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PEER TO PEER: THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ILTA | FALL 2017
CASE STUDIES
The Well-Made Action Plan for Firm Initiatives
Initial Assessment and Project Plan
At the very outset, designate a project leader. You need someone in
this role with access to three vital groups of people: decision makers,
those tasked with support and implementation, and key end users.
Then it is time to create your plan by assessing:
Are you replacing obsolete technology and workflow or looking
for a newer/beer/faster version of what you already have?
What are the key functions you like and dislike with your
current tool?
What are the deal-breakers?
What is the tolerance for change within your organization?
» Who will champion change, and who will resist it and why?
» Do you have the infrastructure to roll out a new technology
and train your workforce?
What is the budget?
» Consider nontraditional pricing. Rather than buying a
license for every user, consider a bulk rate for x users per
month that can scale up or down.
» A discount offer is great, but if it comes tied to a long-term
contract it may not be the best deal for your firm.
What is the deadline for installation? Consider a multiphase
approach.
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Our firm needed to replace two well-liked but outdated and
overpriced practice tools. We found the right solutions, on time and
on budget, using this action plan. The plan's success relied on team
input, collaboration with excellent vendors and support from the
firm's decision makers. We intend to use this plan for our future firm
initiatives and hope it will help your initiative as well. Good luck!
by Catherine McPherson
The Well-Made Action Plan
for Firm Initiatives
