Deciding to invest in new technology to streamline the flow of information across your organisation is one thing; successfully implementing it with minimal disruption and keeping costs under control is quite another. The stakes are high, as we’ve seen with high-profile failures like the abandoned NHS patient record system and Sainsbury’s costly warehouse automation debacle.
To avoid such pitfalls, it’s crucial to approach new technology rollouts with careful planning and consideration. Recent research, surveying thousands of IT decision makers (ITDMs), revealed that compatibility with existing systems is the number one challenge during new technology implementations. Such issues can spell disaster for a project, especially as businesses strive to enhance their digital maturity. Alarmingly, 10% of respondents in the survey reported having to abandon a technology implementation entirely in the last few years.
In this article, we’ll outline four key areas for ITDMs to consider when implementing new technology. By addressing these elements effectively, businesses can enjoy a smoother and more rewarding rollout, quickly realising the benefits of their new systems.
When it comes to strategic technology implementations, our research shows that integration with existing IT infrastructure is the most commonly cited challenge, with 28% of ITDMs identifying it as a significant issue.
This underscores the importance of considering compatibility as a top priority when evaluating new technology investments. It’s not just about what the technology can do today, but how it will integrate and scale with your existing systems over time.
At Managed Technology, we understand that the time, cost, and complexities involved in implementing new solutions can be daunting. That’s why we advocate for a strategic approach to procurement, focusing on scalable technologies that allow for future growth without the need for disruptive overhauls. Our expertise in integrating new systems with your existing architecture ensures that your investments continue to deliver value as your business evolves.
Support during a major technology rollout can be a game-changer. Our research found that 61% of ITDMs enlisted the help of third-party vendors during their last major implementation. However, businesses vary in how they approach external assistance.
Some organisations prefer a baseline level of support, enabling them to manage the process internally with confidence. Others seek a more collaborative partnership, sharing responsibility for the project with their vendor. Still, others opt for full-service support, where the partner handles the project from start to finish.
At Managed Technology, we offer flexible support models tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. Whether you need full collaboration, a guiding hand, or complete project management, we’re here to ensure your technology rollout is a success. Our approach is adaptable, allowing you to choose the level of involvement that best aligns with your internal capabilities and project goals.
The right approach to a technology rollout will depend on your organisation’s priorities. For instance, our research indicates that companies managing their implementations in-house tend to experience fewer compatibility issues and delays, which is ideal if speed is your primary concern. However, this often comes at the cost of ongoing support, with some organisations reporting communication breakdowns and insufficient after-sales service.
On the other hand, ITDMs who opted for full collaboration with a third-party vendor reported fewer challenges overall, including better after-sales support and communication. However, this approach sometimes leads to a slight increase in functionality issues.
What’s clear is that a mixed approach—where responsibility is split between in-house teams and external vendors—can lead to complications. Over 90% of ITDMs who took this route encountered challenges, with many being forced to abandon their projects. This hybrid approach often results in higher rates of issues, such as technology not being fit for purpose or low employee adoption.
At Managed Technology, we believe in a consistent approach to technology rollouts. By providing end-to-end support or full collaboration, we ensure that your project remains on track, reducing the risks associated with mixed methodologies.
Selecting the right partner for a major technology implementation is critical. A good partner can help mitigate risks associated with compatibility and timelines, ensuring that your project is a success. However, as our research indicates, working with the wrong partner can exacerbate these issues.
At Managed Technology, we bring deep solutions integration expertise and specialist knowledge to the table. Our team understands the importance of seamlessly bringing various systems together, ensuring they work in harmony. We also recognise the need for an in-depth understanding of your business processes, particularly how documents and information are managed within your organisation.
By choosing Managed Technology as your partner, you’re selecting a company that is committed to your success. We provide the confidence you need to fully commit to an automated future, unlocking benefits such as improved security and compliance, increased productivity, and an enhanced customer experience.
By focusing on these four key areas and partnering with Managed Technology, ITDMs can navigate the complexities of technology rollouts with greater ease, ensuring their organisation is well-positioned to leverage the full potential of their new systems.