Part 3: Rollout

Adopting a usage-based billing platform can be a game changer for businesses looking to shift to more sophisticated, client-oriented business models that enable significant revenue growth. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been walking through the 21 steps, broken into three phases, leading to a successful new-system launch. The first seven steps covered the strategy phase, and the next seven covered system implementation.

Now, let’s take a look at the last phase of the system transition, in which you’ll prepare your teams and your clients for the new business model and its underlying platform.

Steps 15 Through 21: Rollout

15. Conduct User Acceptance Testing

Be sure your internal team is ready — and the new system works like it should — by having them test the software in real-world scenarios. Does it handle tasks the way it’s supposed to? Are there any functionality gaps or bugs that need addressing? And, most importantly, is the internal team prepared and eager to buy in to the new system?

16. Develop and Stick to “Go/No-Go” Criteria

Every software launch will be followed by maintenance to fix lingering bugs and issues that didn’t appear in pre-launch testing. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for launching an “unfinished” solution. Your implementation team should work closely with your vendor to develop minimum acceptance criteria to ensure the solution is functioning at a high enough quality to keep users — and customers — happy after launch, even while any last wrinkles are being ironed out.

17. Shore Up Your Support Functions

The shift to a new business model and billing platform will undoubtedly lead to inquiries and issues from both customers and internal users. Ensure your support teams are accessible and equipped to efficiently and effectively help resolve any problems that arise.

18. Update Your Marketing Materials

Ensure your new pricing model — with all its benefits to customers — is clear on your website and in any other marketing collateral, including e-books, tip sheets, brochures, and blog posts. Use these materials not only to preempt questions and confusion but also to generate excitement about the new structure and the opportunities it provides to improve the customer experience.

19. Enable Your Sales Team

Ensure your sales team has the tools and training they need to sell under the new pricing models, taking full advantage of the revenue opportunities they present. Fully enabling the sales team will go a long way in avoiding uncertainty-based customer churn and increasing lifetime value following the launch of the new model and system.

20. Prepare Your Executive Leadership and Shareholders

With the new billing models and monetization platform, revenue recognition and reporting processes will inevitably change, and it’s important to be sure leaders and shareholders are ready for the shift. Give them a preview of the new process, highlighting benefits such as near-real-time reporting, consistent transparency, and ongoing regulatory compatibility.

21. Communicate with Customers

Orchestrate a series of customer communications explaining the changes and benefits and letting them know what they can expect under the new billing model. Focus on the opportunities for increased value, more personalized offerings, and improved invoicing and billing processes.

Following these 21 steps for strategy, implementation and rollout will ensure your organization is ready for a successful launch of your new business models and the software that supports them. But the foundation of this transformation is having the right vision in place to begin with, and the right vendor can help you define that vision and create a plan to make it a reality.

At Gotransverse, we pride ourselves on being more than just a vendor to our clients — we’re a strategic partner that can help you define the goals, requirements, and measures for success for your new business model and platform. And, of course, when it comes to implementing the new system, we’re here with you every step of the way, from strategy to launch and beyond. If your organization is ready to increase your revenue potential by adopting an agile monetization system, we invite you to take a tour of the Gotransverse platform today, and call us to schedule your complimentary, personalized demo.