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.

Of course, technology's ability to transform our lives—both personal and professional—is not a new concept. But integrating company-wide innovations can present 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 your organisation and your people might face when 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?

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

Some businesses can be set in their ways, adopting an ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ mentality. This is a perfectly natural way of thinking, but it 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 evaluate its 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 in 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 supportive and user-friendly.

Therefore, when it comes to adopting new technology, it will be much easier to demonstrate and persuade your employees to start using it and to maximise its benefits.

Delivering the right training.

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

Teach your staff how to use new tools, provide proper training or re-skilling opportunities, and you will ensure that tech adoption results in as productive and positive a manner 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 is focused on creating a culture that encourages and embraces the introduction of new technology, now and in 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 your organisation and your people. Gain as much insight as possible from your employees through surveys and interviews.

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