Do’s and Don’ts for Updating Your Technology Stack: Insights from LevelUp’s Applied Technology Division

Introduction

In the dynamic realm of business technology, making informed decisions about changing, adding, or updating your technology stack is crucial. At LevelUp’s Applied Technology Division, we blend Design and Systems Thinking with a rigorous Business Analysis approach to guide employers through these pivotal transitions. Here’s our relaxed yet professional take on how to navigate these waters effectively, ensuring every tech investment delivers a tangible commercial return on investment (ROI).

Do: Start With a Thorough Business Analysis

Understanding the Current State
Before you even consider new technologies, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your current state. This means conducting a detailed business analysis to map out your existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and understand the needs of your business units. This initial step is vital as it lays the groundwork for all subsequent decisions.

Optimize Before You Automate
Once you have a clear picture, the next step is optimization. Look for ways to streamline processes and eliminate inefficiencies manually before jumping into automation. This approach not only makes the system leaner but also ensures that you are automating the right aspects of your operations, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of new technologies.

Don’t: Rush into New Technologies Without Assessing ROI

Assessing Potential ROI
With a refined process in place, you can now look at what technologies are available to automate these optimized processes. However, it’s critical to assess the potential ROI of any new technology. Not every shiny new tool will be the right fit for your business. The technology must align with your strategic goals and provide a clear path to increased efficiency or other benefits that justify the investment.

ROI Beyond Cost Savings
While automating tasks to save time and money is often the primary goal, ROI can also come from enhanced accuracy, better compliance, improved customer satisfaction, and innovation that drives business growth. Ensure the technology you choose can deliver on these fronts.

Do: Employ Design and Systems Thinking

Integrative Approach
Applying Design and Systems Thinking involves looking at your technology decisions as part of a larger ecosystem. Understand how new technology fits into your existing architecture and what adjustments will be needed to integrate new systems smoothly. This holistic approach ensures that the technology not only solves a specific problem but also complements and enhances other systems and processes.

User-Centric Design
Always consider the end-user experience in your technology choices. A system that is difficult to use or fails to meet user needs can lead to low adoption rates and diminished ROI. Involve stakeholders from all levels in the selection process and prioritize user-friendly solutions that enhance rather than complicate the workflow.

Don’t: Overlook Staff Training and Support

Training for Smooth Transition
Even the best technology can fail if not implemented correctly. Ensure that you allocate adequate resources for training and supporting your staff as they transition to new systems. Continuous education and support not only help in smooth adoption but also maximize the benefits of new technology.

Ongoing Evaluation
Technology is not a set-and-forget solution. Continuous evaluation is necessary to ensure that the technology remains effective and continues to provide a competitive edge. Regularly review its performance, seek feedback from users, and stay open to making adjustments or updates as needed.

Measuring Success: Focus on Adoption and Commercial ROI

Tracking Adoption Rates
A crucial metric for gauging the success of new technology is its adoption rate within your organization. High adoption rates generally indicate that the technology is user-friendly and meets the needs of your employees, making it a valuable asset. Conversely, low adoption may signal issues with usability or relevance, necessitating a reassessment of your choices. Regularly monitoring how quickly and effectively your team adopts new technologies will provide insight into their practical impact and user satisfaction.

Evaluating Commercial ROI
The ultimate measure of success for any technological investment is its commercial ROI. This involves not just looking at the direct financial gains from automation, such as cost savings from reduced labor hours, but also indirect benefits like improved customer satisfaction, higher sales, and reduced error rates. Establishing clear metrics for assessing ROI before implementing a new technology can help you determine its effectiveness over time. Quantitative data should be complemented with qualitative feedback from users to get a holistic view of how the technology is contributing to business growth and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing your technology stack is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. By starting with a thorough analysis of your current processes, optimizing before automating, and critically assessing the potential ROI, you can make informed choices that propel your business forward. Remember, the goal is not just to implement new technology but to enhance your operations and achieve measurable improvements. With a methodical approach rooted in Design and Systems Thinking, you can ensure that your technology investments are both sound and successful.