This is part of an eBook called How to Increase Salesforce User Adoption
Salesforce implementation is like having a root canal. The end result is desirable but getting there can be extremely painful. Salesforce is a vital instrument in customer relationship management although its implementation is often filled with complications and roadblocks.
Many companies site a lack of employee know-how as the main hindrance to successful implementation of the software. As a result, employees are not equipped with the right skills and training necessary to effectively leverage Salesforce software.
In the “Simpsons” episode “Fear of Flying,” Homer is mistaken for a pilot because he puts on a pilot uniform. In this case, you might assume that employees are technologically competent simply because they have some technical skills. Sadly, that is typically not the case.
1. Pinpointing Common Pitfalls
Certain issues should be addressed during the implementation period in order to make sure your company’s use of Salesforce is a success. Data migration and conversion, strategic training, and monitoring & analytics are key points of hardship. These matters should be a high priority during the implementation phase.
2. Trimming the Fat
Salesforce can handle a lot of data and information. Management, however, needs to optimize the transition process by planning what data needs to be migrated to Salesforce and how that migration should take place. We are inundated with data at all times but this would be a good time to maximize your organizational efficiency by trimming some of the fat. This is vital in ensuring that employees first develop a familiarity with the software without being bombarded by a large quantity of irrelevant data from the old system.
3. Training Employees on Salesforce
Perhaps the most important aspect of Salesforce implementation is training your employees to use the software proficiently and competently. Training must go beyond simply putting your employees in a classroom and teaching them everything there is to know. Let’s be honest. You can even try to eliminate the classroom setting. All classroom training sessions are good for is overwhelming and boring your employees.
We prefer the ‘continuous learning’ method, where employees’ skills are consistently kept in check and where they can be updated on new software updates or changes. The ideal employee training process starts with a short, initial period that focuses on the performance of key, vital processes, onboarding, and big-picture matters. After this initial training period, companies should invest in
performance support technology that guides employees when performing complicated tasks on Salesforce. Such technology guides the users on-screen and on-demand. This strategy decreases the costs for employee training and increases the productivity of employees after the initial training process ends. Most importantly it fosters employee engagement.
4. Evaluating Performance
A central piece of any successful Salesforce implementation is identifying whether or not the software is working correctly. To achieve this, companies should use a monitoring system that ensures that the software is functioning properly, that the site is secure from hackers, and that all inter-connected applications are working within thresholds. Another vital aspect is ensuring that employees are finding success using the Salesforce software. To monitor this, employ an analytics system that measures employee performance, spots use-trends, and makes forecasts on future performance.
For example, WalkMe Analytics can provide comprehensive monitoring and analysis of user performance in software onboarding, such as what tasks employees most required assistance on or how long it took an employee to master a function.
Successful Salesforce implementation is difficult achieve. Onboarding, training, and adoption complications can make this process a nightmare. Focusing on certain aspects of the implementation process, however, can significantly impact the outcome.
For more tips and effective strategies on Salesforce user adoption, sign up for the free eBook “How to Increase Salesforce User Adoption”
