Implementing accounting software can be a game-changer for your business. It can help you streamline your financial processes, automate tasks, and generate accurate reports.
But, what if your implementation is going wrong? A failed implementation can lead to financial loss and wasted time.
Don’t want any of it? Here are 10 unmistakable signs that your accounting software implementation is going south!
The implementation is experiencing long delays
If you are experiencing lengthy delays, it can be a sign of unsuccessful implementation. Software implementation projects should have target deadlines, and any significant delays should be addressed immediately. Long delays can result in missed opportunities, lower application adoption, and frustration among staff.
Implementation delays can be caused by a variety of reasons, including system complexities and vendor shortcomings. Delays impact project timelines and can also increase costs.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a clear project plan with realistic timelines and milestones, and keep your vendor or implementation partner accountable to deliver the project on time.
Your team is struggling to use the software
One of the most significant signs that your accounting software implementation is going wrong is that your team is struggling to use it. If your team is finding it hard to navigate the system, their work is taking longer, and they’re making more errors, then you may want to reconsider the software or the implementation.
Your data is inaccurate or incomplete
If your financial reports or accounting data are incorrect, it could highlight an issue with the implementation. It’s crucial to carry out regular data checks to ensure that the numbers match up. Failure to do this can lead to serious financial errors that can have serious consequences for your business.
Incomplete data can result in an incorrect or partial picture of the financial state of the organisation.
You’re having system crashes
System crashes can destroy all your hard work, and often, they’re caused by inadequate implementation. If you’re experiencing repeated system crashes or your system is slowing down, it’s worth looking into the implementation or meaningfully upgrading your system.
The software can’t meet your needs
If the accounting software you’ve purchased doesn’t meet your business’s unique needs, it’s possible the implementation didn’t go according to plan. If you find yourself struggling with the software and still using spreadsheets to complete work, it could indicate a problem with the implementation.
You’re inundated with support tickets
If you’re regularly encountering issues with your software and your staff members are resorting to raising support tickets, it could indicate an issue with the implementation. A successful implementation should reduce the need for support.
The software is affecting productivity
If your team is spending more time, energy, and resources than before, it means the software is affecting productivity adversely. The implementation should help streamline processes and reduce errors. If that’s not defragmenting, it’s time to look at alternative software or engage an expert to support you.
The software doesn’t integrate with your existing systems
Often, accounting software works best when it’s integrated with other business systems. If your software doesn’t integrate or do so seamlessly, it could indicate an issue with the implementation or software.
You’re noticing frequent errors
User errors are common in any system, but frequent errors can be a sign of underlying software or implementation issues. Ensure your implementation team offers adequate training and support to avoid simple issues that waste valuable time.
Also, the implementation of a new accounting software package should reduce the number of accounting errors in the financial reporting process. If you are experiencing an increase in accounting mistakes, it can be a signal of underlying flaws in the implementation.
Your vendor relationship is strained
If your software vendor or implementation partner is not responsive to your queries or concerns, this can lead to delays or unaddressed issues, which will impact your company’s accounting processes, and ultimately lead to a loss of revenue. To avoid this, ensure that you choose a vendor with an excellent reputation for customer service.
There’s no change management plan in place
A successful accounting software implementation requires some degree of change management planning. If the adoption process is not communicated properly, employees may not know how to use the software correctly. This can lead to delays in accounting processes and ultimately impact your company’s bottom line. To avoid this, ensure that you have a comprehensive change management plan in place.
There’s no plan for user training
Related to the previous point, if your employees are not adequately trained on how to use your new accounting software, this can lead to confusion and frustration, which will impact productivity. To prevent this, plan training sessions for your employees before and after the implementation to ensure they become proficient in using the software.
You spend more than you budgeted
If your accounting software implementation is over budget, this could be a sign that things are not going as planned. This could happen due to unanticipated costs or inefficient project management. To avoid this, plan your budget thoroughly with a contingency plan for unexpected costs.
There are obvious functional limitations with the system
If your new accounting software does not offer the necessary functionalities specific to your business requirements, it is a sign that you selected the wrong system or the implementation wasn’t done correctly. This can lead to an incomplete or inefficient automation process, which can hinder your company’s growth. To mitigate this issue, it’s recommended that you perform a thorough analysis of your business processes to identify which functions are essential and then follow up with the appropriate implementation of the correct system.
Conclusion
Implementing a new accounting software system should be a smooth and straightforward process.
But, if you start to notice any of the signs, we’ve outlined above, there is a high likelihood that your implementation is going wrong, and you need to act quickly.
The key to a successful implementation is selecting an experienced Implementation Partner to help you with a well-managed process, thorough training, and effective post-launch support.
Need to implement an accounting system? Talk to us today to take advantage of our 25+ years of successful finance system implementation!