7 Ways to Best Prepare Your School for FMS Onboarding

Facilities management software can significantly impact educational facilities of all types, from small public school districts to large universities. After the decision to implement this software for your school and a vendor has been chosen, the next step is onboarding. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, here are seven ways to best prepare your facility:

1. Designate a Key Contact
Designate a key contact within your educational institution who will oversee the onboarding of the facilities management software. This individual should be well-versed in the daily operations of the facility and capable of consistently and effectively communicating with the software provider.

2. Define Clear Objectives
Establish clear objectives for implementing the new facilities management software. Whether it's improving maintenance efficiency, optimizing space utilization, or enhancing resource allocation, defining goals will guide the onboarding process for your educational facility.

3. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
While objectives are big-picture goals for the onboarding, measurable key performance indicators should also be set to evaluate the success of the facilities management software onboarding. This could include metrics such as maintenance response time, space utilization efficiency, and cost savings. Regularly monitor these KPIs to track the impact of FMS on your educational facility's operations.

Effective communication is critical to the success of any software onboarding process. Engage with stakeholders throughout your school or district, including facility managers, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel. Address any concerns, provide training opportunities, and create a collaborative environment for a smooth transition.

5. Review Current Workflows
Take the time to review your school's facilities management workflows before onboarding the new software. It's crucial to have a detailed understanding of tasks, processes, and workflows. Identifying areas that could benefit from automation or improvement is also very helpful.

6. Organize Data from Your Previous System
If your facility is transitioning from an older system, it's essential that you organize and migrate data effectively. The accuracy and completeness of your existing data are vital for the success of the new facilities management software.

7. Invest in Training and Support
Facilities management software is a powerful tool with diverse functionalities. Invest in comprehensive training programs for facility managers and technicians to maximize its potential. Ensure that team members are well-versed in the software's features and functionalities. Also, establish a support system to address issues during onboarding.

Preparing for facilities management software onboarding can help streamline the entire process and make it significantly more effective. These seven tactics set the stage for successful onboarding, leading your educational facility to increased efficiency and streamlined operations.