PlanIt Police Blog

Excited for your new software but nervous some officers will be hesitant to get onboard? Not to worry. There are some simple things you can do to ensure a smooth roll out for everyone. 

The whole point of implementing new software is to make processes in your agency more efficient. However, learning something new takes time. You may have to adjust some of your normal processes. But as long as you're prepared and ready, it will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. 

Below we have listed 5 actions you can take to ensure a successful implementation of police software.:

1. Communication

It is essential to communicate with your employees about the new product and the implementation plan. Whether they are in charge of setting it up or just using it once and a while, it is important to keep things transparent across the board.

Not only should you communicate with your employees, but also the software company you are purchasing from. If you have a complicated situation or concerns about how it will really work, explain it to the software company. No one knows the system better than them!

2. Prepare

Have a quiet area set up for training. Know when exactly your training is and what you need to be ready. You can take some notes or draw some diagrams. Do whatever it is that helps you to learn and understand best.

Some systems are easier to learn than others but being prepared will help either way. One way to be prepared is to ask questions before. Check out our frequently asked questions for some common ones we've seen.

3. Training

Make sure to take training seriously without over thinking things. It is easy to get overwhelmed with something that is new. That is why it's so important to learn as much as possible during training and have someone to contact for any questions going forward. There is no need to worry when you have a solid support team there for you. 

4. Implementation

Rolling out your new system as soon as you've checked over everything will allow you to learn the system faster. The training will still be fresh in your mind and the system will be set up for success. As long as the software is user-friendly, you will be able to learn it quickly as you go.

If you're like me, you don't want to spend hours reading through a manual or training guide. You'll want to get a hands-on learning experience and ask questions from there. 

5. Feedback

Once rolling out the new software, collect feedback from your employees. Do they understand how to use the system? Do they believe it will enhance efficiency? Is it easy to use?

Asking them these questions will allow to clear up any issues they may have with the new software. If there are any issues, getting them resolved quickly will enhance trust and satisfaction with the new software. 

Implementing new software is always exciting and sometimes stressful. It is important to know that the software company you have chosen will be there to answer any questions you may have and set you up for success. Follow these 5 suggestions and find what works best in your agency!

In the first step, you want to inform officers of the software. What will it do for them? How will their work life be improved? What can they expect?

Download the PowerPoint below to answer some of these questions before implementation!

Read more:

• What You Should Know About The PlanIt Police Setup Process
• How Do Scheduling Templates Work? What are they?
• How to Easily Test and Implement New Patrol Schedules