A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS

A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS

It is not uncommon for me to get a call from a prospective client and hear something like: "We launched a new AMS last year, but it was a rushed implementation. We never really got things right from the start and now everyone is unhappy."

Too often, when an implementation is rushed (e.g., not enough time provided for data conversion, or training, or testing), the result is that the launched product doesn't work as expected. This could be true on either or both the staff side or the customer-facing side.

Obviously, this isn't good, but the significant downside to a poorly executed launch can be the long-term lingering distaste (or outright hatred) of the new system. Because the launch was rushed and staff was unprepared for go-live, staff winds up hating the system. This means that user adoption will be lower, which will affect the long-term success of the system. I've even seen situations where staff actively avoided the system (setting up their own shadow systems) because they so distrusted the new AMS.

The sweet spot is to give yourself enough time to complete a solid implementation without causing the project to go on for too long. And if you can avoid it, never launch an AMS before a major event, like an annual conference or annual dues renewal billing. As I like to tell my clients, we're looking for the "least bad time" to launch.

Your AMS launch is your first big leap into a new system and new experiences for (and attitudes from) staff and customers. So make sure you get it right.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making

April 16, 2025

Eyes wide open and affirmative decision-making When I work with my clients on any type […]

Honoring an industry legend

April 9, 2025

Honoring an industry legend I’m taking a break from my usual data management tips to […]

Never burn a bridge

April 2, 2025

Never burn a bridge My children have reached the age where they have, or are, […]

You CAN compete with the big guys…

April 2, 2025

You CAN compete with the big guys… In my experience, associations often undersell their actual […]

Join (or start) your users group!

March 26, 2025

Join (or start) your users group! Today’s message is simple: If the AMS you’re using […]

They don’t care, until they care.

March 19, 2025

They don’t care, until they care. One of the more common questions I get from […]

Longfellow and data management

March 12, 2025

Longfellow and data management “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing while […]

Do you really need all that historical data?

March 5, 2025

Do you really need all that historical data? A question I’ll often get from my […]

AI actually requires thinking

February 26, 2025

AI actually requires thinking “I don’t think AI introduces a new kind of thinking. It […]

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond

February 19, 2025

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond Recently a client was complaining about a bug that […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top