Transitioning to a new Unified Communications (UC) system is not without its challenges. In this article, we aim to guide businesses through the process of ensuring a smooth transition to a full cloud UC system, discussing everything from initial assessment and planning, to measuring success and return on investment (ROI). We’ll also delve into the importance of data cleanliness, and explore how to align your UC strategy with your business objectives.
What is Unified Communications?
The need for seamless interaction across various platforms and locations has never been greater. Enter Unified Communications (UC) – the strategic integration of multiple communication tools designed to streamline the conversation within an enterprise. For businesses spread across multiple sites and relying on a plethora of platforms such as MS Teams or Salesforce, UC isn’t just a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of efficient and effective communication.
And for enterprise businesses, communication is complex. With employees scattered across different locations, possibly globally, and each department equipped with its own preferred tools and software, the challenge is to ensure that everyone can collaborate effectively without the need to constantly switch contexts or platforms.
The seamless connection between different communication methods ensures that the conversation flows smoothly, from emails to instant messaging to voice and video calls.
UC systems are designed to grow with your business. Whether you’re adding new employees, requiring additional features, or expanding to new sites, UC platforms can accommodate this growth without the need for a complete overhaul.
How to prepare for change and ensure a smooth transition to unified communications
The transition to unified communications represents a significant step forward in the way businesses interact internally and with their customers. Below, we provide a roadmap for businesses preparing to make this transition, ensuring a smooth and successful deployment.
Assessment of business goals, user requirements, and current spends
Before diving into UC, it’s critical to evaluate your business objectives. Are you aiming to enhance collaboration, cut costs, or improve customer service? Understanding your goals will shape your UC strategy. Engage with stakeholders and users to gather requirements and assess the functionality needed. Additionally, analyse your current communication expenditures to set a benchmark for future savings and efficiencies.
Choosing the right Unified Communications provider with confidence
Selecting a UC provider is more than just comparing prices; it’s about finding a partner who understands your business. Look for providers with a robust track record, reliable customer support, and a platform that aligns with your business needs. Ensure they offer scalability and flexibility to grow with your business. Market test by requesting demonstrations, pilot programs, and customer testimonials to gauge their credibility and the user experience they offer.
Phased implementation strategies
Transitioning to a UC system doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. A phased implementation can minimise disruption. Start with a friendly pilot group of users to test the system and gather feedback. Gradually expand the rollout, addressing any issues as they arise. This strategy helps in acclimatising your workforce to new workflows and mitigates resistance to change.
Measuring success and ROI
To evaluate the success of your UC system, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) related to your business goals. This could include metrics like reduced communication costs, improved customer satisfaction scores, or increased productivity levels or minimising desktop applications for your users. Regularly review these metrics to determine the ROI and adjust your strategy as needed to maximise the benefits of your UC system.
Network condition and readiness
Your network infrastructure is the backbone of your UC system. Conduct a thorough assessment of your current network to ensure it can handle increased traffic and the real-time demands of UC. This may involve upgrades to bandwidth, network hardware, or adopting quality of service (QoS) protocols to prioritise communication traffic.
Data cleanliness
The integrity of your data is pivotal when migrating to a new system. Cleanse your existing data of duplicates, errors, and outdated information to ensure a seamless start to the new system build phase. This effort will pay dividends if you are on tight timelines.
Understanding your level of responsibility and involvement in the new deployment
When a Unified Communications system is being deployed, it’s imperative to have clarity on your role and the extent of your involvement in the process. We advise you should be aware of the responsibilities you hold and the contributions you are expected to make when speaking with a new provider. This could range from data input, overseeing the project timeline, managing technical integrations, or facilitating user adoption through training and support.
As the deployment moves forward, your focus may shift to more operational tasks such as monitoring the implementation phases and ensuring that the project stays on track.
Building business requirements and clearly communicating their importance to potential providers
It’s essential to develop a comprehensive list of business requirements. This step involves identifying the specific needs, features, and capabilities that your UC system must, should and could have.
Once you have established your business requirements, it’s crucial to communicate them effectively to potential UC providers. Clear articulation of these needs will enable providers to tailor their proposals to your organisation’s specific context. It also sets the stage for evaluating how well each provider’s solution aligns with your operational demands and strategic vision.
When presenting your requirements to providers, emphasise the importance of each element and how it contributes to your business’s overall success. This will help providers understand your priorities and the critical role the UC system will play in your operations, ensuring they offer solutions that are not just technically compatible, but also strategically aligned with your business goals.
What is Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)?
UCaaS, or Unified Communications as a Service, is a cloud-based delivery model for enterprise communications and collaboration applications. It combines various communication services, such as voice, video, messaging, and presence, into a single, integrated platform that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
UCaaS offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to modernise their communication systems. This technology allows organisations to streamline their communication and collaboration tools, improve productivity, and enhance the overall customer experience.
How Red Rose Technologies can help
Preparing for a move to a Unified Communications system is a strategic process that involves meticulous planning and execution. By assessing your business goals, choosing the right provider, and implementing a phased approach, you can ensure a smooth transition. Don’t forget to measure success to demonstrate ROI and continually optimise your UC solution. With the right preparation, your business can fully harness the power of unified communications to drive collaboration and success.
At Red Rose Technologies, we provide a number of services to support our clients’ change programs and if you would like to hear about some of our projects and the impact we make please contact us through our website, email us at info@redrosetechnologies.co.uk or call 01793 547950.