Several years implementing software applications following outlines below.

Secure executive sponsors from the beginning to drive and fund the project.

Build a steering committee from across the organization to monitor and maintain direction.

Build a cross-functional team for the software implementation project, including business users and IT, that are involved from planning and development to deployment and adoption.

Develop a clear statement of requirements for the features and functionality of the new system or tool.

Identify and optimize the underlying business processes that will be affected by the new software.

Plan every detail of development and deployment carefully, and continually assess and amend your plans.

Set realistic project goals from the outset and manage expectations of what each part of the business will receive, including business users, IT, HR and finance.

Put project management and change management in the foundation of your software implementation plans.

Communicate early, communicate often, communicate consistently and communicate with everyone—including partners and customers.

Build champions in the business units where the new software will be delivered.

Make education and training a key element of the project and, where possible, customize training to specific business areas or user groups.

Remember that every dollar and hour spent on user acceptance and adoption will pay back handsomely.

Keep customization of the new software as minimal as possible.

Carefully chart the process through development, testing and production.

Install continuous improvement and begin planning for the next set of enhancements and upgrades from the initial go live.