5 Tips for eCommerce Implementation

March 7th, 2017
By Morse Data

Few people like change, but when something isn’t working as needed, it might have to go. This is true for cars, computers, phones, and even systems that drive your business. Shopping is just one step in the process of replacing a new eCommerce Platform. Once you find it, the real work begins. Here are 5 tips to help you stay focused for success.

Identify your objectives and tasks, and assign a unique priority to each task. This helps to quickly identify which tasks must be completed before others, and which can wait until the next phase, if necessary. This is especially helpful if time is tight.

Identify individuals responsible for each task, and assign those responsibilities to each of them. Identify deadlines for decisions and make clear the consequences of not meeting those deadlines. It’s also a good idea to assign one person to communicate between all parties involved, to avoid any misunderstanding or miscommunication between those indirectly involved and those directly involved in the project.

Make a schedule for the project that includes each task you identified. Include time for unexpected work or delays. (Our white paper “Ten Tips for a Successful ERP Implementation” recommends 25%.) As the project moves along, monitor the progress of each item on the schedule. If anything is not completed on time, find out the reason for the delay, and make sure it is corrected so it can get back on target. If a new task is discovered during the project, assign it its own priority and adjust your schedule accordingly, or begin a new list for tasks that can wait until the next phase. Remember that you included time in your budget for unexpected work and delays, so use it if necessary, or add to it if an item is completed in less than the time originally scheduled. Regularly notify everyone involved of the progress.

Focus on the objectives and reasons for the upgrade. As you make progress, it might be necessary to maintain a “punch list” of important items or requests that have been identified since the project began.

At this point, it might be appropriate to re-assign individuals and their responsibilities, as determined by your new list. Again, assign a priority and make a schedule for each item on the new list. Check the progress of each item, and update the list/schedule as appropriate. As with your first schedule, regularly notify everyone involved of the progress.

Help your staff understand the benefits of the new system, both to them and to the company. Before implementation, give them time to accept the new system and become comfortable with it. Identify any new processes, new responsibilities, and questions about the new system. Document them, and train your staff. Make sure everyone involved knows the processes, their responsibilities in those processes, and how to accomplish them with the new system.

Change doesn’t have to be painful, especially when it’s needed to help improve your system. Keeping sight of priorities, staying organized, and clear communication are key elements for successfully growing your business.