How did the transfer of Saas in millions of dollars lead without breaking the bank?

introduction

The adoption of software as the (Saas) service has witnessed a tremendous growth in the past five years, as companies have been able to experience the user, reduce operating costs, and reduce the burden of technology life cycle management. The leadership of the Sais transition in millions of dollars is not easy-to-make it requires accurate planning, aligning the stakeholders, and the ability to move in the unexpected challenges/issues. In this article, I will share my experience in leading a successful Saas transition in one of the best pharmaceutical companies, as we were able to save about $ 800,000 in the cost of annual operations by moving to Saas solution.

** Strategy: a gradual approach

\ The initiation of the Saas trip to obtain a solution at the level of the institution is a multi -year commitment that requires careful planning and careful implementation. We classified this trip into 4 main stages:

• Current case assessment
• The seller’s evaluation
• Building a work case
• SARAS Transition

Current case assessment

Our current request for revenue management has been implemented in 2019 and has not been promoted since then. We analyzed the current infrastructure of information technology and our processes to determine the gaps in the user experience, operational efficiency, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the platform annually, and automation opportunities. Through this exercise, we found that our domestic solution was not only expensive, but we also reached the extent of devices in the data center required to support future business growth.

Another important data point was that local software promotions were an expensive effort and a long time. The typical upgrade will cost a few million and extend over 18 months. This evaluation lasted for 3 months, and all the information collected through this process became inputs to the subsequent stages.

The seller’s evaluation

Before we participate in the SAAS sellers in the market, we have documented all our extended requirements – business, performance, expansion, security, integration, support and budget. Accordingly, we issued a request to submit the offers (the proposal request) to all the main SAS sellers who work in this field. This stage lasted 6 months and consists of the following activities:

• Exploration offers from sellers who offer how they can meet the requirements of our business
• Review their status studies and request comments from their current customers
• Technical architecture evaluation and security position to ensure our performance requirements and safety requirements
• Evaluate the ability to expand in the application and the ease of future promotions
• Conducting due care to the financial stability of the sellers and evaluate the prices of sellers and the terms of the contract
• Evaluation of support and service capabilities for the seller

Based on the aforementioned activities, we have developed a registration matrix with a weighted degrees across different categories such as pricing, jobs, technical capabilities, security, compliance, etc. We took advantage of the results from the due care process to negotiate better prices and terms of the contract.

Building a work case

In order to secure funding for this project, we had to create a strong commercial issue that defines both financial returns and strategic benefits. Here are some of the main elements that were taken into account if we work:

• The current country against the total cost of ownership in the future (TCO)
  • License costs
  • The cost of infrastructure
  • The cost of support (number of employees)
• The cost of Saas Transition Project
  • Cost Execution (seller)
  • The cost of internal infrastructure
  • The cost of development for integration
  • Support test activities – basic business resources for emergency work
• Show the benefits of work and return on investment
  • Improving user experience
  • Future promotions faster and low cost allow new features to adopt new features in the application.
  • Low tco
  • We were able to show that the initial investment can be recovered in less than 6 months due to the adoption of new features in the application that helps reduce revenue leakage.
• Determine the project approach.
  • View the main performance indicators of the project
  • Project timetable
  • Change a management plan

After formulating a comprehensive work issue, we had to obtain purchase and consent from various stakeholders in the organization and ensure that any major concerns/questions may arise.

application

After agreeing to the status of work, we took time to develop a well -defined project plan by taking inputs from the seller and the main stakeholders, which included the following two main tenants:

Migration and Development Strategy

The strategic immigration approach and the organized development plan well guarantees the minimum disorder throughout the project. This includes:

• Determine the duration of the data that must be deported to the saas.
• Select the archive strategy for data that will not be deported to Saas
• The level of data conversion that should happen for Saas compatibility
• Along with current software functions with new Saas app features
• Determining a customization development strategy when Saas OOB features cannot meet user requirements.
• Plan an integration approach, for example, if current integration can be reintegrated or must be developed to meet the Sais requirements.
• Put the security measures that will be implemented as part of the project

Test strategy

As with any application of the software project, the test is very important to ensure that the application meets the user’s requirements and leads according to expectations. Some of the main areas that we focused on are as follows:

• System integration test: It checks that the components that work independently of the system work together properly when combining.
• Performance test: System performance evaluation and checking the optimal user experience.
• User acceptance test: The final user verifies the authenticity of the system functions and if he meets his requirements.
• Security Test: Determination of weaknesses and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Error repairs: solution

Training and Change Department

Looking at the amount of change that involves it, it is appropriate to have a good training and change plan to ensure a smooth transition and the successful user’s successful user. Our strong strategy included:

• User training: conducting internal and virtual training sessions, developing user guides, work education documents, and training videos
• Change the connection: Keep the stakeholders to be aware of the changes, benefits and timelines.
• Support Resources: Create auxiliary offices, common questions

Go live and over care

The successful Saas transition is highly dependent on the well -defined tetover plan and a post -implementation support form.

• Publishing: Data deportation and the publication of software instructions must be well derived and must follow the cutting plan that has been practiced throughout the project.
• Hypercare support: Create a team of job and technical experts to ensure that user questions/concerns are tackled in time.
• Monitor system performance: security tracking, employment, and program use analyzes.

Facing challenges

As with any wide transfers, we faced obstacles throughout the project; However, by managing interest and managing change, we were able to successfully overcome obstacles. Below, there are some scenarios we faced:

• Data deportation problems: Submit our data within the borders to meet the requirements of the Saas application some unique challenges, but we were able to overcome these issues by cooperation closely with the SAAS seller and other sellers who were part of the project. To ensure the completion and accuracy of the data that has been deported, we have implemented a strong strategy to deport data such as pre -data and after data, the number of rows, dollar checks, quantity, etc.
• Sellers Management: The management of many sellers who were part of the project presented a set of challenges on time and domain tables, but we discussed them through clearly expressing the scope of each seller, holding weekly meetings with the sellers, and creating an escalating path.
• Challenges during the final deportation: during the cancellation process, we faced a performance problem with data deportation. Fortunately, we faced a similar problem during the dry project, we were able to implement the corrective action that we learned from the previous experience and overcoming the problem. This stressed the importance of practicing cutting throughout the project.

Main meals

1. Alignment of the IT strategy with work objectives – Saas transition is not just the Initiative IT initiative; The value of concrete works should be paid.
2. Good implementation strategy-small repetitive steps provide flexibility and risk relief.
3. Giving priority to cost efficiency without prejudice to quality – smart negotiations can achieve and simplify the budget and great savings.
4. Focusing on user experience-includes a non-welded user experience and long-term success.

conclusion

This successful implementation of the transfer of Saas in millions of dollars is a testimony on the strength of strategic planning, careful implementation and fixed focus on the value of the work. Such a Saas transition also requires a balance between technical experience, financial acumen and the management of stakeholders.

By adopting a strategic and trained approach, we only updated the natural scene of our information technology but we also achieved great cost savings. The visions acquired from this experience will be a valuable plan for future initiatives, ensuring that technology remains a strong factor in business success. If you are considering a similar transmission, start a clear road map, involve the main stakeholders early, and constantly improve efficiency.

Are you currently working to move Saas? I would like to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!