Getting Started

Onboarding Launch Conference Call

The onboarding process begins with the onboarding  conference call. For more information, please click here.

Software programs versus systems

Everyone has installed software programs and started using them right away, so it is important to understand that DesignSmart is a project management software system and unlike a single program, getting a system fully online is a process. And the process has phases:

•Training

•Configuring the system

•Going live

•Adjusting some of the initial configuration settings

•Possible modifications

 
Is training available?

Yes! We provide live training and there are various training videos that you can watch on your own. For more information about training click here.

When should you start using DesignSmart?

Most firms will continue to use their current software and/or workflow processes to complete any design projects that are nearing completion. This means the specification items and graphics won't be entered into DesignSmart.

If a project is relatively new, then some firms will go ahead and enter the design information from those projects into DesignSmart so they can use DesignSmart for the remainder of the project.

Some firms will wait and only start to use DesignSmart on new projects.

How long will it take to "get up to speed" with DesignSmart?

The answer will depend on whether or not your firm needs to have DesignSmart customized before you can go live.

Let's start by considering a firm that goes live with DesignSmart without any customizations (read more information about this here). The process would look something like this:

1.You will need to designate someone in your firm to the be lead and we refer to that person as the System Administrator (SA).

2.Your SA will need about 3 - 5 hours for training and setting up the initial configuration settings.

3.Then all staff will watch training videos then participate in live training. All of this will take about 3 hours.

4.Then your firm is ready to go live. The core configuration will have been completed and everyone has been trained in the core parts of the system.

5. There are still more training processes to learn about client deposits, vendor deposits and purchase orders, but they can be covered once your firm is online and needs to use these features.

6.If your firm uses the QuickBooks Connector module, the same process as above applies but the person in charge of QuickBooks will need to spend approximately 3 hours in additional live training and setup.

And if you opt to have DesignSmart customized before you go live?

If your firm requires customizations prior to going live, then, depending on the extent of the customizations,  it will take a few days or weeks to complete the coding. Once the coding is completed, the process described above will apply.

Is there a list of exactly what we need to do to implement DesignSmart?

Yes. Click here to see the list.

What do we do if we need technical support?

Usually you'll need to send our Support department an email. You can learn more about that here.

What about getting up to speed with the QuickBooks Connector?

If your firm uses the QuickBooks Connector,  it will take the System Administrator, or whoever is in charge of your QuickBooks file, an additional 5 hours of setup and training to get the system ready to work with DesignSmart. There will also be additional training and follow-up with these persons during the first few weeks since there are more "moving parts" involved.