So you are about to enter the implementation phase of ReconPro.  But how do you know if it is performing as expected?  Pilot testing is the final step before your complete go-live implementation.  If you are not sure what pilot testing is, or how to do it, read on.

Let’s take a look at why pilot testing is important to begin with.  If you do not perform this important step you run the risk of –

• Misquoting estimates – You could lose business by quoting estimates too high, or put yourself in a bind by quoting your services too low.
• Inaccurate invoices – Imagine the frustration your clients will feel if you invoice them too much, conversely you may legally be stuck with too low of an amount on an invoice.
• Paying out the wrong commissions – Technicians don’t like to work for free.
• Erroneous QuickBooks postings – This can jeopardize your whole bottom line.

These are just a few examples of what could go wrong, but hopefully it stresses to you the importance of this part of the system execution.  These errors can threaten customer confidence, hinder negotiations, and generally paint a negative image of your business.

Now before we fill you with thoughts of doom and despair – rest assured that a proper testing plan should eliminate all these possibilities.  The process of testing is pretty straight forward – the outcomes of your online processes should equate to your paper processes as you run them simultaneously.  Yes, this means that you will need to do both for a short while, but a short investment of time now will save you time and headaches later down the road.  Plus, most often, with adequate planning and data entry, testing will go smoothly and just reinforce that the system is working well.

Proper pilot testing is an important part of implementing your new system.  The time spent will give you peace of mind and confidence for the switch over and years to come.