A Server For Testing and Training: Insist On It

When you’re comparing public safety software systems, there are a lot of things you ought to be asking about.  Of course, you need to think about cost, software functions, training, and support plans. As someone who helps agencies through the implementation process, let me add one more important factor that ought to be on your radar: a training/testing server.

Not every software vendor offers this option.  If they don’t, you ought to ask why not. This important piece of equipment can make a major difference from the start, beginning with the way your agency prepares your staff for new software. Long after the go-live, that server will be an essential tool for training new employees, trying out new features, and preparing for seamless software updates and upgrades.

One of the first things we do when we work to bring Zuercher Suite software to your agency is set up a testing/training server.  It’s an essential part of your implementation process for a number of reasons.

• Data Conversion : As we bring your legacy data over to your new system, we load it up to your testing/training server. Your agency uses the server to help you verify that you’ve identified what you need to use and that it’s come over in a way that will work for your agency. You can see your data and how it fits into your new system prior to when you go live or even start your training.
• Configuration Testing: As we configure your system to meet your needs for workflow and other processes, we do it first on your testing/training server. Our staff can see how your system is going to work and make any needed tweaks to your configurations long before we flip the switch to go live. It helps eliminate surprises and the stress those surprises can bring.
• Realistic Training: Once your training begins, our implementation analysts will lead sessions with your staff using the actual software with your real data. They’ll learn where to find the things they use every day in the new system. They get the real-life experience. Your go-live is that much easier because your staff has had training that is really worth their time.
• On-going Worry-free Practice:  Any time you want, your staff can play with the new software as much as they want on the testing/training server. You can practice outside your official training sessions. You can’t mess it up.  Experiment with reports. Try looking up names, vehicles or addresses. It’s a safe place to learn more. You can’t break anything.

For years to come, the testing/training server will continue to benefit your agency. As you want to dig deeper into the functions of your software, to experiment with more advanced features, like custom forms or custom modules, you have a great place to try things out. You can also use it for training new employees on the basics before you let them loose on your real system.

When we update or upgrade your software, it goes first to your testing/training software. We check minor and major releases to make sure that everything will work well for you. The Zuercher Technologies support team contacts you to schedule any major upgrades. Your staff gets a chance to try out new features and functions weeks before they will go into effect on your "real” Zuercher Suite system.  Our testing/training server is part of the reason we have a reputation in the industry for one of the most pain-free update processes.

What the bottom line?  Your new software ought to include a testing/training server. It should be an integral part of your total implementation process and part of any software updates or upgrades. Think seriously about the way you want to use your software system. And then insist on a software solution built with a testing/training server. You’ll be glad you did.