What technology to start with - Janie Oliver

Technology & Software in Growing Organisations

Avoid analysis paralysis:

• Too many options can delay decision-making.
• Focus on key criteria: functionality, cost, usability, and quality.
• Shortlist and consult peers, sector experts, or trustees.
• Always request demos and check the provider's reputation and compliance.

Collaboration software:

• Office 365 or Google Workspace for documents, video calls, and version control.
• Facilitates teamwork and efficiency from early stages.

Accounting software:

• Avoid Excel for financial management; use purpose-built accounting systems.
• Early adoption simplifies long-term management and reduces errors.

Preparation before implementation:

• Ensure a clear business case, including resources, time, and costs.
• Assess wider organisational impact beyond IT.
• Consider whether a separate project manager is needed for large implementations.
• Plan migration: parallel runs, testing, and rollout process.
• Prepare training plans and identify internal champions to support adoption.

Key takeaways:

• Involve multiple stakeholders in decision-making, not just IT.
• Early adoption of essential software eases collaboration and financial management.
• Careful planning and communication prevent disruption and ensure successful implementation.

1. List out key aspects

2. Rate the possible products against the key aspects

3. Consider the cost

4. Speak to peers and experts to create a short list

5. Ask for a demo and involve technical experts

6. Do research on the organisation

1. Collaborative software

2. Good accounting software

1. Communicate the business case well

2. Take into account all the resources required

3. Define who will manage the implementation

4. Ask:

• How long is that transition period likely to be?
• What are the plans for migration?
• Will there be parallel running of software and how will that be managed?
• What are the plans for testing the new system and who will be responsible for that?

5. Prior to implementation, consider training:

• Who will be responsible for delivering it?
• Who will be the champions for the system?