Three Pillars for Successful Implementation

The backbone of success: Project management

"At the heart of every smooth implementation is having solid project management practices," says Brittany. It all begins with clear leadership. Designated leads from each party help maintain focus, ensure accountability, and track progress.

Establishing expectations early is essential. "When roles, responsibilities, and timelines are clearly defined up front, you set the entire project up for success," Brittany explains. Robust project tracking tools are important, but Brittany stresses it's less about the tool itself and more about how it's used. "The best tools provide visibility into what needs to be done, who owns each task, and when it's due."

You must also carefully map interdependencies between workstreams. "Clarity enables the team to identify potential downstream impacts so if an intendency is not met, you're more prepared to know impacts or flag risks early."

Documentation plays a significant role as well. From meeting notes to key decisions, capturing and sharing this information ensures continuity. "Having a central, shared repository, when possible, minimizes miscommunication and gives everyone the same source of truth," Brittany notes.

Aligning teams through communication and collaboration

Implementations thrive when internal and external teams are on the same page. That means having proper operational support and defining success from day one. "You need the right people, committed resources, and clear goals. Without those, the project struggles before it even gets off the ground," says Brittany.

Equally important is finding the right cadence for communication. Regular touchpoints create alignment and help avoid silos. Weekly or biweekly check-ins, depending on the project size, are crucial. And for reporting, a simple traffic light system – green, yellow, and red – keeps things transparent.

Communication should also extend to project sponsors and stakeholders. Regular updates help them stay informed and provide guidance when needed.

Trust is everything: Building strong relationships

Brittany emphasizes that successful partnerships begin with personal connection, a value we strongly prioritize at FullscopeRMS, particularly throughout the implementation process. "For FullscopeRMS partner implementations, we start with an in-person meeting, which makes a huge difference. It builds rapport, humanizes the process, and gets everyone aligned."

It is imperative to have an implementation kickoff meeting involving stakeholders and cross-functional team members ensures all parties are aligned on timelines, goals, and decision-making.

But even the best-laid plans need flexibility. "Implementations rarely go as planned. Priorities shift. Roles evolve. Timelines move. What makes the difference is the strength of the working relationship," Brittany says. Teams that trust one another are more agile and resilient when challenges arise. "When people feel invested in a successful outcome, and know they're working toward a shared goal, they're more engaged and solution oriented."

Final Thoughts

While no two implementations are the same, the foundational elements remain consistent. "I've led a lot of different types of projects, and I can tell you, when project management, communication, and relationships are solid, everything else becomes easier to navigate," says Brittany.

Implementations are dynamic and often unpredictable. However, organizations can move forward confidently with a structured approach and a collaborative mindset. "It's about creating a framework that supports both structure and flexibility. That's what allows a team to thrive even when the unexpected happens."

Organizations can foster a productive, efficient, and ultimately successful implementation experience by staying focused on these three pillars.

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