
You have decided in favour of a SAM tool. Now it’s a matter of introducing it properly. Similar to building a house, in many cases the desired tool does not look the way you imagined it would once it is ready for use.
This article will help you get the SAM tool you want.
- When is the SAM tool implemented?
Your selected SAM tool is installed at your premises or at a hoster’s or operated as a SaaS application in the cloud. The technical implementation for the manufacturer is often already complete when the tool is ready to run.
Data may have been transferred to the tool. In many projects, I have experienced that this is when the work begins. The transferred data must be corrected, links have to be created and missing information has to be supplied.
A SAM tool is only fully implemented when it is available to users, all data is correctly available, and the configuration of the tool has been completed.
- How do I find the right implementation partner?
By purchasing or renting a SAM tool, you have decided in favor of a manufacturer. The manufacturer often provides you with suggestions as to who can implement this tool for you. This may be the manufacturer itself or a partner company. Make sure that the person who technically prepares your tool for you has experience with it. As a rule, you do not know the tool in sufficient detail to be able to judge how well processes, reports etc. are mapped. Ask for references.
Your tool will only be implemented as well as the people involved can do it technically.
- What can I expect from a SAM tool?
An important aspect that cannot be emphasized enough is your requirements description. In the selection process of a SAM tool, experience shows that manufacturers will answer almost all questions about your requirements in the affirmative. If you later want to test various functions, you will realize that you meant the question quite differently and that a “no” would have been the correct answer from the manufacturer.
Our advice is therefore: Define exactly what you expect and have important points shown to you in a demo version or, better still, in a PoC. Only when you have understood how the tool works can you determine which points need to be considered during implementation.
Do not underestimate the ongoing work with the SAM tool. Your expectations will be disappointed if there is insufficient capacity for data maintenance after the implementation project.
- What do I need to consider during acceptance?
To accept your new SAM tool as fully installed and customized to your requirements, you need the know-how to operate it.
Our tip: Have a few people trained extensively before the tool is accepted. A test can only provide clarity if you know how and what you need to test.
Also use your original catalogue of requirements when accepting the tool. The manufacturer’s answers should be confirmed in the test.
- How can SAMtoa help me?
If you need help with the selection or implementation of your SAM tool, we will be happy to assist you. It is better to take a well-thought-out approach to implementation than to have to use an inadequate tool later. The good mood quickly fades, and the tool lies idle.
Benefit from our experience!
The Author
Kirsten Springer
Managing Director and Licensing expert of SAMtoa GmbH
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