Implementing FormFast software at your facility is a big step, and it requires careful preparation. Picking your implementation team is core to your success. We turned to Pam Landry, Senior Systems Consultant, to help us identify the key positions to help you transition to your new system.

"In an ideal situation," says Pam, "a hospital would identify four key people for its implementation team. These people would have specific jobs and each of these jobs would contribute directly for a successful installation."

According to Pam, four positions and skill sets are key for a successful implementation: Project coordinator, form-overlay designer, data designer, and system operator. "The project coordinator is responsible for the implementation process and for bringing the rest of the team on board, " explains Landry. She adds that while the tasks are essential, the skills required are what drive the process forward. "The person in this position must think and act quickly…and must have an eye for detail. You need someone who can stay focused while dealing with multiple departments within the hospital," she adds.

The Form Overlay Designer is usually an experienced graphics person who is already performing the forms design function in the hospital. Again, Landry stresses that this person must be a detail-oriented, computer-literate staffer. "You want someone in this position who is familiar with scanning technology, using a mouse and who is also aware of the needs of your facility.

The Data Designer works closely with other members of the team and shares the same skill set as the Form Designer, with one important distinction: the data designer must also have knowledge of network technology. During the implementation process, the data designer is responsible for insuring that the print files generated by the form overlay designer have been placed into the proper directory for FormFast access. This individual will also create the merges and jobs for FormFast.

The System Operator rounds out the implementation team and monitors the hard drive space and FormFast logs, SysOp’s also takes on troubleshooting roles and verifying that the printing setup conforms to FormFast specifications. They must possess strong computer skills and a familiarity with network and printing technology. System Operators must also learn new software packages and perform maintenance.

Landry concludes: "Usually a hospital’s implementation team includes more than these four positions, but putting the right people, with the right skill sets into these four posts will go a long way toward a successful implementation. And the good news," she adds, "is that FormFast is always there to assist and bring these people along to match the needs of the implementation."