5 Most Common Mistakes Companies Make when Implementing New Technologies
Nowadays, keeping up with technological trends isn’t something that’s limited to tech startups or software development companies. Technology has become an integral part of many businesses, with that number increasing daily as we evolve into the digital age. It’s now imperative that businesses keep up with the latest tech trends within their industries, to avoid falling behind their competition.
However, staying up to date is much easier than actually implementing this new tech. It’s not unusual for business organizations to encounter massive problems during implementation. In fact, many of the same problems are experienced across the board.
In this article we discuss the most common mistakes companies make when adopting new tech. We also provide advice and solutions to help overcome them.
Not Budgeting for Employee Training
When budgeting for new technology, a common error businesses make is not including training costs. Training is an expenditure many business owners are reluctant to invest in most likely because of the costs already incurred from setting up the new technology. However, insufficient training might end up costing a company more in the long run.
No matter how “user-friendly” any new technology purports to be, users still have to be officially trained on it. This is due to the fact that some people adapt to technology slower than others. General training can level the playing field, and eliminate common mistakes made by first-time users, which can sometimes be quite costly.
Not Using Data Analysis
One of the most important steps in the successful implementation of new technology is performance tracking. Are users able to deliver on their quotas? Are clients able to succeed and progress toward their objectives? Is the performance of the technology up to par? Businesses need to monitor and track the system to ensure they are getting the most out of it.
Monitoring and data analysis might seem tedious and pointless, particularly if it is being done manually. However, this will help to ensure systems were adequately implemented, and even provide insight into how they can be optimized or finetuned down the road. The implementation isn’t complete until it is fully optimized. Data analysis is key in accomplishing that.
Not Getting Employee Buy In
Getting everyone on board with new technologies can be difficult. There are usually two categories of users in an organization when it comes to adopting new technology. Early adopters are the employees who eagerly welcome new technology and can’t wait to put it to use. Users in the other group, are more averse to change and prefer the safety of the known. The former doesn’t require much persuasion, whereas the latter must be convinced to use the new technology.
While it’s impossible to please everyone, incorporating them in the decision and planning process, can help. This will enable management to identify the pain points and worries team members have, and ultimately provide solutions. Additionally, providing adequate training after implementation can also help to alleviate any hesitancy.
Not Updating the Cybersecurity Policy
Cost reductions, enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and a lower environmental effect can all be facilitated by new technologies. On the other hand, new technology can bring with it dangerous new cyber threats or exposure to cyber risks.
Businesses should ensure their cybersecurity policy is updated to deal with new threats. Additionally, the incident response strategy should also be updated to ensure that any cybersecurity breach can be dealt with as effectively as possible.
Not Properly Handling Data Migration
Migrating old or “legacy” systems and technology is a big challenge many companies must overcome in the implementation stage. Most old systems weren’t designed with interoperability in mind which means it can be quite difficult to migrate data from one server to the next. It often takes special software to convert old file types or organizational structures to a new one. Even worse, many times they are not transitioned completely intact.
Hiring data migration specialists to manage the migration and conversion process might be the best option in these cases. Oftentimes third-party companies have special insight into how to ensure that the data makes it through the process as complete as possible. They also know how to manage any potential issues or errors that may arise during the migration process.
Avoiding Tech Implementation Pitfalls
Adopting new technology can prove to be a hassle for even the most tech-savvy individuals. Exchanging a platform they are used to for a new platform with an alien interface can be a huge stumbling block. If these advanced users can be so heavily impacted, one can imagine how much more hectic it can be for the wider user base of a business.
Thankfully, Outsource IT understands how challenging it is to implement and adopt new technologies. By relying on our years of experience in implementing new systems for businesses in various industries, we help our clients overcome the typical obstacles other businesses face, and to avoid making common mistakes. Contact an Outsource IT account manager to learn more.
