Common SaaS implementation problems

Cloud computing has transformed the business landscape. In particular, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has enabled organizations to manage their infrastructure cost-effectively, and so has become increasingly popular in business. SaaS provides various advantages to businesses, such as cost-efficiency and scalability. However, common SaaS implementation problems can keep organizations planning to adopt SaaS from reaping its full benefits. This article will identify these challenges and provide solutions to overcome them.

What is SaaS implementation?

SaaS implementation is a complex process that involves integrating a software application into an existing business workflow. It requires assessing various factors, such as business needs, budget, benefits, limitations, and more beforehand. Once a plan for implementing which software to use is finalized, the process can commence.

What are the common problems with implementing SaaS?

Here are some of the most common issues encountered when implementing SaaS.
 
Unclear objectives and purpose
Many businesses don’t have a clear understanding of the purpose behind implementing SaaS solutions. Instead of investing time to study their organizational requirements, they may choose to follow trends. This lack of clarity regarding the objectives and purpose of SaaS implementation can result in confusion, misaligned expectations, and unsuccessful deployment.
 
Solution: It's essential for business owners to fully understand what implementing SaaS will do for their company. They should consider questions such as which data will be integrated with SaaS solutions, why they need a SaaS solution, their expectations and desired outcomes, and whether the SaaS solution will work independently or integrate with other existing software. It's important to have well-defined goals before initiating discussions about the creation and deployment of SaaS solutions. Doing so can result in significant savings in terms of time, effort, and money.
 
Lack of control

When it comes to SaaS implementation, organizations often have limited control due to their reliance on third-party vendors for successful adoption. This dependence may lead to security breaches and service disruptions, ultimately resulting in monetary losses and wasted time.
 
Solution: When relying on a third-party vendor, you must make it a point to thoroughly understand the service level agreement (SLA). Doing so will help to ensure that you receive high-quality services while being protected from any negligence on the vendor's part.
 
Data security concerns

When businesses engage with third-party vendors for the first time, they may mistakenly assume that their data is secure. However, this assumption can lead to a lack of concrete documentation surrounding data privacy, leaving no contingency plans in the event of a breach. Even if the vendor has no intention of causing harm to the data, unforeseen circumstances that can result in data loss may arise.
 
Solution: Regardless of the reputation of the vendor you work with, it is crucial not to assume the safety of your data. To ensure data safety, detailed contingency plans for recovery and backup, along with SLAs, must be established, particularly when sensitive data is involved.
 
Loss of independence
Partnering with a third party for SaaS implementation can result in the loss of independence and lack of control for businesses. It often requires organizations to plan and operate their SaaS initiatives based on the vendor's regulations. For instance, various vendors have different payment policies, and timely payments are crucial for monthly packages to avoid service discontinuation.
 
Moreover, if a vendor increases their pricing beyond budget, transitioning to a new vendor can be a tedious and cumbersome process. Unless the vendor breaches the terms and conditions, contract agreements, or service level agreements, they can make significant decisions to a certain extent.
 
Solution: Before partnering with a vendor for SaaS implementation, you should conduct detailed background and compatibility checks, which entails reviewing a vendor’s portfolio and policies as well as looking for feedback about a vendor’s efficiency, experience, and customer support. This ensures you partner with a vendor that suits your organization, thereby reducing the likelihood of problems.
 
Implementing SaaS solutions can bring significant benefits to your organization. However, it's crucial not to ignore the challenges of SaaS implementation. If you're considering adopting SaaS for your business, our team of cloud specialists is ready to help you. Contact us today to learn more.