Before Implementation

Implementation Team

Whether you're implementing GoldFinch on your own or working with a GoldFinch Implementer, assembling the right implementation team is one of the most important factors for a successful project.

Assign a Project Lead

The Project Lead is responsible for coordinating the implementation and serving as the primary point of contact between your organization and the GoldFinch implementation team.

The Project Lead should:

• Have a strong understanding of your company's business processes.
• Coordinate project activities, schedules, and resources.
• Work closely with the GoldFinch Implementer or internal project team.
• Monitor progress and help keep the implementation on schedule.
• Coordinate input and decisions from other departments.

For smaller organizations or less complex implementations, the Project Lead may also serve as the Super User.

Assign an Executive Sponsor or Steering Committee

For larger organizations or more complex implementations, consider appointing an Executive Sponsor or forming a Steering Committee.

The Executive Sponsor or Steering Committee should:

• Provide strategic direction and executive support.
• Help resolve cross-departmental issues and project roadblocks.
• Make key business decisions when required.
• Ensure adequate resources are available for the project.
• Champion the implementation throughout the organization and encourage user adoption.

Having visible executive support significantly improves project success by reinforcing the importance of the implementation across the organization.

Appoint Super Users

Super Users are subject matter experts who represent their departments throughout the implementation process. They help bridge the gap between business users and the implementation team.

Super Users typically:

• Participate in requirements gathering and process reviews.
• Assist with system configuration validation and user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Help develop and review business procedures and documentation.
• Train end users before go-live.
• Provide first-line support after implementation.
• Promote user adoption and assist with change management.

Whenever possible, assign Super Users from each major functional area, such as Finance, Sales, Purchasing, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Customer Service.

Even if the Project Lead is highly involved, having additional Super Users ensures broader business knowledge, better testing coverage, and a smoother transition to the new system.