Enterprise Apps: Planning for Adoption is Key
Planning for Adoption is key to enterprise application roll outs image.
Rolling Out New Enterprise Apps is Never Easy, Planning for Adoption is the Key to Success.
As the pace of digital transformation at the enterprise level continues unabated, many organisations are turning to applications to solve a myriad of their business problems. However, as the number of apps that organisations are rolling out continues to rise, this may be hurting adoption, the employee experience, your bottom line, and ultimately your end-customer experience.
In our collective experience we have learnt that a well-executed adoption plan not only helps to minimize disruptions but also fosters a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among end-users. By focusing on the end user, change management, open communication, and tailored training, you can improve adoption and increase the prospect of achieving the ROI the enterprise is looking for.
Seven Key Considerations for Enterprise Application Adoption:
Ask “Does your Organisation need a new application?”:
As enterprises grow in terms of headcount and geographies the line of communications can extend. This growth can often lead to a proliferation of applications which do the same thing. So before looking to build or buy a new application, look internally to see if the required features and functionality already exists and has already been adopted by your users in a different geography or business unit. Review if the a solution that is being used in one business unit or country, can be adapted to meet the needs.
Leverage your Existing Tech Stack:
Often with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace etc., these have multiple capabilities beyond the standard, e-mail, spreadsheets, presentation and document processing tools. Review your existing tech stack to see if your needs could be met by using what you are already paying for. The benefit of doing this can be multiple:
Your users are already using the platform, so the speed to adoption and learning curve is reduced.
These tools often have built-in interoperability between applications within the suite, so the flow of data and integrated workflows can reduce the friction of both using and administering the platform.
The required features & functionality may already be included in your existing licence fee, so it would be a case of simply enabling the functionality, setting up the workflows and user awareness & training. And if it is not already included in your licence fee, by using the existing tech stack you may have greater leverage with your supplier to negotiate fees.
Design it from a User’s Perspective:
When building the application, design it from the end user perspective and how it will integrate into their working patterns. The application should enhance and improve their output, reducing friction and a pain point from an end-user perspective. In many instances we have seen enterprise applications designed from the perspective of the leadership and the management reporting they want to gain from it, with little regard to how it will improve the work experience for the user.
This disconnect can lead to applications which users view as a work overhead, are ill aligned to their working practices, thus slowing adoption of the platform and as a result, the quality of data & insights that can be extracted from it. A classic example of this is CRM platforms.
Instead make the primary design focus on how to reduce friction and enhance the end users workday experience through the application. Then build the leadership requirements in. Considering making the leadership requirements, a day two or three enhancement once you have achieved the target level of adoption by end users.
Think About the App Ecosystem you End-user is Already Using:
There has been a significant proliferation of apps, especially on your end users devices and corporate apps which serve single purposes. Consider if the end user has to open one app to access their building pass, another app to book a meeting room, another then to check their diary, another app to reserve their spot on the shuttle bus, another to confirm attendance at HR’s lunchtime wellbeing seminar and another app to report a fault to IT or building services. This is on top of the apps for their personal life.
Consider designing the enterprise app ecosystem to provide a single point of entry for the end-users work life, where they can access all of what they need without toggling between multiple apps.
Engage Stakeholders Personally and Professionally:
Building strong relationships with key stakeholders is a crucial first step. Involve them in the planning process, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their input to create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. By taking a personal and professional approach to stakeholder engagement, you can foster a collaborative environment that supports change.
Design User Training with Empathy:
To make training effective, it's essential to understand the diverse needs and skill levels of your end-users. Tailor your training materials and delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. By empathizing with users and addressing their concerns, you can create a supportive learning environment that encourages adoption and usage.
Continuously Monitor, Improve, and Celebrate Success:
Establish KPIs to measure the success of your application rollout and ongoing usage. Regularly analyze usage data, user feedback, and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Celebrate milestones and achievements to maintain momentum and reinforce the positive impact of the new application. This personal and professional approach to performance monitoring encourages a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
A personal and professional approach to enterprise application adoption planning is crucial for a successful rollout. By engaging stakeholders, focusing on user-centric training, and continuously monitoring performance, your organization can overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of your new applications. Remember, a smooth adoption process requires not only careful planning but also empathy, collaboration, and celebration of the collective journey towards success.
Digital Strategy and Transformation is what we do at Tarralugo. If you like to chat with us about your programs and how we can support you on your journey, please get in touch. We are always happy to chat.