1. Go Team: The conversion team should be structured properly and early. One of the many fun things I learned as a bank CIO leading a core conversion was that adding cross-functional resources that are key stakeholders enhances buy-in. Including team members from departments that cross all bank areas like accounting and IT will go a long way toward the success of the project.
2. Room (except for Chatty Cathy): The validation room is a key factor in the success of the full conversion. Workstations with dual monitors are preferable. Connectivity to both the donor platform(s) and the new platform makes for easier data validation. The people in the seats should have an aptitude for detail and fact-finding. They must be fully trained and comfortable on the new system. They also need to understand the majority of the business decisions that have been made during the set-up of the new system. Word of warning: a Chatty Cathy is likely to disrupt the project.
3. Focus: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities will help people stay focused on the tasks at hand. Resources must be dedicated not only to the event but to their role in the event. As an example:
4. Watch it! Manage the data effectively. Data validation is a tedious task for anyone, and management often starts asking questions like, “% Complete?” and “How many issues reported?” There are several data points to be considered for management:
To your health!
-Alison
A bad system conversion can literally “break the bank” and pose serious operational, management and perception risks to the organization.
That’s why you want the conversion experts from Cornerstone Advisors on your team.
We act as mentor, advisor, and best practice provider, and you can feel assured that at the end of the project, we’ll all be celebrating with a toast to a successful conversion.
Contact us today to learn how we do it.