Help, I’ve become a key user!

Table of contents

Maybe you know the feeling: you go to work thinking it’s going to be a normal day. But then the unexpected happens: you are asked to become a key user of a new IT system that’s about to be implemented. Yes, you heard that right, you are one of the chosen ones to help with the implementation. This might cause some hesitation because you are unfamiliar with this role. In this blog, you will discover the advantages of being part of your organisation’s key user team and why key users are indispensable during the implementation of a new IT system. So, read on and find out why you’ve just taken an important step in your career!

You know the business like no other

As a key user, you understand your organisation and the needs of your colleagues better than anyone else. This makes you the ideal person to be involved in the implementation. You gather requirements and wishes and bring them into the implementation process. Your input helps tailor the new software to the needs of your company and its employees. Essentially, you are advocating for your colleagues so that everyone can benefit optimally from the new software. You can fulfil this role especially well if you are among the key players of your company or team, which is why you were chosen. 

You are indispensable in the adoption process

When thinking of an IT implementation, you might assume the software is the most important aspect, but that’s not entirely the case. The human factor plays a crucial role in the acceptance of upcoming changes. As a key user, you are the person who brings the software to life for your organisation and guides its use. A significant part of your role is training your colleagues. By providing clear instructions and tips, you can help them use the software correctly. You can also motivate them to embrace the software by demonstrating its benefits. All of this helps promote the acceptance of the new software and improve the user experience. To do this effectively, you need to be well-liked in the group and possess excellent communication skills. This is another reason why you were chosen.

You build a significant knowledge advantage

As a key user, you not only build a significant knowledge advantage regarding the new software but also gain a broader understanding of the organisation you work for. The integrated nature of business software means you gain more knowledge about using the software and a better understanding of how different departments within your organisation collaborate. This makes you a valuable source of information and knowledge. You possess not only the technical knowledge and skills to use the new business software but also an understanding of the processes and workflows associated with it. By sharing your knowledge and insights with your colleagues, you can contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your organisation. You also get to know many more colleagues and often several people from higher management. This will increase your value and opportunities within the organisation!

You learn to work project-based by doing it

An important aspect of an implementation is that it is carried out as a project. This means you gain a lot of experience in project-based work and project methods such as the agile way of working. No matter how different projects are in terms of content, many aspects of project-based work are consistently the same. This is an invaluable experience for the future of your career.

Last but not least: consultants can’t do without you

As a key user, you are an indispensable link in the implementation process of new business software. Consultants cannot do without your deep knowledge of the business processes, workflows, and specific needs of the organisation. As an internal expert, you act as a source of information for consultants. Moreover, as an early adopter, you are among the first to use the new software and provide crucial feedback. This feedback is invaluable for consultants to improve the software and better tailor it to the organisation’s needs. In short, as a key user, you are a true hero!