5 Tips For A Successful MIS Implementation

Thinking about implementing a MIS system to help manage your print shop? Our PrintJobManager Product Manager, Ted Vickers, has assembled the following guide to help you ensure a successful MIS implementation.

It is amazing how two companies with the same MIS system can have two completely different experiences with the same software. For one company, the system works great and they seem to have very few issues with the capabilities of the software and are happy with the results. On the other hand, the second company seems to have nothing but problems with the same software application.

In our experience, the successful users have many commonalities. They always have a designated lead that will work closely with the software vendor as well as their training and support. But more importantly, the company lead works closely with all the team members that will be using the application to ensure it reflects their actual day-to-day functions. It is important to have all team members take ownership when it comes to setting up a MIS application.

Companies that have problems with their implementation tend to have quite a few things in common too. While some may have a lead MIS administrator, they seem to focus on areas that only they deem important and do not follow through with proper training of their internal staff. They also do not take advantage of the implementation plan normally supplied by the MIS vendor, which is a very important step as many times certain applications depend on data that need to be completed according to the implementation plan.

Here are some general tips to help make your implementation successful:

1. Spring Cleaning: Review your customer data and update it as needed. This exercise will prove to be invaluable as you move forward. This is the perfect time to reach out to your clients to get updated data for your MIS application.
2. Review your chargeable rates, whether you use Budgeted Hourly Rates, or a Cost Plus method of pricing. How long has it been since they have been updated
3. Review your Workflow/Production processes, have these changed? Do you have new equipment or offer new services?
4. Be sure to have your production employees participate when setting up production time tables. You may get a wide range of answers for the same question but at least they have provided information and will feel that they are have played an important part in setting up the MIS application.
5. Keep a note pad by your workstation. Many issues or ideas arrive when you are working on a quote, job, etc. Write it down and when you have time, send or call your MIS support team to help.

Remember: Your MIS application should work for you, not the other way around!

To learn more about Aleyant PrintJobManager™, visit www.aleyant.com.