The 3 Most Common FMS Onboarding Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Implementing facility management software (FMS) can significantly enhance the efficiency of senior living facilities, but successful onboarding is crucial for reaping its full benefits. Unfortunately, many communities make common mistakes during the onboarding process that can hinder the smooth integration of FMS. Here are the three most common facility management software onboarding mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking Stakeholder Engagement:
   Successful facilities management software onboarding requires collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders throughout the senior living community. It is common to overlook the importance of involving facility managers, maintenance staff, and other relevant personnel. Failure to include stakeholders in the decision-making process can lead to resistance and undermine the successful adoption of the new software.
   
   How to Avoid:
   Actively engage with stakeholders throughout the onboarding process. Seek their input while selecting the facility management software solution and involve them in decision-making discussions. Address concerns and provide a platform for feedback. This collaborative approach ensures a more informed implementation and fosters a sense of ownership and commitment throughout the facility.

2. Neglecting Data Migration Planning:
   Smooth data migration is essential for a successful facilities management software onboarding process. This aspect of onboarding is necessary to ensure accurate and complete data transfer, leading to disruptions in operations and compromised historical records. Inadequate planning for data migration is a common mistake that senior living facilities should work hard to avoid.
   
   How to Avoid:
   Prioritize data migration planning by conducting a thorough audit of existing data. If you have one, work closely with IT teams and your current FMS provider to develop a comprehensive migration strategy. Ensure that relevant information, such as asset details and maintenance records, is accurately transferred to the new system. Rigorous testing should be conducted to identify and address any issues before full implementation.

3. Insufficient Training Programs:
   Another common mistake during FMS onboarding is insufficient training for managers and technicians. Facility management software is a sophisticated tool with diverse functionalities. Without proper training, facility managers and technicians within your senior living community may struggle to leverage the solution’s full potential. Inadequate training can lead to frustration, decreased productivity, and even resistance to adopting the new system.
   
   How to Avoid:
   Make it a priority to Invest in and provide comprehensive training programs that cater to different facility roles, including facility managers, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel. Ensure that training is ongoing and includes updates as the software evolves. Senior living communities can empower team members to navigate the facility management software confidently and effectively by prioritizing training and education.

Avoiding these three common facility management software onboarding mistakes is crucial for onboarding a new facility management software system in senior living facilities. By actively engaging stakeholders, prioritizing data migration planning, and focusing on comprehensive training, senior living communities can navigate the onboarding process smoothly, maximizing the benefits of their new software solution.