What is Implementation?
Definition
The process of deploying, configuring, and operationalizing software after vendor selection, including data migration, training, and go-live activities. Implementation encompasses planning, system configuration, data transfer from legacy systems, user training, testing, and transition to production use. Success requires coordinating technical setup, organizational change management, and vendor support throughout the deployment lifecycle.
Why This Matters
Implementation phase determines software success or failure. Without proper planning, resources, and vendor support, even excellent products fail to deliver value. 73% of software implementations fail due to poor planning, inadequate training, or insufficient change management. Your RFP must extract clear implementation commitments: timeline, resources, support model, and success metrics. Don't wait until after signing to discover your 'quick deployment' takes 18 months.
Related Terms
Showing semantically related terms from our RFP knowledge graph. Priority connections are highlighted.
Essential Connections
Onboarding Process
Implementation & Deployment
The structured approach to deploying software including project planning, system configuration, data migration, user training, testing, and go-live.
Implementation Methodology
Implementation & Deployment
The vendor's structured approach to deploying software including project phases, milestones, deliverables, and success criteria.
Data Migration
Implementation & Deployment
The process of transferring existing data from legacy systems to new software including data extraction, transformation, validation, mapping, and import.
Implementation Questions
RFP Fundamentals
30-50 RFP questions covering onboarding timeline, training programs, data migration strategy, technical support, customer success resources, and change management.
Training Program
Implementation & Deployment
Structured education to enable user proficiency including live sessions, recorded videos, documentation, certification programs, and ongoing learning resources.
Vendor Onboarding
Pricing & Total Cost
The structured process of integrating a selected vendor including contract execution, system access provisioning, stakeholder introductions, kickoff meetings, and project plan finalization.
Project Kickoff
Implementation & Deployment
Initial meeting establishing project scope, roles, timeline, communication protocols, and success criteria between vendor and customer teams.
Implementation Costs
Pricing & Total Cost
One-time expenses for deploying software including project management, configuration, customization, data migration, integration development, and training.
Implementation Support
Implementation & Deployment
Vendor-provided assistance during software deployment, including technical guidance, configuration support, and issue resolution.
Vendor Selection
Vendor Management & Evaluation
The systematic process of evaluating and choosing software vendors based on product capabilities, security compliance, implementation support, company stability, and pricing.
Contract Negotiation
Pricing & Total Cost
The process of finalizing terms with the selected vendor including pricing adjustments, SLA modifications, customization scope, payment terms, and exit clauses.
Change Management
Implementation & Deployment
The process of preparing and supporting individuals and teams through organizational change including communication plans, stakeholder engagement, resistance mitigation, and adoption tracking.
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Related RFP Templates
Explore our top RFP templates - all 75 templates include questions about implementation