Aren’t workplaces across the globe going through a digital revolution? Not only digital marketing, but companies have been digitizing routine day-to-day operations. Some have integrated high-tech software solutions to cover mundane tasks, whereas others rely on third-party service providers. In short, it is hard to resist and ignore this change. So, why not adapt to it?
In 2022, every company can transform itself and become technologically apt. The advent of the cloud and the emergence of mobility will allow you to forge new management structures compatible with the digital culture. Likewise, you can integrate information technology to consolidate all systems and applications. In addition to giving your company a tech infrastructure, it can streamline operations and significantly boost productivity levels.
Besides these savvy transformations, you must ensure the employees are ready for change. Perhaps, a few training programs and workshops can come in handy, allowing the staff to adapt. If you are prepared for this challenge, let us show you the ropes. Here is a run-down of six steps to efficiently carry out workplace technological transformations.
Identify Software Needs
The primary goal of incorporating new tech in the workplace is to overcome problems and inefficiencies. Therefore, you have to investigate and look into all the possible issues. Are manual inventory counts taking forever? Is the company’s planning process lagging? Answering these questions will let you understand the underlying weaknesses. In turn, you can deploy software and applications to overcome these problems.
For instance, install an inventory management system if stock levels don’t match the demand. Likewise, leverage an enterprise resource planning system to efficiently plan and manage business processes. Once you have identified the best tech solution, communicate it to the key stakeholders. Getting them on board means you will have ‘ambassadors’ for the new technology, helping you achieve the intended outcomes.
Upgrade the Day-to-Day Tools
One of the most critical parts of technological transformation is accessibility. It means tech has to make things easier for employees instead of complicating them further. Therefore, the first and foremost crucial task is to upgrade the standard tools. Perhaps, you can make information more accessible across the organization through cloud services. The online databases will allow employees to access data from anywhere, anytime.
Similarly, consider employing self-service technologies for business partners and employees. You can create a digital portal where partners can access annual reports, briefings, and other disclosures. Most importantly, modify the standard operating procedures to include new technologies. Instead of extracting data manually, use the analytical tools. Likewise, use interactive tools to double the likelihood of transformational success.
Blend Incentives with Guidance
Most employees hesitate when it comes to accepting change. Thus, you have to take the initiative and encourage employees to embrace technological transformations. For that, why not blend incentives with some guidance? Maybe, you can offer a stipend for technology adoption. All those employees actively working on digital applications will receive a stipend, encouraging others to do the same.
Furthermore, combine these perks with guidance to micro-manage the employees. You can lead by example and show employees how to do tasks with the help of tech. In addition, communicate the ‘why’ and ‘how’ to make the staff understand the perks of technological transformation. Alongside ensuring consistency in the process, your employees will feel more comfortable getting along with tech-savvy tools.
Encourage Self-Service Training
Usually, organizations host multiple training programs when going through a technological transformation. It might seem like the most reasonable approach, but is it equally effective? Unfortunately, not. Adopting and adapting new technology requires time and attention to detail. Hence, the ideal way to enable this is through self-service training. Besides typical learning sessions, develop something intuitive.
For starters, you can create video resources. If any employee has a hard time navigating the software, create a 2-minute video tutorial to show them around. Moreover, put one person in charge of employee concerns and questions. Staff members that can’t grasp things can reach out to the concerned person and learn in real-time.
Furthermore, create learning experience platforms that incorporate gaming. It will allow employees to earn stars and badges as they learn more and more. In addition to making the learning process fun, it will be an incredible motivator. Thus, turn on your creative side and find ways to make your employees more tech-savvy for a successful technological transformation.
Run Pilot Programs
Another critical step in technological transformation is the pilot program. It will unfold the technical feasibility of tech transformation to the senior management. In addition, it will act as a credible demonstration for all departments in the organization, showing staff how things happen.
Alongside running the pilot programs, you have to connect the new tech with the old one. Also, iron out the processes for completing tasks using the latest software and applications. If you have been storing data on spreadsheets, start uploading it on cloud servers. As the pilot programs are in process, you can assess compatibility to ensure the tech tools are working without glitches.
It will give you enough time to understand how work will operate on the new forums and applications. As a result, you’ll be super confident when it’s time to scale up.
Address Cybersecurity Concerns
Truthfully, high reliance on technology can have its fair share of consequences. For starters, it will expose your business to cyberattacks and data breaches, putting the company’s reputation at stake. However, you can address all these problems beforehand by addressing cybersecurity concerns. Alongside tech transformation, you have to build cybersecurity into the company’s structure.
You can begin by securing the digital assets. All information and data stored online should have a backup and disaster recovery plan. Likewise, enable two-factor authentication to ensure data isn’t accessible to everyone. Restricting the access will also close doors for cybercriminals, ensuring they don’t disguise themselves under an employee’s name. Lastly, install firewalls and download antivirus software on every device to keep your computers out of the hackers’ sight.
Final Words
Soon, the world will become fully tech-driven. From self-driving cars to connected devices, technology is accelerating rapidly. Therefore, it is essential that businesses also adapt to technological marvels. Focus on incorporating tech-savvy software tools and applications. Similarly, train your employees to work in a tech-based environment. It will boost productivity levels, helping your business thrive and progress faster. Above all, the technological transformation will make you stand out in the crowd.
