I don't know about y'all, but I have quite a few customers embarking on some type of conversion. Some are converting from one CRM software system to another CRM solution, and others are doing database conversions. Whatever type of conversion you are doing, you may want to consider conducting a "readiness" in the beginning, just to make sure this company (and the business users) are ready for change.

When speaking about readiness, I consider asking the right people the following questions:

1. What are we gaining by doing this conversion? Maybe it is better integration with other systems or an upgrade in software services.

2. Do you, personally, use the old technology or database?

3. Did you have a part in selecting the old software or database? Were you involved in selection of the replacement software or database?

4. Who are the business users who rely on this software or database? How do we find those users?

5. Do we need to purchase new hardware? What is the usage on the old hardware? Is this CRITICAL?

6. Who supports the existing software and who will support the new implementation?

7. How much data is involved in the conversion? Is there any new data (maybe from MDM repository) that should be included in this conversion?

8. Is there an existing methodology for conducting conversions? In this methodology, are there steps (hoops) we can jump through quickly to find the low-hanging fruit for a fast win?

9. How are projects set up at this company?

In other words, ARE WE READY?