Software Implementation Plan Template Walkthrough
Who this template is for
Implementation managers, account executives managers, project managers, and customer success managers (CSMs), and customer relationship managers (CRMs) who are responsible for software implementation planning and who want to provide personal implementation guidance to customers more quickly and easily
What this template is for
Creating consistent implementation processes that help customers get started with your software product or service—providing an all-in-one resource for all the steps and information they need. Perfect for cases where implementation goes beyond just setup and towards guiding the adoption of software into existing workflows.
How to use the template
Use the template to set expectations by sharing an implementation schedule that outlines the required steps, informing the client of the level of self-direction versus the guidance provided. Give the client clear steps and resources, highlighting key metrics and dependencies, and use these to get buy-in from key stakeholders.
What’s in this template?
Overview
Use the overview section to introduce the project and those involved, specify the product being implemented, outline key dates and timeframes, and provide contact details for easy access.
Implementation Plans
This series of three sections is for outlining the phases and specific steps for product implementation, from the initial proof of concept all the way to launch. Use this section to establish a clear sequence of events for handling kickoff, feedback, security and data setup, training, and check-ins.
Employee Resources
This next section is intended for getting users through the final steps of product setup. Here, you can embed more instructional content, like videos or slideshows for implementing things like data integration and workflow.
Why use this software implementation plan template?
A successful product implementation process is instrumental in keeping customers happy, ensuring they get maximum value from your product, and reducing the likelihood of churn. So it’s vital that you make the software implementation process as easy as possible.
This process includes multiple steps after the sale is made, from planning to the onboarding phase and right through to future upgrades.
Guiding your client through the various steps of implementation is a dynamic process, varying depending on the precise product, level of touch, and the client’s own needs and capabilities. During this process, it's important to make sure the implementation team is aligned around the major tasks needed to implement the new system.
With Dock, project managers can easily share the project implementation plan that guides clients through the change management needed for a system implementation.
Dock’s flexible and customizable implementation plan template allows you to adapt to these needs and work with the client to make changes as you go. The template is flexible for any implementation methodology and project management approach, allowing you to roll out a strategic plan that aligns team members and key stakeholders around the implementation process.
Dock’s software implementation template allows you to:
- Organize the implementation team and key stakeholders around a single shared space
- Align key stakeholders around the strategic plan and how to approach change management
- Collaborate with points of contact around implementation planning
- Share training plans, security features, pathways for implementation support and more.
- Get data requirements and site requirements from end-users
- Setup a performance monitoring system to help with a specific implementation
- Start from a project plan template or create your own
Ultimately, Dock’s implementation plan template will ensure that you align your expectations with those of your client, save time, and strengthen client loyalty going forward.
Here’s what else Dock’s implementation software can do for you:
Choose the type of implementation that’s right for you and your client
- Lay out implementation steps clearly to maintain consistent expectations throughout.
- Share the software implementation strategy and implementation schedule.
- Customize and adjust the process to fit your clients' needs.
- Align the implementation team around a strategic implementation plan and major tasks.
- Save your employees’ time, allowing them to craft custom plans to fit self-guided, enterprise, or hybrid implementation models.
Easily follow implementation requirements and best practices
- Checklists and mutual action plans move the process forward consistently.
- Clearly sharing information ensures that expectations are aligned.
- Step-by-step guides and resources allow clients to work around their own schedule.
- Keep open and consistent lines of communication.
- Make sure the project stays within the scope outlined for that specific client.
- Focus the project on user adoption at the end of implementation.
Create the best client experience possible
- Keeping resources in one place makes it easier to collaborate and limits miscommunication.
- Maintain clarity of purpose with multiple individuals across the lifespan of the project.
- Offering a richer experience beyond just technical implementation aids in user adoption and success.
- Execute implementation with a more professional look and feel.
- Make record-keeping and administration easier for everyone.
- Have a single space to come back to for troubleshooting and future upgrades.
How Dock’s customers use this template
- Create an implementation roadmap and product plan: Use mutual action plans and embedded media to outline a series of tasks and milestones related to IT implementation, admin training, user permissions and tool access, change management, training, and launch.
- Provide key resources to help customers start using your product: Reduce onboarding friction through vital onboarding tools like FAQs, product tips, integrations, common use cases, webinars, and product tours.
- Keep contact and deepen relationships: Once your Dock implementation plan is familiar to your client, you can use the space to continue collaborating beyond product launch, keeping in contact to take on feedback, ensure that goals are met, maintain performance, and improve your chance of renewal.
FAQ
What is software implementation?
Software implementation is the process of setting up and integrating a software product or service into a client’s workflow. This process involves varying levels of collaboration between client and vendor, but the end goal is essentially getting the client to the point where they can gain value from the software with minimal time and effort spent.
What are the objectives of a software implementation plan?
A software implementation plan clarifies the sequence of tasks required to get a software product set up and in-use with a client organization.
For vendors, the strategic purpose of a software implementation plan is to clearly define expectations and success criteria (creating trust and making success more likely), saving time and effort for both the vendor and the client, and increasing the likelihood of retaining the client as a future customer.
For more on implementation best practices, read our complete guide to software implementation.
What are the four types of software implementation?
There are typically four types of software implementation that can be implemented based on the type of product, client, and service options.
- Automated: For simple products that can essentially set up themselves.
- Self-guided: A low-touch option for when implementation requires only a few easty-to-execute steps.
- Enterprise: For more complex projects involving training, account creation, and security compliance.
- Hybrid: A combination of one or more of the above approaches. Most software implementation plans fit this type.
For SaaS products, implementation can be as simple as providing the client with onboarding materials and help documentation, or as complex as a months-long collaboration to integrate your technology into their existing IT infrastructure.
What are the steps of software implementation?
The steps involved in any software implementation will depend on the client, product, and service options on offer, as well as your capabilities and resources. Generally, the following steps should be followed:
- Initial meeting: Introduce the project, clarify goals, and outline the steps to come. This is the first opportunity to establish relationships and find out your clients needs and constraints, which will set up the next step.
- Create a plan: Based on the information you’ve gained, establish a series of tasks and milestones to be completed. Assign resources and personnel to the various tasks.
- Implementation: This is where you do the business of implementing the implementation. This will also involve frequent testing by intended users, along with the collection of feedback and making necessary adjustments.
- Onboarding: Roll out the use of your software product to more users. Equip others within the client organization to continue the training and support process on your behalf.
- Launch & look forward: Complete the implementation process and make a plan for future reviews, updates, and troubleshooting.
