For managed service providers (MSPs), digital transformation is now mission-critical. However, in a rush to scale, many implement tools without a clear strategy, leading to overwhelmed teams and underutilized systems.
In 2024, 85% of managed service providers (MSPs) cited process automation as their top priority. Yet many still struggle to implement tools like ConnectWise Manage effectively.
The software itself is powerful, but without a structured implementation, businesses risk having misaligned workflows, disconnected data, and a missed return on investment (ROI).
This is where a comprehensive ConnectWise Manage implementation process becomes essential. From discovery through go-live, a methodical approach can prevent integration failures, user confusion, and delays.
This blog presents a practical, end-to-end ConnectWise Manage implementation checklist designed to guide MSPs at every stage. Read on!
Table of Contents1. The 7 Phases of a Successful ConnectWise Manage Implementation
2. Common Challenges and Solutions 3. Let Experts Simplify Your Implementation Journey 4. FAQs |
A structured rollout reduces risk, ensures alignment, and accelerates platform ROI. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:
Before implementation begins, understanding the “why” is critical. What are the business objectives? Where are the gaps in the current process? Without clarity at this stage, the entire project is at risk.
Here’s what a robust discovery phase looks like:
Discovery isn’t just a kickoff. It’s the foundation. Without it, even the best software will fall short.
Once the objectives are defined, a detailed plan must follow. This includes mapping workflows, defining team roles, and prioritizing modules.
Planning also includes understanding how ConnectWise Manage will scale with your business. For example, forecasting user growth or new service offerings ensures your setup can adapt. At Bering McKinley, planning isn’t just about timelines. It’s about future-proofing.
Configuration is where ConnectWise Manage comes to life. Done right, it brings clarity and structure. Done poorly, it causes confusion and chaos.
Every business has unique workflows. Bering McKinley ensures configurations reflect those nuances.
An MSP approached us after struggling with an underperforming ConnectWise Manage setup. Initially configured by an internal staffer with limited expertise, their system failed to align with key business processes. The result was disrupted workflows, missing data in reports, and challenges in synchronizing financial records.
Bering McKinley stepped in, mapped their operations, and rebuilt the platform to reflect how they actually worked. We retrained staff, guided leadership on data-driven decision-making, and unlocked powerful reporting tools.
The impact? This MSP now measures profitability, improves client experience, and scales more efficiently. Proper configuration didn’t just fix issues—it became a catalyst for business growth and operational clarity.
Another tip: involve end users early. Let them test draft configurations and provide feedback. Their insights prevent rework post-launch. A successful ConnectWise Manage implementation depends on thoughtful, business-specific configuration, not out-of-the-box defaults.
Clean, accurate data powers ConnectWise Manage. However, many MSPs underestimate the complexity of migration.
Data accuracy ensures continuity. When executed correctly, data migration enhances automation capabilities, streamlines billing, and improves reporting accuracy.
Training is often rushed or generic. Nevertheless, tool adoption depends entirely on user confidence.
BMK’s training methodology blends system navigation with real-world applications.
Don't stop at launch. Provide refresher sessions at 30-, 60-, and 90-day marks. Teams forget—repetition helps. Bering McKinley focuses on enablement, not just education. That’s the difference between usage and mastery.
Testing is more than a checklist. It’s a reality check. It ensures that every module performs as expected before full adoption.
Use a “day in the life” approach for testing. Simulate the complete journey of a support ticket, from initial creation to final invoicing, to validate processes. Are approvals working? Are alerts triggered on time?
Take testing seriously. It’s your last chance to optimize before rollout.
Go-live isn’t the end. It’s the start of ongoing optimization.
It’s recommended to roll out high-impact modules in a soft launch phase to reduce operational risk. For instance, activate service boards before sales pipelines, then scale as confidence builds.
ConnectWise Manage implementation doesn’t end here. It evolves with your business.
Even with the best plans, obstacles happen. Here are the top challenges—plus BMK’s approach to solving them.
Challenge |
Solution |
|
Resistance to change |
Provide training tailored to specific roles and engage key team members early, starting at the discovery stage |
|
Data discrepancies |
Run detailed pre-migration audits and post-migration QA |
|
Over-customization |
Prioritise standard workflows and make adjustments once users are comfortable |
|
Delayed adoption |
Create internal champions and reward usage milestones |
BMK has seen and solved it all. Our framework addresses not just tools, but people, process, and performance.
With over two decades of experience, Bering McKinley is one of the most trusted names in ConnectWise Manage implementation. Our consultants offer deep technical expertise, paired with a real-world understanding of service delivery.
From discovery to go-live and beyond, we help MSPs reduce implementation risks, improve adoption, and drive ROI faster.
Reach out today to begin your custom-tailored implementation journey, designed to scale with your business!
Key Takeaways
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