There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to successfully accomplishing effective user adoption. Users need encouragement to understand how to apply the tools and how adopting them can be of big benefit. Here are a few points to ponder.
Executive support
Whether creating a culture of innovation, adopting digital HR tools, or focusing on fleet management, executives need to incentivize behavior and lead by example. Failed technology deployments most often arise when the organization is not committed to the initiative and it starts at the top.
Agile Implementation
Where possible, launch the software in a pilot phase first: proof of concept. This will allow administrators and users to workout any challenges before scaling up the entire organization. A successful launch will have significant effects of adoption and compliance of the system.
Change Management
Many discrete system opportunities have relatively short implementation timelines (about 4-8 weeks, except for ERP.) However, organizational readiness and people readiness are just as important to the success of the implementation and adoption of technology. Have a plan and communicate effectively to influence behavior.
System Interoperability
Nearly all technology solutions have open APIs which allow organizations to share data across their systems. Integrating systems can reduce administration headache, increase productivity, and unlock new insight whether it’s within your human capital system or operations system.
Cloud-based Deployment
The majority of third-party technology solutions offer a cloud-based deployment (sometimes exclusively.) This method can significantly shorten implementation times, increase the agility of the organization to modernize, keep the organization up-to-date and increase the mobile productivity of employees.
Demo Solutions
Identify your organizational objectives to be achieved by implementing the technology solution and vet applicable vendors accordingly. Limit the number of product demos to the final 3-5 vendors. Develop an objective rubric by which to score each product. Ensure that key users and stakeholders are involved in the selection process.
Dedicated Resources
With many technology solutions, you need in-house expertise. In some cases, organizations need to hire specialized people to maximize technology efficacy. Many vendors provide technology consultants (some free of charge.) but you need in-house expertise to own the system internally and utilize the value of support provided by vendors.
This information was taken from the Building a Connected Business study that is now available for members and non-members to purchase. To purchase your copy, contact the Member Engagement Team.
