When Technology Isn’t the Issue: What’s Really Going Wrong
The Data & Process May Not Be Sexy, But It’s Crucial
When it comes to leveraging technology for your business, there’s a fundamental truth: the technology is only as good as the data and processes you feed into it. Even if you’ve chosen reputable software, completed your initial due diligence, and seen success stories from other companies, your own experience may still fall short. In many cases, it’s not the tool at fault, but how it’s implemented and managed.
Strategic Implementation: It’s Not About Perfection, It’s About Progress
Strategic implementation is crucial in ensuring that any technology delivers on its promise. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a quest for perfection. Businesses operate on a sliding scale where the goal is not to get everything right from the start but to ensure you have the core data and basic internal processes in place as a foundation. Once this foundation is established, well-structured milestones will progressively improve your experience. This approach allows flexibility, which is key as business changes are inevitable. Perfection may not be realistic, but having adaptable, scalable processes ensures long-term success.
Before You Blame the Tech, Fix the Data
If you've already switched systems multiple times in search of a better solution, it’s likely time to look beyond the technology itself. The real challenge often lies in inefficient workflows or inconsistent data. By refining these areas, you can often unlock better results without needing a full system overhaul. The cleaner and more aligned your data, the better any technology will perform.
Upgrading Technology? Don’t Repeat Past Mistakes
If upgrading to a new system becomes necessary, make sure to approach the implementation differently than before. Involve key stakeholders from various departments to ensure that the new technology meets both business and operational needs. Training should be thorough, and the integration process should be flexible, ensuring your teams are ready to adapt to any changes. This fresh approach prevents you from repeating past issues and ensures the technology is fully utilised.
Close the Gap: Find Extensions or Improve Your Process
In many cases, when 90% of a technology solution meets your needs, starting from scratch might not be necessary. Look for plugins, extensions, or add-ons that can solve the remaining gaps. At the same time, consider whether the issue lies within your business processes rather than the technology itself. Fixing processes can often make your existing tools more effective, saving you both time and money.
Tap Into Vendor Expertise for Free Improvements
Your vendor’s customer success and account management teams are an often-underutilised resource. Booking a meeting with them to discuss better utilisation of your system can provide significant improvements—often at no additional cost. These teams are experts in the product and have insight into how other businesses have successfully navigated similar challenges. Their advice can be a game-changer for optimising your technology setup.
If a New System is Needed, Make Sure You’re Ready
If, after reviewing your data and processes, you conclude that a new technology system is necessary, the work you’ve done will position you to make a better, more informed decision. You’ll be equipped to select a solution that:
Fits your current and future business needs
Offers flexibility for growth and integration with other tools
Provides robust support, security, and community engagement
Having this groundwork in place ensures that your new technology will deliver the results you need, without the frustrations of the past.
Ultimately, technology isn’t always the issue—it’s how you implement and manage it. At SuccessNavigator, I can help your business assess its current processes, data quality, and technology implementation, and guide you toward improvements. Whether you're looking to refine your existing system or explore new technology options, I can ensure that the process is efficient and aligned with your goals.
If you'd like to learn more, book a meeting today and let’s get started on optimising your technology journey.
This article was originally posted on LinkedIn with some valuable comments from other professionals. If you would like to view them please click here