The SaaS landscape is rapidly expanding, yet many companies encounter avoidable pitfalls during deployment. Proactive planning and research are crucial for success. While SaaS solutions cater to diverse technological and business needs, several fundamental tasks, performed early in the project, significantly enhance impact and progress tracking.
**1. Deployment Footprint:**
Develop a UML Deployment diagram early on to clearly illustrate the systems and users affected by the technology and process changes. Maintaining this diagram as a dynamic reference point throughout the project’s lifecycle enables easy impact assessment for new or existing initiatives.
**2. Project Timeline:**
Capitalize on your SaaS provider’s expertise. They often possess a wealth of best practices to assist your project management team. Pay close attention to how the SaaS company defines milestones and estimates the duration between them. This information is invaluable for building dependencies within your project plan.
**3. Process Integration:**
A significant advantage of SaaS is its inherent ability to integrate seamlessly with existing technologies and infrastructures. When evaluating SaaS applications, prioritize those offering XML or RMI interfaces. Well-documented database schemas are also highly beneficial for running custom queries. Ensure the SaaS vendor provides comprehensive documentation for system interfacing, even with robust reporting capabilities.
**4. ROI Milestones:**
Establish clear ROI milestones from the outset. Initial cost-saving expectations may vary, but your SaaS provider can provide financial models to accurately forecast potential savings compared to traditional models.
In conclusion, SaaS models offer the potential for substantial cost reductions. As you gain experience, continuously refine your processes, mirroring the iterative approach of a software development lifecycle. Furthermore, cultivate a strong partnership with your SaaS provider to ensure project success.