Over the past few years, the tech landscape has evolved drastically and continues improving for the better. Failing to keep up with the latest technology trends and current business practices can place your organization at risk, and simply investing in next-gen technologies doesn’t guarantee successful implementation either. When introducing new technology to your IT infrastructure, it’s important to remember that change can be hard for individuals. It can be incredibly difficult to anticipate whether end users will easily take it on their own. You need a well-planned change management strategy when implementing new technology to help you achieve success and extract the maximum out of your investment.
Here are five ways to manage change in the workplace when implementing new technology:
1. IDENTIFY — Be clear on why specific changes are needed.
It’s essential to review business processes first to identify critical areas that need a technological refresh. Often, decision makers don’t know where to start when it comes to technology gaps. Evaluate what you need to update and why.
2. EVALUATE — What people, processes, and technology will be impacted by this change?
Communication is key in successfully driving technological change management. Make sure you have the right strategies in place to ensure your team can adapt to the changes. What if your expected change isn’t conveyed at the right time in the right way? It will lead to a disconnect impacting even the most well-planned improvements.
3. MANAGE — Determine who will manage the change.
Be sure to clearly identify your change leaders and ensure their contact information is prominent on all change communications.
4. CREATE — Build your implementation plan.
Once you’ve identified and met with people, process and technology owners to share your intention and gather their input, you’re ready to flesh out your implementation plan.
5. IMPLEMENT
Once the change plan is approved by relevant stakeholders, it’s time to implement the changes. This often requires cross-team collaboration and sometimes the assistance of third parties, such as technology vendors, consultants or a managed service provider (MSP). It’s better to start with a pilot program to identify the kinks and address them on time.
*********
When you are confident enough, proceed for the final implementation stages – installation, set up and training. Good luck with your current or future change, and if you are interested, have a conversation with us and we will happily guide you through successful Technology Change Management.
