How IRP Commerce Runs an Efficient Replatforming Project

An IRP replatforming project is a time-intensive, three-month undertaking that requires a strong commitment from both the customer and the IRP project teams.

This article outlines how IRP Commerce runs a successful deployment project, ensuring that project deadlines are met and that there is clear communication throughout the entire project.

The optimal use of a project management tool is central to this is endeavour.

Before delving into the full detail, it is important to understand some of the reasons why projects can take longer than expected.

Why projects last longer than expected

In our experience, there are several reasons why this happens:

• Not enough consideration is given to the time and inputs required on the customer side.
• Tasks are not completed by the agreed dates.
• Multiple communication methods are used rather than one centralised project management tool.
• Last-minute changes are introduced to any part of the project.
• There is a lack of communication throughout the project.
• Changes of scope are introduced to the integration part of the project.

Using our optimised deployment processes and project plans, we overcome a lot of these from day one. This ensures a successful and on-time launch for the new website.

The importance of using a project management tool

Using a project management tool helps to ensure that deadlines are adhered to and that expectations are stated upfront and understood.

A project management tool provides several important benefits:

• A timeline is kept of communication.
• It is easier to look back and find conversations about the tasks.
• Multiple members can communicate in real time, thus making the tasks more efficient.
• Project updates ensure everyone is kept informed.
• Customers have direct access to the project team.

At IRP Commerce we use Asana as our tool of choice for managing projects.

• Asana comprises tasks, boards, file sharing, conversations and project updates.
• It has a simple interface that is easy to learn.
• It ensures that all communications between the customer and the deployment team are open and clear.

At the beginning of all deployments, our in-house Asana Certified Pro runs an Asana introduction course.

Keeping the deployment on track

Every project has challenges and occasionally meets with resistance. This is mainly because people don’t like change. With this in mind, we have worked out some important ways to keep the project on track.

Clear project plan

Our project plan is visible from the very start and is designed to be self-explanatory. Each task has a detailed description and a set of steps that need to be completed.

One of the most important things we have found is that having defined start and end dates gives everyone a clear focus.

And with daily updates from Asana, it is easy to see what needs to be completed, by whom and by what date. This ensures that the go-live date is met.

And we are always on hand to provide help and support, whenever required.

Full team participation

It works best if the customer’s full project team is invited to Asana. This helps the project to run smoothly and ensures that all communications are clear and collected together.

It also means that issues are responded to in a timely and conversational manner.

Centralised communications

It is always better to use the project management tool instead of sending emails to individuals (even though it might seem easier sometimes).

For example, when there are multiple people working on the project and someone is off work, everything can continue running to schedule as long as all communications are in the tool.

It also means that if new people are added to the project team, they can easily get up to speed without having to request and wade through trails of emails.

Regular project updates

Accompanying the tasks in the project plan that need to be completed for a smooth go-live, there are bi-weekly project updates for all business stakeholders.

These ensure that everyone is kept informed as the deployment progresses.

Switching successfully to the IRP

Over the years we have found that the factors described in this article are the ones that determine the success of a deployment.

By sticking to the principles outlined above, customers can ensure that their deployment is completed within the agreed timeframe. And, most importantly, they can provide their new website users with the best experience possible.

IRP customer Ann's Cottage recently migrated from Magento to the IRP. Their Ecommerce Manager, Luke Fox, speaks highly of the IRP deployment process:

Find out more

Replatforming To The IRP Platform Has Seen One Retailer Double Its Sales
Sales Expectations for the First Three Months after Replatforming to the IRP
Replatforming to the IRP: Best Practice and Mitigation of Risk
Replatform to the IRP
Switch from Magento to the IRP