The task of implementing new technology is one that no company should take lightly. An ineffective implementation plan can cause chaos throughout your facility and cause users to reject the new technology. To have an effective technology adoption process, you must have the workforce, time, and cooperation. Here are some tips to help the adoption process for your company’s new technology.

Create a Long-Term Plan for Technology Change

The first way to change your adoption strategy is to begin with a long-term plan. No change in software or technology should happen overnight. Your staff will need time to learn and adapt to new processes. Therefore, you should plan to have a methodical release for your new technology. Start with a beta-user group to build support, excitement, and to work out any kinks. During that time, communicate the upcoming change to the rest of the staff and schedule demonstrations with each user. Then, progress with time (days, weeks, or months, if need be) to roll out the new technology to all users. Transform your beta group into champions and have them provide insight into their user experience.

Communicate the Benefits of Your New Software

An essential element of an effective adoption strategy is gaining user buy-in for the implementation process. New technology can only be effective if there is a company-wide commitment to using it. User adoption of new software must be important to the entire organization; department heads should communicate that importance. Having updated software will make your processes more efficient and will save everyone time and hassle. Making the benefits of new software more relatable will demonstrate that this new technology isn’t just an investment in the company, but an investment in the staff themselves.

Invest in Beta Testing

Another element of your adoption process that cannot be overlooked is having on-hand support during your initial implementation. Beta groups can be a powerful, multi-faceted tool during the adoption process. Your initial users are your first set of eyes on the software and will provide valuable observations about their experience with it. Those same beta-testers transform into power-users or champions who can help guide others through their initial run with new technology. When your company finally decides to flip the switch, be sure to have your champions on hand to help.

Consider a Staggered Implementation Approach

This next strategic approach is a bit more challenging to attempt but could ultimately be rewarding. Staggered implementation is often a luxury that some companies can’t afford, as it may be too taxing on the company to have two similar software systems running concurrently. However, it can be beneficial to have a staggered implementation, as it takes the pressure off the user and gives them time to adapt to new technology. Having your legacy software as a safety net will hopefully allow the user to explore the new one with confidence. If a concurrent software solution isn’t viable, provide a clear implementation timeline for your new technology to your staff, and consistently remind them of the date when the legacy software will cease.

Seek Continuous Feedback From Staff

The final and most crucial element of your new adoption strategy must be to seek user feedback. Communication during the user adoption process is not one-way. Those who are overseeing this process must engage everyone using the new technology and ask for feedback. The feedback provided by your staff should guide your efforts during and after the implementation phase. Having a stellar user experience should always be the ultimate goal of your company.

Have you recently implemented a new software system for your company? If so, are your users satisfied with the changes you made? Let us know in the comments section below or by visiting the contact page of our website.