3 steps to the right editorial system

It’s a confusing landscape out there. There are many software products for editors, designers and content development teams that look similar on first glance. Visit any of the industry conferences or trade shows and you are likely to experience information overload. So how do you go about choosing the right system or choosing a new one when the old one isn’t doing what it should?

The feature articles in the latest issue of Allt om Tidskrifter, a magazine published by the Swedish Association of Magazine Publishers, give a fantastic overview of everything from how an editorial system works, to what people using the leading systems really think. Experts like Marcus Lönngren, from Gothia Media, tell that “businesses need to realise that it isn’t “just” about a new system – it’s about an organisational change.”

We’ve translated “3 steps to the right editorial system” written by Sara Hörberg, to help you on your way.

"A good editorial system facilitates planning, production and publication. But the choice can be difficult."

Illustration: Clara TerneAllt om Tidskrifter

Planning

Establish goals and criteria based on our needs – Explore whether your business is ready for organisational change and look into the financial resources that are needed in terms of human resources, investment in external consulting, licenses, configuration, integration and implementation.

Calculate the project profitability and payback period.

Implementation

  • Find your ambassadors – It is crucial to get the right people involved. Try to involve enthusiastic project champions who will motivate others during the various stages of the production process. This will increase your chance of getting people aboard quickly and embedding the changes.
    • Set aside enough time – The time required for rolling-out a system varies depending on many factors, but 1-3 weeks is reasonable. This includes providing system training right before the system is being rolled out. Consider whether you need to bring in temporary staff during this time period, and what types of training are best.
      • Be understanding – Introducing an editorial system is a change that requires commitment from all employees – and it needs to be done at the same time that they already have existing jobs to do. Don’t forget that it is never an individual’s fault if something doesn’t work – it is the system that should be adjusted to the needs of employees.

Follow up

Don’t wait too long before you evaluate the project and get feedback – the best is a few weeks to after implementation.