Ways to banish computer nightmares

Story at a Glance

What you should do beforc and after buying a computer to avoid problems...why prepurchase planning and prcparation side step grief how best to bring a new system on board. how many support analysts they have, the hours they are available and their average response time. The training provided, the skill of the trainers, the amount of time spent on training at the site or in a classroom and the location of the class should be pre-determined.

Incompatible computers are another problem. Dealers put a system in a second location and find it will not network with the first location.

Avoid these situations by buying a major brand or a compatible system, consultants warn. Never buy proprietary hardware or software and stay away from generic brands.

Computers that don't work as promised and cause more problems than they solve keep many managers awake at night.

Consultants counter that the buyer should do a lot of up front research on both the vendor and system as well as their unique software requirements. If this is done properly with the best software and hardware selected, it's only a matter of time and hard work, they say. Some recommend starting with a minimum system that provides a base for growth. "lf you add components as they're needed, the system will be productive from day one," a consultant recommended. "lt can take months to be up and running at full speed, but the gradual learning curve is less frustrating and more productive."

Complaints and resistance from employees create more migraines. Consultants explain this lack of receptiveness as a reluctance to go into the unknown. They say that the patient trainer can lead balkers on board to success. Working on site, learning to do individual work with the use of documents and remote dial-in support by modem helps to assimilate the wary person. Usually, they become converts and love the capability they gain with the system.

Other nightmares come from maintenance fees that keep increasing, being coerced into buying expensive upgraded hardware and trying to modify programs. Again consultants point out that an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. Investigate the reputation and financial stability of the vendor, the capability of the software, the training, the support and documentation before buying, not after.

Guide to Computer Success

(l) Determine what you want the system to do, your special individual needs.

(2) Do extensive research and preparation including visiting similar operations using systems you are considering.

(3) Select software first, basing choice on specific needs, e.g., the ability to bill in lumber units such as board feet.

(4) Buy only major brand or major brand compatible hardware, zero in on special needs.

(5) Verify training, skill of trainers, time spent on-site or in class, location of classroom, continuing education or user meetings.

(6) Investigate the support program including hours available, number o[ analysts, response time.

(7) Look for easy to read and understand, non-jargon documentation.

(8) Check out vendor references for reputation, support, training, financial responsibility, satisfaction.