New System Implementation: Making the inevitable less disruptive
No matter what size or type of business you run in Cheshire or Manchester, you can’t afford to stand still.
Technology is changing the way organisations of all categories do business, which means that there’s a good chance you will face some sort of new system implementation in the coming 12 months.
This isn’t simply a question of investing in some new hardware or using a new software or cloud platform to alter your operational procedures. The chances of just plugging it in and switching it on for instant business improvement are slim to impossible.
Any change comes at a cost.
What you need to be 100% sure of is that new system implementation of any sort is managed carefully, to avoid disrupting your daily routines.
So how can you make new system implementation as “painless” as possible, and be sure of getting a good ROI immediately?
Know where you are heading, now and in the future
With such a tempting array of new technology on offer to transform the way you do business, once you have the budget it can be tough deciding which direction to choose. Or perhaps the cloud services you need are obvious, so you want to move fast to start benefiting.
However, the first piece of advice is to not rush in to anything, no matter how exciting it appears.
Any new system requires a lot of planning. What do you actually need, now and going forward as a business? What would sit well with your existing operations and staff? Is the technology scalable and agile enough to be updated with proactive IT support?
Get some good advice from an IT consultant who knows which systems actually deliver on their promises, and can be integrated relatively smoothly.
Timing is everything
Decide a timescale for new system implementation that is realistic, and fits well with existing business operations. If it takes a little longer to switch over, but avoids creating additional work or business interruption, it’s worth staging it properly.
This is another way external IT support can be invaluable, as specialists will have insights and experience on feasible timescales and ways to introduce changes seamlessly.
Get everyone on board
No matter how advantageous a new system implementation is to your business, there could be team members who are resistant to change. Let’s be honest, particularly more senior staff who are not as comfortable with technology.
Take time to get everyone up to speed on the benefits and the affect new IT will have on their role. Introduce flexible training that ensures everyone can learn at their own pace. Also, provide “open door” support so they can flag up questions and concerns whenever they want.
An external IT Helpdesk can be invaluable too, as staff can get instant advice if they are too embarrassed or unable to ask their line manager for support.
For more advice on new system implementation that keeps your business operating at its full potential, contact CARA Technology today.
