Formula for a Successful Veeva Implementation
Introducing a new software in a long-established company can be a notoriously complex process that can humble even the most dynamic teams. In fact, software implementation projects are prone to reluctance, but it only takes consistency to see patterns of growth and measurable impact. The best way to augment the prospects of successful Veeva implementation is - by understanding and incorporating the needs and concerns of the end-users in the change management process, and by including all the affected employees as much as possible in planning and roll-out.
Having led multiple successful Veeva training projects, we identified the key formulae for any life sciences company considering implementing Veeva to ensure return on investment:
1. Make Enough Time
Many technology implementations fail because they do not take into account existing organizational processes and workflows. For a successful Veeva implementation, take a proactive approach and set aside enough time to work through business process simulations and map out the best ways to integrate and use the platform in your organization. By analyzing and aligning your processes on the front end, you will save time on all the background work required to create a robust Veeva implementation plan. You also need to understand your business processes inside-out to ensure a quality output. You'll then be able to reassure internal stakeholders that everyone is on the same page.
2. Simplify Workflows and Processes
Regulatory compliance is a necessary component that adds to the complexity of any life sciences organization. We know this because we've been in the Veeva training business for over four decades. Stakeholders from different departments and verticals bring a wide range of operational perspectives to the table, which can make a process too complicated. Maintaining a holistic, big picture of the project can assist you in keeping business procedures and workflows simplified and seamless.
3. Assign a Program Manager to oversee all resource coordination
Veeva projects usually have an internal point person assigned by the customer, while the vendor assigns a technical project manager. In our experience, we have seen that assigning a subject matter expert with years of relevant experience to coordinate all partie's activities goes a long way in keeping the project on track.
4. Create a Single, Integrated Project Plan
A single, integrated project plan that reflects all involved parties and all components, such as configuration, training and communications, validation, and data migration, is made possible by having a program manager that coordinates all operations across all resources. This gives your organization increased visibility and business alignment, and greatly improves your chances of completing your project on schedule and within budget by connecting all dots and preparing for all project dependencies.
5. Develop a Comprehensive Training and Communications Plan
It's a common misconception among IT departments that "if we build it, they will use it." This isn't always the case. Your return on investment will be realised sooner rather than later if you have a thorough plan for organisational change management (OCM). Start by explaining to the end users "what's in it for me." With all parties involved, explain the change and any business deadlines and milestones. Create OCM content, including emails, articles, books, and events. Create role-based training for end users. When onboarding new employees, record training sessions for easy reference. All these actions will guarantee user engagement and adoption so that you can maximize the ROI from your investment. On the other hand, bypassing these critical steps to implement the solution faster can often backfire. Investing in training and change management will go a long way in ensuring Veeva success.
Several life sciences companies lose momentum and efficiency, especially when operating globally, due to lack of a centralized system - each venture operating with its own process. Successful Veeva implementation will help overcome all sorts of concerns, improve compliance, regulate communication across all the stakeholder involved, and achieve uniformity. Getting used to new tools might be difficult, but with the right Veeva implementation partner, life sciences companies can be the frontrunner in the industry.
Got any Veeva training related questions, or are you stuck in your Veeva training journey? Schedule a no obligation 15 minutes consulting session with us where our Veeva Training expert will help you identify the best possible solutions to your challenges.