Companies encounter many challenges when implementing new technology and business process improvements. One of the major challenges revolves around managing expectations. The figure below illustrates how most companies ‘expect’ technology to improve productivity. The misconception exists that new technology will immediately increase efficiency with no roadblocks. In reality, there is a learning curve that people must face with any new technology. Simply changing the way people work can be your biggest challenge. Your company will most likely see a sharp decrease in productivity as people tackle the learning curve and gain an understanding of how they must change to reach the overall goals of your organization. The greatest roadblock is to find a way through that trough to realize the full potential of the new solution.
Understanding the technology adoption lifecycle is another major challenge. Making sure you have the right people l eading and managing the project are essential to its success. If you don’t have people with a vision (Innovators) or people who are open-minded to change (Early Adopters/Early Majority), research has shown the project is doomed to fail.
