Rolling out New Technologies in your Business

The wonderful part about the day and age in which we live is the increasing amount of technological advancements that are so easily available to us. But how do they become available to us? Do they just appear one day, does it take a week, or does it take years? The answer is obvious that today’s technology took years to come to us. Not just the time it took for the engineers to develop and perfect it, but as well the thousand upon millions of years of human advancement that lead to this one moment. With so much preparation involved in a project it is easy to become excited within its final stages; however these moments are the most important. The time during which you are preparing to rollout a new product is just as important as all other developments that lead to it.

The rollout of a product can be very easy as long as you stick to the three major keys: marketing, communications, and training. First you will obviously want to promote your product or new service to those who will be using it or the target audience of those who will use it. This may be done on the open market, or in a business it is done within the office. This internal type of marketing is not the typical type that one would think of; however it is just as applicable and important. In order to rollout new technology successfully you need to let those who will be using it know what is coming. Many tactics can be implemented to accomplish this. Some find a simple email useful. Others find that they have to use a more physical approach, such as a postcard or memo. No matter what your means this must always be done so that the day the change is made it is not a surprise to your company.

Second is communication. Within the rollout process a special team will need to be made in order to oversee the rollout. This team will have their own budget, leader, and agenda. This team will consist of all different types of people including designers, beta testers, marketing personal, etc. The leader of this team needs to know a great deal about the product, however sometimes it is best to have the leader be someone who does not know everything because your product will be reaching users who will always have a limited knowledge of the subject. This team is in charge of the whole process, from testing out all the bugs, to creating user manuals and other trainings. This team will be your go to spot if you have any questions about the product.

Third is training. No matter what you are trying to roll out training will be required. Some products will require less training (i.e. a simple manual or set of instructions) to more complex trainings (i.e. training conferences, manuals, help desks, etc.). This training will help the consumer know how to use the product, but can also help you in your own task. If you employees are trained well on how to use the product it is less likely that they will need additional help in the future. The more clear that you are in your initial trainings and rollout procedures the easier your job will be in months to come.

Throughout this whole process it is important that you stay in touch with those who will be using the product. Don’t give them things too advanced for them to understand, as well as too simple. Always be willing to help and teach. The more willing you are to work on at this process the easier the rollout process will be.

Information taken from Partners in Business lecture by Kevin L. Reeve, January 26 2010.