Delays, repetition, and manual errors are common disadvantages of using outdated mechanisms, which hamper the workflow. Therefore, institutes striving for organisational efficiency adopt modern tools such as the student information system
While implementing any new system, it is customary for institutes to face undue difficulties, largely due to a lack of knowledge. The situation becomes far worse when the stakeholders have a hard time navigating through the features.
challenges and solutions to make the Implementation Process Smoother.
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Lack of a well-structured implementation plan
Implementing software is a long and elaborate process, taking a considerable amount of time and effort. On top of that, it is conducive to technical glitches and hiccups due to inadequate communication between team members and the overall project management.
First of all, the team members must realise that it is a multi-step implementation process that relies on timely coordination with the IT staff and key stakeholders. Secondly, it is essential to approach the plan as a phased-in procedure by starting with foundational elements.
A well-structured implementation plan must include the following aspects:
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Establish an appropriate schedule when the institute is not undergoing high-activity periods. For instance, it is best to refrain from setting the time at the beginning of the semester or during the final weeks.
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Institutional data conversion, or migration, is a critical process that must include allocating a sufficient amount of time. The team members must determine the relevant data and those that are not useful.
2. Not validating the data
The main objective of adopting new software is to accelerate administrative functions such as information compilation and collection processes. However, if the team members do not take careful measures during the data conversion, they can lose critical data.
Also, inaccurate data sabotages the advantages of the new system, and it is time-consuming to fix that data. Therefore, while adopting (or converting to) a new student information system, it is important to validate the data. The best way is to compare the data in the new system with the institute’s original data.
This is a crucial stage where they must pay attention because the vendors will not be as familiar with the institutional information as the team.
3. Ignoring the configuration process
There have been instances when the institute hired the best vendor or organisation to install or update a new system. They leave it to them to complete the configuration process, thinking that they will do the needful.
Hence, they pay little to no attention, which leads to specific user issues in the future. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful when the process is being set up. It is equally vital for them to determine if the system has easily configured functions and options.
Additionally, when installing modern tools like school management software, the team members need to ensure that different features work smoothly in unison.
4. Inadequate staff training
This is the digital age, and everyone strives to update themselves with the latest tech and gadgets, whether it is a smartphone or laptop. However, everyone is not well-versed in the latest technology, which can pose difficulty to certain users.
For instance, teachers and administrative staff may face issues when the school or college transitions to new tech solutions. Therefore, the institute and the vendor provide initial training as part of the implementation process.
Unfortunately. The training turns out to be ineffective, leading to decreased workplace efficiency and performance. The best way to overcome this challenge is by doing the following:
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Continuous Training
The institute can conduct continuous training sessions, enabling teachers, staff, and other stakeholders to learn the methods of use and special features.
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Collaboration for effective use of software
Teachers and other department staff members will most likely communicate and collaborate to obtain or share data. Therefore, quality training guides them in the optimal usage of the school management software to ensure timely collaboration.
5. Insufficient technical support
Some vendors hardly ever follow through with their assurance of appropriate guidance during all hours of operation, leading to delays and confusion. Therefore, prior to and during the installation of the software, the institute team leader must ensure the vendor’s after-sales service.
Furthermore, the institute can avail of an appropriate technical support system through the available options:
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In-house support
It relates to the technical support that the technician provides in person or remotely. They might be part of the institute’s team. They work in collaboration with the SIS vendor, who facilitates services related to more complex tasks.
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Technical Vendor
The vendor directly intervenes with the technical services as per the institute’s requirements through live chat and phone calls. Additionally, it includes extensive online documentation that covers the usability aspects of their software platform.
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Efficient service providers
The best student information system provider or vendor provides timely services to the institute. Therefore, the institute needs to identify the IT staff or other staff who require additional training.
In Conclusion,
Implementing or converting to a new system is a time-consuming process that involves multiple steps. The process is conducive to complications if the institute does not follow critical proportional measures, including establishing an implementation plan
