Implementing new technology in the workplace
The final instalment of a three-part series by estate planning software specialist, Arken.legal
You have now chosen the right technology partner, you are happy, you have agreed pricing. Everyone is ready to start implementation, but how do you do this? What are the key elements that make up a successful implementation of a new technology? Below are 8 key steps to consider before starting implementation.
- Onboarding Plan
Agree with your technology partner how you will implement it with your staff/firm. The best onboarding plan is a combination of your partner’s experience of their product and what has worked well with other similar firms and your knowledge of your business, your staff and how well they will take to change. Have this plan agreed, costed and timelined.
- Appoint Super Users
The best way of achieving success is to have some early adopters who those struggling can go to. Staff are also much more likely to listen to those doing a similar job to them extolling the virtues of the new software or tool than someone in management telling them it will make their life better!
- Adapt Your Business Processes
Process map your new way of working, involve the super users in the task to help with adoption by all and have that on hand for communication. It is also really good practice to have these processes in place to ensure bad habits don’t creep in.
- Create A Change Management Plan
Identify everyone who is likely to be affected by the change. Then communicate to this group and explain how they must behave for the project to succeed. Establish the compelling business and individual reasons and give frequent project updates.
- Ongoing Effective Communication
Communication is key – between you and your staff / colleagues and the project team but also with your technology partner. A good technology partner will be with you during the implementation and assist at every stage. Always be the first to communicate process change decisions and solicit feedback.
- Control the Feedback
Above we talked about soliciting feedback – an important thing to do but take control of it internally. It is very easy for an individual to raise all the problems with the partner directly and they get inundated with negativity. Identify a key person to collate all the feedback and liaise with the partner. The partner should want to hear the feedback to help them improve their service but this way you can filter out the key issues to address.
- Regular and Final Reviews
Review the implementation during regular interviews with your partner. Put in place review meetings and ensure these are in place until such a time that you deem the onboarding to be complete. Ensure you learn lessons from any implementation to go forward to future ones.
- Second Stage Training
In initial training, there will only be a fraction of it that is remembered after a few months. It is good practice to do more advanced training or retraining for those slower to adopt the change, on an ongoing basis.
Summary
Technology has disrupted many industries and the legal industry is seeing new entrants using technology to do just that. Although it is important to consider all the elements highlighted in this series, it is also important to act and not be afraid. Change is upon us – a legacy of the COVID-19 era but also with the changing requirements and buying habits of future generations.
The right technology, the right partner and the right onboarding plan can transform your business, protect and prepare it for future challenges and help you achieve greater efficiency and profitability.
A free whitepaper covering this series in full can be found here – which includes how to implement new technology into your practice, and key considerations when choosing a technology partner.
Contact us
If you would like to talk to Arken.legal about how we can assist you with process improvement and digitisation, please book a 15-minute introductory call so we can get to know you and your business better. Alternatively, please email [email protected] or call 01732 867792. You can also book a demonstration of our solutions and begin a free 7-day trial via www.arken.legal.
Arken.legal (UK) Ltd offers a range of innovative, integrated solutions for the private client sector. With document automation, online Wills, marketing tools, digital fact finds, reference tools for taxation and more, use of the Arken product suite can drive productivity, significantly improve efficiency and manage risk.
