and new software when you finally start implementation.

If you’ve been considering switching software but have been intimidated by the change, check out our Launch resources to see how Passare makes the software switch stress-free:

🚀 How to successfully move your data to a new software

🚀 Your guide to a successful software switch

🚀 Tips to use during software implementation

Or get the full run-down on software implementation, plus all your questions answered, in a demo with our team. 👇