FACT CHECKED
We’ve got a Christmas present for you and it’s worth millions of dollars.
Yes, you can open it now.
It’s 8 digital adoption dos & don’ts to save you millions in failed implementation and lack of ROI.
“A lack of digital adoption can…result in thousands and potentially millions of dollars lost in the long term.” Philip Kushmaro, CIO.com
It’s all wrapped up in a bow. Ready for bookmarking and sharing with colleagues.
So you can come back next year, armed and ready to take your digital transformation to the next level.
Digital adoption dos & don’ts for 2019
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- DO develop a strategy
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- DO define relevant KPIs
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- DON’T wait until it’s too late
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- DON’T forget about UX
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- DO recruit strong leadership
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- DON’T rush into anything
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- DO use a digital adoption tool
- DO generate enthusiasm for change
1. DO develop a strategy
According to an IDG white paper, 89% of today’s businesses are prioritizing digital strategies. Those that aren’t are falling by the wayside.
A digital adoption strategy is essential to realizing your digital vision. This is the most important of our digital adoption dos and don’ts.
Think of the digital landscape as a battle ground. Your troops need a clear vision and guidance about how to proceed. You need to be strategic about what resources to use and when. Don’t go into battle unprepared.
2. DO define relevant KPIs
As far as digital adoption dos & don’ts goes, this one is critical for 2019. Success lies in clearly defining relevant goals, mapping a route to achieve them, and tracking your progress.
“Having a clear idea of your digital ambition will give you some ideas of what you should be measuring to measure your progress. You can’t measure something you don’t have a measuring stick for.” Paul Proctor via CIO.com
But beware of confusing usage and adoption. They are not the same thing and have different KPIs.
3. DON’T wait until it’s too late
Many businesses postpone digital evolution. And this is a mistake.
Digital transformation is happening right now. You can bet that your competitors are on top of it. And if they’re not, therein lies an opportunity for you. What are you waiting for?
CIOs must approach their digital adoption in a forward-thinking manner. You need to be proactive, not reactive.
Industries that are already fully adopting digital processes and business models are:
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- Media and entertainment
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- Healthcare
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- Finance and banking
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- Education
- Tech
Don’t think that because your industry isn’t yet on the list, that you’re exempt. It’s just a matter of time.
“The urgency of acting is acute.” McKinsey
4. DON’T forget about UX
McKinsey research shows that 70% of change management initiatives fail. Why?
“Bad change management fails to win over employees who feel oversaturated with digital change,” says DAP provider WalkMe.
In the battle to implement digital change, enterprises forget about the user experience (UX). Poor UX means poor user adoption, which renders their investment in new technology pretty pointless.
To improve UX, look to technology for real-time, personalized, contextualized guidance solutions.
5. DO recruit strong leadership
Weak leadership and poor executive buy-in is a serious barrier to business change. That includes digital adoption.
But the irony is that an eagerness to embrace change and adopt digital is the key to success for enterprises in today’s digital landscape.
“There cannot be digital transformation without leaders who have mastered the ins and outs of digital adoption.” Manish Dudharejia, Entrepreneur
Organizational change theories and models highlight the importance of strong leadership and change advocacy during business transitions.
Digital adoption, and therefore transformation, can’t be successful without the dedication of everyone in the business. So leaders must lead by example. Believers should be given a voice. And success should be celebrated.
6. DON’T rush into anything
Don’t jump on the latest, shiniest digital tool or platform without due consideration for user and business needs and goals.
Organizations are spending millions on the latest and greatest in digital applications. But their ROI is lacking.
Yes, the digital world is moving at an incredible pace. And yes, time is of the essence. But make sure you take the time to consider your needs, research options, and roll out implementation fully.
7. DO use a digital adoption tool
For digital adoption to be effective, it needs a solid technological foundation. By using a tech-forward training system, users will be better equipped for the challenges posed by digital. That includes future changes.
“Using a robust software training system allows users to go at their own pace and learn through their preferred methods, which helps everyone utilize new digital programs to their fullest potential.” Manish Dudharejia, business.com
A Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) accelerates and improves digital adoption. An algorithmic guidance layer, it can be placed over the top of any digital system or tool.
Using AI and machine learning, the DAP provides contextual guidance and a personalized experience for each user. It obliterates the need for lengthy (and largely ineffective) training and onboarding sessions.
And in the case of digital providers, it can help you to continuously improve your product by providing you with insightful user adoption data.
8. DO generate enthusiasm for change
To set yourself up for success, focus on creating an organizational culture that embraces change and digital evolution.
Digital transformation is an ongoing process, so the sooner you get stakeholders comfortable with change, the better.
Having an inspirational vision for the future and communicating it clearly will stand you in good stead. Organizational change legend, John Kotter, calls it “the big opportunity” and it’s critical to overcoming any resistance.
These digital adoption dos & don’ts will help you navigate the rough seas of digital change. What more important gift could there be at Christmas?
