Change for change's sake is never a good idea, so before you jump ship for a new interior design project management software and live to regret it, it's important to figure out your needs. Why do you want to make the switch? What is your current software missing? What do you not love about it? The price? The support? Specific features? Make a list to refer to while you're evaluating a new software to ensure you don't go from one bad fit to another!
So you’re not satisfied with your current interior design project management software. You’ve done the research, found a new software that checks off all the boxes, and now, you have to transition over to it. Depending on how long you’ve been on your current interior design project management software, making the switch can seem like a daunting task – with lots of little moving pieces. But not to worry, it’s often not as bad as you think it’ll be, and a lot of the time, there’ll be a lot of support along the way (at least, at Mydoma there is! 
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That being said, it does take time and effort to make the move – but here are some things you can do to ensure that transitioning to your new interior design project management software is as smooth as possible!
If your clients access their project files, paperwork, or things like warranty info from your current interior design project management software, then you need to notify them that you’re switching platforms, reassure them that all their project info will be still available, and, prepare them for some possible downtime as you make the transition and bring all their info over. A simple email can suffice, or you can give them a quick call, but really you just want to prep them so that they don’t have any nasty surprises, and you don’t get any panicked messages at 10pm on a Saturday.
One of the biggest ways you can save time & energy when switching from one interior design project management software to another is to see if anything you have can be imported into the new platform. You did all that work and don’t want to lose it all, so be sure to ask your new provider if this is possible! Here at Mydoma, we can import vendors, products, and clients from a CSV file. Generally it’s best to start with vendors and products since they’re the things that have the most info and data attached to them, before moving on to everything else you want to transfer.
To ensure you get up and running as soon as possible, be sure to set aside some time to learn and familiarize yourself with the new platform. Look for help articles, videos, support chat, trainings, and any other support provided. Remember, you’re investing in your business. We know it can be frustrating and time consuming at first, but you’ll save SO much time in the future. Don’t know where to start? Think of why you joined the platform – what problem are you looking to solve? Figure it out, and then just keep on answering that question with a different answer each time!
When you’re making the switch from one interior design project management software to another is the perfect time to review, tweak, and weed anything out from your process as a designer. So be sure to carve out some time for this as well, because not only will you make your process stronger, but having a system or process already in place will help you make a smoother transition to a new platform. Nothing sinks time like having to start from scratch! With your process down on paper, it’ll be much easier to map it out in your new project management software.
Just like how we started with the client, we need to wrap up this process with the client too. When you’ve finally transferred over, be sure to re-onboard your clients. The last thing you want to do is give them a login and say good luck! So either record a Loom, or jump onto a Zoom or Google Hangouts to run them through the new interior design project management software. You’ll want to cover how to log in, show them around, and, teach them how they can find all their important info, or work with you in the software.
Making the switch to a new interior design project management software can feel like a scary or time-consuming prospect. But, if you prepare in advance, and work on what we talked about today, you might find that making the switch can be pretty painless and easy!
Are you currently thinking about making the switch and are evaluating your options? We’d love to show you how Mydoma stacks up against your current interior design project management software, and, how we could switch you over to the premier platform for interior designers with as little hassle as possible!
Sign up for a free 15-day trial to see for yourself, or, book a demo with us to learn more!
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