Transitioning to new PAC software is a pivotal moment. Done right, it enhances operations, ensures compliance, and engages stakeholders. However, missteps can lead to delays, frustration, and inefficiencies. Here’s how to approach PAC software onboarding like a pro, using insights from Claire McDonough of Sagac Public Affairs.
Build a Solid Plan from the Start
A strong plan isn’t optional.
Claire highlighted, “No plan is a bad plan.” Vendors manage some tasks, like migrating data, but internal teams must prepare for what vendors can’t handle.
- Use a RACI chart: Define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task. Identifying who is responsible for what can streamline efforts.
- Set a timeline: Budget two to three months of overlap with your old vendor to ensure a seamless transition.
Focus on Smart Data Migration
Migrating data is critical—but not all data is worth saving. Keeping unnecessary data adds cost and complexity.
“Ask yourself…Do I really need that field tracking the 2018 young PAC professionals list?” Claire advised.
Action items:
- Audit your data. Keep only what provides value.
- Archive older records. Six years of receipts and disbursements are often sufficient.
- Use this time to request missing data from your IT or HR team that could enhance reporting.
Want Trusted Experts to Handle This for You?
Quorum’s Professional Services can simplify data migration and PAC management so you can focus on strategic goals. Here’s how we can help:
- Data and Duplicate Management: Maintain a clean, optimized database with duplicate merging and purging.
- PAC Check and Receipt Management: Ensure receipts are imported accurately, and checks are delivered seamlessly.
- PAC Filing and Compliance: Quorum’s experts file on-time reports with FEC or state election boards to keep your PAC compliant.
With an average of 10 years of experience, the Quorum team is equipped to tackle tactical work like data management, allowing your team to focus on driving PAC contributions and growth.
Engage Stakeholders Early
PAC onboarding isn’t a solo effort. Success requires collaboration across departments.
Key stakeholders:
- Accounting: They’ll need training and process alignment.
- Compliance: Ensure legal counsel or external compliance vendors are looped in.
- IT: Coordinate integrations early, like linking your membership or HR system.
- Communications: Update email templates or website branding during the transition.
Test, Train, and Transition
Testing ensures the system works, and training ensures people know how to use it. From data migration to workflow approvals, testing is non-negotiable.
Best practices:
- Test every function, from contributions to website integrations.
- Use role-specific training: “Make sure it’s not just you,” Claire noted. “It’s everybody else on your team.”
- Offer both live training for an overview and self-directed modules for flexibility.
Post-Launch: Keep the Momentum
The learning curve is real. Even experienced teams need time to adapt.
“You’re not going to know all the answers anymore,” Claire admitted. This adjustment period requires patience and support.
Tips for long-term success:
- Build comfort: Set a realistic timeline for reaching proficiency—one or two filing cycles may be needed.
- Provide ongoing support: Check in with stakeholders to address lingering issues.
- Encourage feedback: Continuous improvement ensures smoother operations and team buy-in.
Expert Advice: Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Procrastinating vendor communication: “If you wait too late…they can drag their feet in giving the data to the new vendor,” Claire warned.
- Rushing website updates: Assign someone to proofread and test mobile responsiveness.
Ignoring training compliance: Role-specific modules alone aren’t enough; ensure completion through accountability measures.
By following these expert strategies, your team can confidently navigate PAC software onboarding. Plan early, engage stakeholders, and invest in training to make the most of this critical transition.
Meet the Expert
- Claire McDonough: Head of National Accounts at Sagac Public Affairs.
- An expert on all things PAC software, Claire is passionate about PAC fundraising, data strategies, market research, political communications, issue advocacy, GOTV, and campaign work on behalf of clients.