Technology is invented to bring us convenience and improve our quality of life, no? Why do we often find ourselves pulling our hair out when a new technology is implemented? In the previous article, we talked about the 5 questions restoration contractors should ask themselves before implementing new technology to improve efficiency and drive profitable growth for the company. However, it is not uncommon that the best laid plans can still be riddled with roadblocks and challenges during the implementation process, even the most prepared company. Here is a list of 7 reasons commonly seen in restoration companies that struggle in implementing a new technology.
- Poor or limited leadership
This again ties back to insufficient or poor leadership that does not establish a top-down vision and path for employees to follow. It is essential to involve all employees and push these decisions through the ranks with proper expectations during the implementation process. The property restoration industry often suffers from an abundance of leaders, but not the kind that will manage through a technological change.
- Undefined goals or vague objectives
Like anything, you cannot measure progress, improvements, failures, and coaching opportunities without defined goals or clear objectives. Establishing targets, goals and objective that can be measured throughout the process is part of an “Action Plan”. Not only should it encompass our priorities, but also help us look beyond the initial steps and into the bigger picture.
- Unrealistic timeline
This is an issue restoration companies often encounter during a software transition where they want to leverage everything all at once. It is almost like trying to drink through a fire hose or jumping into a race car and trying to accelerate to 100 MH/hour without an engine. As a result, employees are overwhelmed, processes are not followed, and ultimately the organization falls short of their vision. Hence, remember “crawl, walk, run” and set realistic timeline to help all employees transition through the new technology implementation patiently.
- Carrying over bad habits
This goes back to “change resistance” and the common habit of wanting to hold onto the way things were before. People have the tendency of hanging on to their historical processes and behaviors because changes are uncomfortable. People refuse to let go, even though they understand the old processes are no longer beneficial which prompt them to seek out new solutions. New technology transitions also require a change in habits.
- Migrating bogus or incomplete data
Date within a software is like oil in a machine. If data is not properly migrated, it will affect the way the new system works. the entire system will be affected. If you bring over garbage information from a legacy system, then the same garbage will flow through the new system as well creating issues with reporting, financials, and even historical records. During the new technology transition, it is also the best time for data cleaning.
- Insufficient Training & Support
Just like any tool, technology is not one that is designed to be used without proper training and support. People simply do not know what they do not know as technology is advancing daily. There are so many opportunities for continued education, like getting certified in a new skill or learning new knowledge, it is no different with technology. It is beneficial for restoration contractors to be familiar with new technology and upgrades to continuously improve productivity in the field.
- Technology – Connectivity Issues
Being in the property restoration industry, you don’t always have the luxury of staying in the office behind a desk doing all your paperwork. Connectivity issues on your digital devices may impact your productivity and information sharing with the office while you are out in the field. This is a common yet unavoidable issue in the industry. Hence, you need to make sure the new software you are using has the ability to capture and store your information offline while you encounter connectivity issues at a jobsite.
In a nutshell, you want to remember that choosing the right technology is only part of the solution. Restoration companies that successfully transition are usually the ones who take the time to understand their needs, outline proper expectations, set realistic goals, and work towards an action plan. This is not a process that can be done single-handedly. It requires personnel development and making sure you have the right people to support the transition. Establishing measurable goals and targets help your employees visualize the benefits the new technology changes will bring. Lean on industry experts or peers to help understand the challenges and how to overcome them. This industry provides a lot of great tools and technology, you just have to find the one that fits your need and allows your business to scale and grow.
If you are interested in learning how PSA will help you through such a technology transition to bring growth and improvement to your organization, we are happy to schedule a consultation session with you. Feel free to reach out to sales@canamsys.com or schedule a demo with us.