Getting to Phase 2

It seems many accounting systems never get fully implemented. As the implementation date approaches, technology and budget pressures force the team to separate the "needs" from the "nice to haves." The nice to haves are delayed until Phase 2 in order to meet the project deadline. The problem is that Phase 2 never comes. An accounting system should be examined regularly to be sure it is relevant and up to date. Phase 2 projects are a good way to do this. Here are some suggestions: 1. Ask the accounting staff to identify time wasters. 2. Put reporting tools into the hands of the end users so they can get the information they need. 3. Have one system create a data file and have the other one read it. 4. Include operational data in the accounting system. 5. Make an effort to attend the customer events hosted by the software developer or consulting firm from which the system was purchased.