With the pace at which technology is advancing, it’s important to ensure that your business has a well-thought-out technology implementation process in place. New technologies are continually coming to light, and businesses that have efficient technology implement plans in place are the ones that will reap the reward. 

We are experts in technology visioning and transformation. We help businesses create technology roadmaps and strategies that deliver results. Follow our advice when creating a technology implementation plan for your business by reading this expert in-depth guide. 

What is technology implementation?

Technology implementation is the process of integrating new technologies into existing business processes. Implementation is a multistep process that involves testing, training and monitoring and should be carried out by experienced individuals. 

Technology implementation plan – 9 steps to success

1. Identifying any issues

The first step of creating an excellent technology implementation plan is to identify the issues you need to address through the introduction of new technologies. You want to make sure that a new plan is worth your time and investment, addressing the key issues faced by your business. 

Implementing a new system in the workplace might address one problem, or a whole host of problems, at the same time. Either way, learning what issues you can solve through technology implementation is a great way to convince stakeholders that it is worth the time and investment. 

Running diagnostics will help to identify any issues, and from there, any pain-points or feedback can be discussed with management. These conversations will help to identify potential technology that will solve the issues discussed. 

2. Gather an experienced team

The next stage of implementing a new system in the workplace is to form an experienced team. These individuals should add value to the process. The size of your team depends entirely on the size of your business. 

If you’re a small business, you may only need 2 or 3 people to make up your technology implementation team. On the other hand, a large business might require a bigger team that includes a number of individuals. 

At the beginning stage, the tech implementation team should outline the logistics of the project and research the materials required. This is a crucial step that will ensure the project gets off to the best possible start.  

3. Gain approval from key stakeholders

Now is a good time to loop in the key stakeholders of the business. You’ll want the go-ahead on the issues you’ve identified and the team you’ve put together before taking the project any further. 

Getting key stakeholders on board your tech implementation plan early is important. The more they feel involved at this stage, the more likely they are to support the project moving forward. 

At this stage there might be some push back, but if you work through these pain-points, you can gain the support of management as you continue to create your technology implementation process. 

4. Research new technologies

Now that you have an experienced team in place, and you have identified some key areas of improvement, it’s time to which technologies will help you to implement your vision. For example, a company that uses manual processes may want to implement more automation through the use of specialist software. 

It’s worth looking at all options available before making a decision. Your decision should be based on software capabilities, cost, scalability, storage capacity and usability. 

5. Outline the system map

In order to create a system that is first for purpose and has longevity, it’s important to map out potential new systems from start to finish, such as the customer or the employee journey.  

At this stage, the technology implementation team should test each system as a user to experience how the system works. This will also help to visualise how the technology could be implemented long term. 

The goal is to make sure that any potential software is easy for the user to navigate from start to finish. 

6. Run tests

Now’s the time for the tech implementation team to create and run a test pilot programme for the new technology. Initial tests should take place before the scheme is tested company-wide. 

The purpose of this test programme is to see what bugs and inefficiencies come to light as the technology is tested within different areas of the business. Implementing a new system in the workplace is a long process, and testing in smaller silo’s is a crucial step to success. 

For example, a company looking to implement some new email outreach software may launch a trail within the marketing department before rolling out the trial to the rest of the company. Trialling technology in a smaller department is a logical and strategic way to ensure it is fit for purpose.  

7. Roll out training to employees

If your technology implementation pilot programme is a success, you can start to roll out training to your employees. As well as training the employees who will be using the system, you may consider training all employees so that there is an awareness of the new system overall. 

A range of different training sessions may be required for a new technology implementation. You could deliver a walk through demonstration as part of the training, as well as some specific hands-on sessions. This will help employees understand the system’s functionality. 

As everyone has different training preferences, it’s worth delivering a variety of sessions. This will ensure that visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners receive the training they require to feel confident about using the new technology. 

Another useful feature of rolling out training is providing feedback for the employees who take part. After monitoring how well they take to the new system, you will have an opportunity to provide constructive feedback or arrange further support if required. This will set them up for success as they start to use the new technology in their job. 

Learn more about different styles of training. 

8. Launch the new system

All your hard work has paid off, and it’s time to launch the new system. We recommend that the tech implementation team is present to help employees work through any initial blockers or malfunctions with the system. 

It’s also important to ensure that any refresher training is delivered once the new system has gone live. This is a great way to address any employee concerns or issues using the system. 

This moment should be one to cherish, months of planning has led you to this point, and it’s important to recognise the positive changes you and the implementation team are making on the business. 

9. Start monitoring

Once the new system has been successfully launched, it’s time to start carrying out ongoing maintenance. This helps eradicate any malfunctions that present themselves. We recommend regularly checking in with employees to get feedback on how it is working.  

The tech implementation team can then deliver further training, or make some minor tweaks to the system depending on its success. 

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