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E-A-S-Y is the way to go: 10 ways to improve software adoption

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As a company, utilizing handy software is usually a good idea for business. But introducing it to the people working for you, might soon become a challenge. Often, the problem is low user adoption, caused by fear and resistance to change. But don’t let this hinder you from developing the company further. Instead, you can try to overcome user adoption challenges with the following tips:

1. Choose a software which is easy to use

The most essential thing is, to select a software which is easy to use for people. When the software offers everything your users need, but is too difficult to work with, you should think about a change. Otherwise you are losing the battle before it even starts! To entice users even more, keep in mind that visual tools of shouldn’t be left out either! Graphical data is absorbed faster by the human eye – and therefore it’s a push in the right direction to successfully adopt any new software.

2. Be mobile and integrate your existing systems

Take a step further and make the best out of your new software by choosing a solution with mobile access. Nowadays, people are used to logging in anytime to update an opportunity, or to add meeting notes on their phones. In order to reduce the platforms necessary to work with various data, go for a software with the ability to integrate with your calendar, email and other systems. Your users will spend less time searching for data in different places and when they can find it all within a single solution.

3. Build the foundation

The people within a company who select the software often forget that for the user it might be more difficult to adopt the new software than it is for them. Why not select a group of users testing the prototype first? They can easily pinpoint what needs to be fixed and are able to address any proposed change before it’ll be applied to the entire team. When the test group is unhappy with the software, you have enough time to improve and deliver a modified solution to the end user.

4. Involve users right from the beginning

People stick to old habits and don’t like change. That’s why it is even more important to involve the entire team into the decision-making process right from the beginning. Nobody wants to feel left out, especially when it is about introducing new solutions everyone needs to work with in the future. Talk to your team and provide them with information regarding the new software. You can ask for recommendations to increase interactivity and at the same time explain any uncertainties.

5. Inform users the right way

Don’t just say why it is important to change the software – how you say it is also of great significance. Just stating the reasons for the change won’t stop people from panicking, as that’s simply a part of human nature. Try to understand the current processes and working environment of your users and explain the benefits and value of the new software to them. In the end, they will leave behind their stubborn mindset and welcome the change with open arms.

6. Set up a communication plan

In general, it takes about 21 days to change a habit and the process of adopting a new software is no different. Don’t expect it to go easy, as some people will require more help than others. Instead of simply declaring the plan, work out a communication strategy to assure everybody gets on board and no one is left behind. In addition to that, set milestones for team members to accomplish step by step. This way you can perfectly monitor the progress your teams are making.

7. Offer adequate training

To get to the top, no matter what business or situation, training is always required. Even for users trying to understand a new software. Do not take it for granted that everyone will pick it up immediately. You can only influence the learning process by offering training sessions, documentation, webinars, or blog posts, which are available to the team if needed. It is an investment which will deliver returns right after they’ll start to use the new software on a daily basis.

8. Ask for feedback

Give your team a chance to speak up and talk to you about their concerns and suggestions. Depending on the size of the company either in form of a survey or in person. As they’re the ones having to work with the software from now on, it is important to know how they deal with it. In case it turns out that working with the new system is difficult, you need to be ready to make adjustments or maybe even change your approach entirely.

9. Provide supervisors for continuous support

Not only during the learning progress, but also outside of the training sessions, the user needs to be able to access help and assistance by experts. With software, it is far more than just the implementation process. People need guidance and ongoing support. One solution would be to ensure there’s always a knowledgeable support team member to help. Just to look at the adoption with a brighter view and enhance the process while the end user overcomes the fear of failing.

10. Measure and celebrate success

One last step to boost the adoption process is to regularly measure and celebrate
success. Rewarding the users keeps them motivated and increases the speed of learning and getting used to the system. Because every business is different, you can measure the user adoption based on utilization, productivity, outcome, or other criteria. And after each milestone, celebrate with the team and show them your appreciation.
It can be quite a challenge to adopt  new software, both for companies large and small. That’s why Resco’s experienced Support team tries hard to provide any help required. Furthermore, our worldwide network of 500+ skilled partners can help any customer with implementation, customization, user training and support of our products. From start to finish, we’re here to accompany you on your enterprise mobility journey!
And last but not least, check out how others have already successfully mastered the challenge with us.

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