Why Your Vendor Shouldn't Define Your Campus's Strategic Future

In the ever-evolving world of higher education, the rush to integrate new technologies can push institutions into making fast, often hasty decisions. Many mistakenly believe that serious planning should only begin after choosing a vendor and welcoming the product implementation team. They are the experts, right?

Wrong.

This mindset proves costly, leading to missed opportunities and reduced effectiveness both during the implementation and after.

Understanding the Role of Vendors and Implementation Partners

Vendors and implementation partners are vital in configuring and deploying technology. However, their focus primarily centers on their products and the success of past clients. They lack the perspective needed to chart your institution's ideal future state. Their recommendations often reflect a one-size-fits-all strategy, which struggle to fit your campus culture, your project team's capabilities and your institution's specific initiatives.

For example, a vendor may suggest a standardized software package that worked for another university, yet it may not address the specific needs of your institution. This happens often and the misalignment is only discovered well after launch day.

Rather than rely solely on vendors for strategic guidance, institutions should engage in comprehensive institutional-led preparation. Gathering insights from peer research, exploring the experiences of similarly sized institutions, and tapping into the creative potential of campus leaders can help form a clearer vision of your future. This pre-work lays a foundation that your implementation partner can help refine.

The Importance of Pre-Implementation Planning

A critical misconception is that new systems can resolve complex, inefficient processes. If your workflows are inefficient now, they will remain so—just housed within a more attractive platform. Pre-planning is essential for identifying and resolving bottlenecks before they become entrenched in the new system.

For instance, if a university has been using a custom solution for managing student records, transitioning to a cloud-based alternative may result in challenges if the underlying processes were not optimized beforehand. Many cloud platforms for student management or finance do not support extensive customizations, making it crucial to address inefficiencies prior to implementation.

The Benefits of Investing in Pre-Implementation Planning

Institutions that prioritize pre-implementation planning often enjoy smoother transitions, increased stakeholder buy-in, and enhanced long-term results. By taking the time to evaluate existing processes and envision a more efficient future state, they set themselves up for success.

Engaging in thoughtful planning not only prepares an institution for new technology but also fosters collaboration among faculty and administration. Encouraging input from various departments can lead to innovative approaches that a vendor might not propose, ensuring the technology aligns closely with institutional goals.

Curious about effective planning strategies? Legato Strategic Consulting recently hosted two webinars focused on planning for a new ERP/SIS. While the insights provided are specifically aimed at ERP/SIS implementations, they are relevant to any technological initiative in higher education. Reach out to us to request a recording.

Final Thoughts

While vendors and implementation partners play essential roles in deploying new technology, they should not dictate your campus's strategic future. Engaging in thoughtful pre-implementation planning helps institutions uncover inefficiencies, align technology with their unique goals, and ultimately attain better outcomes. By taking control of your strategic vision, you can ensure new systems act as catalysts for significant, positive change instead of merely shiny new tools.

To get more strategic campus insights like this, subscribe to our free newsletter.