The Top 8 Implementation and Go-Live FAQs

As your Go-Live date rapidly approaches, it’s natural to have a flurry of questions and concerns about the transition. This pivotal moment represents a major leap forward in technology and operations for your agency, and understanding the process can ease much of the uncertainty. You might be wondering what to expect, how to reassure weary staff, or whatever questions or concerns you have, we want to provide the answers you need. 

To help confidently navigate this phase, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about implementation and Go-Live. This guide will shed light on what to expect, who’s involved, how to manage training, and how to address any apprehensions your team might have. This blog covers the details of your upcoming transformation and prepares you to embark on this game-changing journey.

1. Our Go-Live Is Coming Up, What Can We Expect?

You can expect that the GUARDIAN RFID team will be there every step of the way to ensure your team has all the tools needed to be successful. Depending on the size and scope of your facility, you will have one or more Academy trainers on-site during the Go-Live process. For example, a larger facility will require an in-person pre-training meeting while a smaller facility can have these conversations over a phone call.

2. Who Is Involved With the Implementation?

Ever heard of a love triangle? Don’t worry, we aren’t that messy or complicated. However, we do have a three-sided workflow called the JailOps (short for Jail Operations) Triangle consisting of GUARDIAN RFID Project Managers, the Academy team, and Account Managers. In theory, Project Managers and the Academy team work together to bring a facility to complete implementation. 

Project Managers take the facility from the contract signing process to getting the facility prepared for training and Go-Live. Academy closes out the implementation by providing training and on-site support during Go-Live. The knowledge our Academy team provides is second to none as each trainer has at least ten years of correctional experience. 

Once implementation is wrapped up, the Account Managers are the main point of contact for any questions or coordination of any additional training needs. Whether it’s the Project Managers, Academy team, or Account Managers, the JailOps Triangle works together and makes the implementation process as smooth as possible. Our priority is for the staff to get the most out of their training so we aim to individualize the Go-Live process to each facility wherever possible. 

3. Can Training Occur Outside the Classroom?

If a staff member misses a classroom session, we make sure to connect with them on their shift to provide an overview of how to use the system. If your facility prefers, we can arrange for our trainers to shadow your staff directly instead of traditional classroom training. At GUARDIAN RFID, we strategically organize the training experience, balancing classroom sessions with staff shadowing to ensure project success. 

Our overarching goal is for your agency to understand how the new technology benefits daily operations. We believe that if employees feel better about what they can expect, then they’ll be more receptive. So, we prioritize ensuring every staff member feels seen, heard, and supported during the transition.

4. How Can I Ensure All Shifts Fully Grasp What They Learned?

We schedule the Go-Live within hours of the last training session, minimizing the gap between training and implementation to reduce information loss. In fact, many staff members prefer to apply their new knowledge immediately and appreciate having trainers on-site during the Go-Live. The Academy team takes full advantage of their on-site time, shadowing all shifts—day and night—to ensure comprehensive understanding. 

Trainers use this real-time opportunity to identify successes, areas for improvement, and further optimize the staff’s use of the new technology. GUARDIAN RFID prides itself on having a flexible team ready to answer questions, offer recommendations, and make the transition as smooth as possible.

5. How Can I Support Staff Who Are Uneasy About the Change?

While we hope your team eagerly anticipates the new tool, we understand some staff may feel apprehensive about the transition. Introducing new software is a big change-up and can be daunting for some. Unfortunately, resistance to change is one of the most common barriers to success. Our JailOps team is aware of this and ensures that the technology is introduced in a way that fosters positive adoption. Clearly communicating any goals, expectations, and timelines is our first initiative. 

Additionally, we provide resources before the Go-Live to help staff familiarize themselves with the system. Reviewing the videos on YouTube and the Officer Quickstart Guide we provide can help staff get comfortable with the system and prepare questions for the Academy team. Over the years, we've found that staff who are well-informed tend to adapt more quickly.

6. Does GUARDIAN RFID Install Wi-Fi?

GUARDIAN RFID does not handle Wi-Fi installations. The responsibility for setting up Wi-Fi networks and their components lies with the agency, county IT, or an agency-approved vendor. Our system performs best with a Wi-Fi connection, but our SPARTANs can also connect via an ethernet-enabled charging cradle if Wi-Fi is unavailable. We recommend using a DHCP Scope for the most secure and effective configuration. We will provide MAC addresses for devices and a whitelist document.

7. How Long Should We Continue Using Our Old System After Go-Live?

We understand that transitioning from a familiar system can be challenging. However, the sooner your team shifts from the old system to GUARDIAN RFID, the better. Once you trust the data flow with the new system, we suggest using it for all data management. Whether you need a week to build trust or prefer to switch immediately after Go-Live, the JailOps team will assist in making the process smooth and simple.

8. What Happens After Go-Live?

After Go-Live, a JailOps Account Manager will be assigned to your account. They will conduct periodic follow-ups with your facility leader and be your primary contact for any additional equipment, supplies, or training needs. If adjustments to your initial setup are needed, our world-class support team is ready to assist.

GUARDIAN RFID’s mission is to get your team home safely. To truly care about correctional officers’ lives, we need to care about the operations occurring within their walls. That’s why our technology was built with every man and woman protecting America’s Thin Gray Line in mind. We hope the answers to these implementation and Go-Live FAQs help alleviate any anxiety or concern you may have before your Go-Live date. 

Regardless, we will be with you every step of the way during your transition to maximize transparency, accountability, and safety. GUARDIAN RFID is always here to continuously provide the technology that supports the care, custody, and control of your team and ensures you have all the tools needed to be successful.