Many elements go into a successful HCM implementation, but today, we’re focusing on one of the most vital pieces – the Implementation Project Plan. A good plan and adherence to it can often make or break an implementation. Let’s talk about why the plan is so important to begin with, and then look at what we can do to protect that plan and ensure a successful go-live.
3 Reasons why your HCM implementation project plan is important.
1. Accountability.
Accountability is crucial to the project because it establishes clear responsibilities and ensures that client team members are responsible for their tasks, giving them a sense of ownership and commitment. When you take the time at the front end of the project to clearly outline tasks and assign them, we turn good intentions and ideas into actionable items and deliverables.
2. Risk Management.
Planning for risk is vital as it allows the Project Managers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify potential obstacles and develop mitigation strategies, minimize disruptions, and enhance project resilience. An excellent implementation project plan accounts for more than just deadlines. The project plan identifies risks in advance and in real-time, allowing for efficient resolutions and the ability to avoid potential show-stopping problems.
3. Big Picture.
When starting your HCM project with individuals from different departments, each bringing their objectives and priorities, understanding the importance of the big picture becomes paramount. Embracing the big picture ensures that everyone involved recognizes the interconnectedness of their efforts, which in turn fosters a culture of collaboration. It encourages communication, allowing team members to bridge gaps and find compromises where necessary, ultimately driving the project forward cohesively and meeting the organization’s goals.
3 Best practices for a successful project plan
1. Every project task gets a date.
Every project deliverable and action item gets assigned a date. Setting dates for each task creates deadlines and motivates team members to stay on track. Dates also help establish the correct sequence of tasks. Knowing when one task ends and the next begins allows the project to progress smoothly and efficiently. In addition, task start dates link to other tasks identify dependencies. The relationship between tasks (such as the most common, Finish-to-Start dependency) highlights what tasks must be completed before others can start. This relationship between project items prevents bottlenecks. Lastly, dates enable better resource allocation. Knowing when tasks start ensures critical resources are available when needed.
2. Budget in wiggle room.
Projects rarely go exactly as initially planned. Wiggle room, or contingency, accounts for unforeseen issues, changes in needs, or delays, providing you with a safety net to manage unexpected challenges and still meet the overall goals of timeline, cost, and quality implementation. It allows for adjustments when circumstances change and prevents the project from stalling. Managing the plan’s contingency means maintaining the project’s quality even when faced with unexpected changes. You won’t be forced to cut corners due to tight schedules and budgets.
3. Define clear ownership of project tasks.
Effective project management depends on clear ownership of project tasks. Assigning responsibility for every task at the front end of a project can be tedious and daunting. However, it’s essential to understand that this is one of the most crucial steps in setting your team up for success. Clear ownership eliminates confusion about who is responsible for what. This clarity prevents duplication of efforts and guarantees that no task falls through the cracks. It also helps team members to communicate more effectively. Your project team will understand who to contact for questions, updates, or issues related to a specific task.
3 Ways to Protect Your Project Plan
1. Evaluate your project plan often.
A beautifully crafted plan can only succeed if constantly revisited and revised. We’ve already established that project environments are dynamic, and things rarely go as planned. Remember that regular evaluation helps you adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and it also allows you to keep stakeholders informed about the project’s progress, risks, and changes. This transparency also helps build trust and confidence.
2. Trust your team members.
Trusting your implementation partner and project team is fundamental to project success. Your implementation partners are experts who work hard to ensure success at every step of the project. The project team’s expertise will identify potential pitfalls and issues. Include steps to mitigate these risks in the project plan and risk assessment to ensure a successful go-live.
3. Share the project plan with the entire team.
When the project plan is visible to the entire team, everyone can see how tasks fit into the larger project, inspiring collaboration and better communication. When team members consistently review the plan as we progress through the project, all project participants are likelier to reach out, share information, and work together to solve problems. Our goal is that we always operate as part of the same cohesive team and not as separate silos.
Summary
The HCM Implementation project plan is not just a document to be created and then filed away. The project plan is the road map that guides us through the project from start to finish and through any bumps the project team may encounter. It’s essential to achieving our objectives, navigating through potential risks, and nurturing a culture of collaboration. As you embark on your HCM Implementation project, remember that it all starts with a well-crafted plan and the commitment from everyone to protect and nurture it. After all, working the plan is the key to a successful implementation.
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About the Author
Loren is a certified UKG Pro Core HR and Payroll Consultant. She joined HRchitect over a year ago from her former position of UKG Customer Success Specialist. Loren is an expert problem solver with great customer focus. She loves blending her technical expertise with creativity to create a tailored solution for her clients.
Loren studied Business Administration, Management and Operations at Broward College.
Learn more about Loren at LinkedIn