How to successfully introduce new technology into your franchise business
Introducing new technology into a business with a
mobile workforce requires more than just installing software. Here’s our nine-step plan to successfully embed new technology into your business.
Develop a technology adoption plan
Your adoption plan should include the business strategy, areas of focus, the goals that need to be achieved, measurable targets and timescales.
Provide training and support
In order for technology to be adopted successfully, training and support must be provided. Consider whether you have the expertise internally or need external support, and identify groups that have specific needs. Remember, this should not be a one-off – training should be ongoing to ensure people are confident in using the new platform in the way you need them to use it.
Customise technology to match requirements
All technology should be customised to your business’s processes and ways of working – however, many platforms come with built-in best practices that are accepted industry standard, so check out what’s included before customising to your existing processes.
Integrate systems
What current systems do you use, and how can they be integrated with your new platforms? By integrating systems, you can streamline processes even further, reducing manual input and gaining significant efficiencies.
Establish protocols and procedures
This is essential to establish at the outset when new platforms are being implemented. By establishing who should do what, how and when, you can set firm guidelines and expectations.
Assess and optimise
It’s only when your teams are fully utilising your new systems that you can assess how it’s working in reality for the business. Opportunities for enhancements and improvements will become evident, and it’s important you’re open-minded to this, in addition to a formal process to collect ideas, assess potential, review and implement new ideas.
Ensure security measures
Cybersecurity is essential for any company, and new software increases the need for cybersecurity training internally – after all, human error is responsible for many cyber breaches. Internally, it’s important to ensure the software is kept up to date, with patches and updates installed when available to minimise risk.
Monitor usage and adoption rates
For any software to be successful, it’s imperative that people use it! It might sound obvious, but a ‘set-and-forget’ implementation process is unlikely to bring success. By monitoring usage and adoption, you can identify not only individuals who need additional support and encouragement but also those who can be advocates internally and help lead others.
Mobile accessibility
For dispersed teams, the ability to access platforms on the go is essential for a successful implementation and adoption. Ensure the use of the mobile app or browser is included in the training, and encourage teams to download and install it on their devices to ensure data and information is flowing through the business in real time.
