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Implementing New Technology

Implementing New Technology
If new technologies were not created and then adopted, we would still be living in caves using stone implements. Unfortunately, not all technologies are faultless or achieve longevity. The Mars Climate Orbiter, launched in 1998, burned up in the Martian atmosphere. A mistake between metric and imperial measurements in the controlling software caused the spacecraft to miss its intended 140–150 km altitude above Mars during orbit insertion, instead entering the Martian atmosphere at about 57 km. The VHS home videocassette recording format's defeat of the Betamax format is an example, where a proprietary technology was overtaken in the market by a format allowing multiple, competing, licensed manufacturers.

Technology adoption has a bell shaped curve. There are the early embracers, the masses, and lastly the stragglers. The early embracers are the forefront. They are the pioneers, implementing new technologies at the first feasible moment. The masses constitute the majority of individuals and companies. They generally wait until the latest technology is more established, less expensive, and appears to have longevity. The stragglers are the last to adopt new technology. They tend to accept technology change only when their existing technology is obsolete, incompatible or fails.

While large scale manufacturers were early embracers of automated business systems, small scale manufacturers have been much slower to adopt such technologies. A majority of small scale manufacturers employ a CAD/CAM application as well as an accounting package. The two programs more than likely are on separate workstations in different departments. There is no comprehensive element integrating the production floor with the office. As a manufacturer today, if your business strategy does not include a project management solution you are a straggler.

How can you tell if the time is right for a technology change? Begin by assessing the risk vs benefit - the nature of the change, what it has to offer, and how it fits in with your current technical environment. This involves a careful consideration regarding, your ability to install and maintain the upgraded solution, train personnel, and the cost of deployment.

Upgrading for the sake of upgrading is not a sound business strategy. However, continuing to use outdated technology could cost your business. Upgrading may advance your company’s competitive position in the marketplace. It may improve efficiency and create an enhanced working environment.

Look before your leap - consider and evaluate the impacts on the business before undertaking the change is key to effectively implementing a new or upgraded technology. Identify what you want from a system. What critical problems is the solution meant to solve? Consider whether the expectations are realistic. Developing an unrealistic view of the return on investment - the risk vs benefit may occur when the connection between the technology solution and business strategies are not adequately understood. Treating the solution as an added burden instead of a tool to increase productivity and efficiency can defeat the entire process. How readily will workers accept change if management is uninformed and indecisive instead of knowledgeable and positive?

Implementing change can frequently be disruptive, but technology can be a powerful tool capable of enhancing business processes and providing amazing opportunities for success.

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