09 Oct Adopting new technology is vital – but why is it so hard

Technology is prevalent throughout society. But while most of us easily empower our daily lives through our smartphones, it becomes a huge challenge for businesses. Master how to adopt new technology in your organisation and huge benefits await.

The ability of technology to transform our lives – both personal and working – is of course, not a new concept. But when it comes to integrating company-wide innovations, there can be major challenges.

Individuals can simply go out and buy the latest gadgets or download the latest apps. Businesses operate on a different scale. They must undergo huge digital transformation to incorporate new technology and better empower and support their staff.

We’ll unpack some of the obstacles both your organisation and your people might face when it comes to adopting new technology. Then we will provide guidance on the steps you can take to overcome them.

What are the organisational barriers to adopting new technology?

There are several barriers which make adopting new technology at an organisational level either slow or just plain non-existent. And the biggest of these barriers is the legacy systems that are already in place.

Some businesses can be a bit set in their ways, taking an ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ mentality. It’s a perfectly natural way of thinking, but one that will ultimately cause companies to fall behind as the marketplace evolves. As new entrants introduce more innovative and agile solutions, and competitors put pressure on margins, businesses need technology to improve efficiencies, productivity and agility.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s imperative that your organisation evaluates your business model. You need to identify key areas where you can adopt technology to empower your people, improve productivity and secure future success.

What are your peoples’ barriers to adopting new technology?

While organisational obstacles like cost, complexity and talent pool are valid barriers to tech adoption. The most important factors to helping your people embrace new technology are infrastructure, training, support and perhaps most of all, culture.

Creating the right technology infrastructure.

If you want to develop a culture of technology adoption within your organisation, you need to create an infrastructure to support it. IT networks, software, processes and practices throughout the business must be both supportive and user friendly.

Therefore, when it comes to adopting new technology, it will be much easier to both demonstrate and persuade your employees to start using it. And much easier for them to make the most of its benefits.

Delivering the right training.

No matter what technology you decide to integrate into your business you must properly educate your people on how to use it. Otherwise, it won’t reach its full potential.

Teach your staff on how to use new tools. Provide proper training or re-skilling opportunities, and you will ensure that the results of tech adoption are as productive and positive as possible.

Building the right culture.

The adoption of new technology is a long-term goal. That means your business must have a long-term strategy. One that focused on the creation of a culture that both encourages and embraces the introduction of new technology. Both now and for the future.

Avoid looking for quick short-term wins. Develop a digitally focused mindset. Depart from legacy systems and attitudes. And empower your people to achieve their true potential.

Identifying what your people need.

Before you start anything, you need to assess the specific needs of both your organisation and your people. Gain as much insight as you can from your employees through things like surveys and interviews.

Ask them what challenges they are currently facing. What support you can give them to help them do their best work, and the areas of technology they feel could most improve on their current ways of working.

How Ricoh can help you adopt new technology.

One of the most effective ways to start creating a culture of tech adoption and identifying the needs of your organisation and your people is through a Digital Experience Assessment.

Ricoh is a collaborative, people-first partner with a long history of empowering digital workplaces and optimising your people’s ability to perform. Both in the office and remotely.

If you have any questions about the content of this article please don’t hesitate to get in touch.