One of the most difficult problems Information Services departments face is obtaining end user adoption of new technologies. And end user adoption of a new technology, and the new processes that go along with it, is what determines whether an investment in technology really pays off. There are 5 key steps to end user adoption.
To help ensure End User Adoption:
1) Create ownership by involving users in the project. Form a user advisory group that includes members from all affected teams and departments, and consult with them early and often. Document the decisions, comments and suggestions that come out of user advisory group meetings.
2) Obtain and communicate executive support for the project early and often, too. Staff need to know that their leadership is willing to allocate the time, money and resources necessary to ensure the project is a success.
3) Set a realistic schedule for the rollout of new technologies. Make sure that schedules take into account all of the factors that may play into end user adoption, such as previous experience with technology in general or previous history with projects that have “gone wrong” in the past.
4) Provide education to ensure that staff are comfortable with the new technology, and offer training in that meets the needs of a variety of learning styles and speeds.
5) Create a support plan involving “superusers” so that employees feel comfortable asking their peers for assistance. One of the biggest fears users have is that they will lose their jobs due to not being able to use or understand the new technology.
We can’t guarantee that following the above steps will make you dance a jig when you sign your Form 1040, but they may help your IT projects be more successful.