Implementing a technical solution can be a complex endeavour, and depends on unique contexts, technical infrastructures and Martech ecosystems.
This requires careful planning, coordination between teams, and meticulous execution.
At Batch, we have been able to successfully manage hundreds of implementation projects, with different technical scopes and requirements (Email migrations, mobile and web push implementations scaled to multi-national organisation structures, deploying technical connections with partner solutions like Adobe or Salesforce Marketing Cloud, etc.).
Let’s break down our effective implementation management methodology that ensures your project is delivered successfully, on time, and within scope.
Step #1: Initialisation
Who is involved?
- The Project Team: composed of all stakeholders implicated in the implementation project on both Batch and the client’s side. This involves technical, Marketing & CRM teams as well as the implementation manager who provides oversight and governance for the project.
- The Steering Committee: Composed of management and relevant decision makers on both Batch and the client’s side. This committee is responsible for the strategic direction and high-level decision-making.
What is done?
- Getting in Touch: Establish initial communication lines and set the stage for collaboration.
- Kick-off Meeting: Officially start the project by bringing all key players together to align on objectives and expectations.
Step #2: Scope Definition
Who is involved?
- CRM and Tech Teams: Supported by Batch, they collaborate to define the scope of the project, ensuring that the technical aspects align with business needs.
What is done?
- Workshops: Conduct workshops to identify use cases, data mapping plans, required connections, migration strategies, etc.
- Documentation: Create and share a follow-up working document to keep all parties on the same page. This includes technical specifications’ documentation.
- Detailed timeline proposal: An implementation timeline is suggested and validated by the project team based on the defined scope and the client’s resource organisation.
Step #3: Technical Implementation
Who is building?
- Tech Teams: Supported by the implementation manager, the developers and engineers get their hands dirty, building the solutions that were validated within the scope.
What is being built?
- The Technical Implementation: Turn the defined scope into reality by coding, configuring, and setting up the necessary technical infrastructure.
Recurring project committees supervised by the implementation manager are put in place to ensure progress is being made within the established scope and timeline.
For further details, please read this dedicated article.
Step #4: Testing
Who is involved?
- CRM and Tech Teams: They work together to test and ensure that what's built meets the outlined requirements.
What is being tested?
- Batch Testing: Conducted by the implementation manager, this includes complete acceptance testing of the implemented technical solutions.
- Business Validation: The business teams validate the technical solutions to ensure they meet business requirements through end-to-end testing.
- Training: Prepare business, CRM and marketing users with dashboard training to make them acquainted with the new system.
Step #5: Release
Who is releasing?
- Tech Teams: They oversee the deployment of the new system, ensuring it integrates smoothly with existing operations.
What is being released?
- Deployment: Launch the implemented solutions in production, transitioning from a test environment to live operations. The transition is monitored to ensure no issues arise in production.
Step #6: Project Closure
Who is concluding the implementation project?
- Project team: They oversee the project closure, ensuring everything in scope has been delivered.
What is being done?
- Documentation: Archive all project documents for future reference.
- Closure Meeting: Hold a closing meeting to review the project's success, lessons learned, and officially conclude the project.
- Transition: Hand over the support to the customer success manager for ongoing strategic guidance.
By following this structured implementation management methodology, Batch clients' technology and data teams can ensure that all the bases are covered, from initial planning to final release and support.
Whether you're a project manager, technical team member or stakeholder, this methodology provides a clear roadmap for navigating the complexities of technical project implementation.
For more information please contact hello@batch.com
Selma Bennamane
Senior Solutions Engineer @ Batch (Project Management Professional Certified)
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