A business world is always a technological world. Two decades ago, your business would strive even though the only electronic gadgets in your business were the cashier and the freezer. Today, businesses need to be at par with technology. Through technology, data transfer is faster and customers are not only based on where you are located but also from any corner of the world.

The power of the internet can transform your small business into a virtual store open to any person in the world. Communication is also a lot easier and more affordable because of online connectivity. There are settings that you can talk and see each other online even though they are in the other side of the globe – without paying any fee. The possibility of technology is virtually endless.

But businesses always have to be aware of their technological advantage. Technology is always evolving that something new around the block will always come out and defeat a device or application introduced a year ago. Businesses need to learn how to adapt to these changes or else they lose their technological edge. Of course, this should only be done with the perception that through technological change, the business will significantly improve.

Introducing Gadgets and Software

Introducing a new gadget or software in business is a lot easier nowadays. Employees are already well versed with different technologies that they might already have a good idea how to use the specific gadget and/or software before they receive it. But introduction to new things in the office or in any business setting should not be taken lightly. Sure, companies can always opt to give their employees the latest gadgets and let them play with it until they figured out how to work on it. The same is true for software or applications. But that could be disastrous since the gadget could easily get destroyed and the information that comes with the software could be lost. They can be repaired and restored but it will take time and resources.

It is essential for managers to provide the right training to employees on how to handle the latest technology. Doing it for the first time should be according to the expected output and according to company policy.

Training the Trainer

In a medium to large scale business, trainers always come first when it comes to dealing with technological change. Instead of using resources to hire trainers from the outside to provide on site assistance and education, a few select individuals who will become trainers could be tapped. Managers should identify individuals who are fit in this position. A small company doesn’t necessarily need to have a trainer but the presence of one will help the business leader tackle simple problems related to the introduced technology.

Establishing Protocols

One important detail regarding introducing technology is to establish protocols before they even start using it. Employees need to be reminded that the advancement of technology is for the advancement of business only and not for personal purposes or any another purposes the company prohibits. This is very important so that security of information as well as your employees will be observed right from the start. This might solicit disagreement from your employees but they will eventually understand this. Technological change is never easy for a company especially for a small business. Anything wrong that could happen could cost the company significant amount of resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The introduced technology does not have to be perfectly working once launched. As long as the technology works as desired, it will serve its purpose. But this should not be the final stage in implementing new technologies. Monitoring and evaluation should be part of the introduction process of new technology. The leaders in the business should always seek feedback from its employees regarding the technology. This will give them a fair idea if they have selected the right gadget or upgrade to ensure productivity at work.

When it comes to software or applications, employees should report bugs and errors as soon as they are encountered. This is also part of the feedback process. This will greatly help managers determine if they do have the right application for the job. Through monitoring and evaluation, the advantages could be determined and technological change would be for the company’s best interest.