A new platform adoption is often a struggle
Data transformation projects typically fail for a variety of reasons: siloed data, a skills shortage or the burden of legacy technologies, for example. But one factor they all seem to have in common, is that project teams are pressured to work on delivering ambitious objectives with unrealistically tight budgets and a lack of resource. It’s like working with one hand tied behind their backs and makes the chances of success very slim. Too often, a lot of time and money is invested in purchasing and deploying new and impressive technologies across the business – but without any focus on understanding how to get the best insights and information out of them.
Worse still, employees and technical teams themselves are not properly engaged, resulting in a lack of awareness of what is required from them… and a lack of engagement and enthusiasm in being part of the transformation journey.
Long-term success is not about introducing a few more tools and hoping for the best.
Rather it should be measured by its answer to the question, “How can our business best use these exciting new capabilities to improve our operational efficiency, reduce costs and effort, and gain a competitive edge?” These are the factors that ultimately determine return on investment. An effective data software adoption program delivers them.
Part I: Why is a structured data software adoption program approach so important?
Most IT departments are typically over-stretched, under-resourced and basically working hard to keep existing systems and software up-to-date and performing well.
The last thing they want on their list is to have to install and learn about a load of new technology and solutions. It’s more to buy, manage and train – and as such, their appetite for change is understandably limited.
Meanwhile, typical employees don’t tend to push for new technology either. Most people shy away from change. They prefer to keep doing things their way, even if you prove there is a better way out there.
So, they end up building inefficient workflows and don’t know how to leverage best practices… all of which hampers productivity and progress.
Typical reasons why a data software adoption project fails
When new systems are introduced, they often end up rolling out in an unstructured, scattergun style of approach, either due to a lack of project knowledge or a lack of management time, and so never really deliver what they’re intended to or achieve the desired ROI.
Additional reasons why a data software adoption project fails:
New process and connections are not designed efficiently or permissioned properly.
Performance is slow or unbalanced.
Users are managed in an inefficient, ad hoc way.
Training is not tailored to individual or departmental needs, so users are left confused.
Part II: Running a successful data software adoption program in your organisation
To succeed, organisations need to devote proper time and resource to a strategic, professional approach which is tailored for your business and focused on your specific objectives.
This approach should incorporate five distinct stages, each one designed to deliver pre-defined KPIs and goals that ensure the end result will have long-term benefits and high ROI for your team and your organisation alike.
These 5 stages occur as follows:
Maturity Assessment
Planning
Implementation
Improvement
Support
Download the full whitepaper and get all the answers about how to run a successful adoption program.