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New technology offers numerous advantages for your business, including streamlined processes and improved productivity, but taking the first step with implementation can be daunting.
Often, the implementation process with technology, including benefits technology, is riddled with barriers like lack of training, poor planning, low usability, or a resistance to change from employees. Preparing for these challenges can ensure that you have a robust plan in place to overcome barriers and make the implementation process as smooth, stress-free, and painless as possible.
Systems Integration
Integrating new benefits technology with legacy systems is complex, but it’s one of the benefits of having it in the first place. One of the primary obstacles is the incompatibility between legacy and new solutions, which can make implementation frustrating.
There may be differences in the data format and structure as well, which can require extensive tailoring to reduce data silos and improve communication between the solutions. Understanding these barriers in advance can help you better prepare for what you may need to do to facilitate a smoother transition.
Integrations should be considered as early in the process as possible. Before you evaluate your solutions, consider any potential compatibility issues that may affect the solution you choose. Your selected vendor can help you navigate this process and identify solutions that will work best for your current needs and goals.
System Reliability
Even if your current system is outdated and upgrading to a new benefits technology solution offers benefits, there’s comfort in the familiar. You know your current solution’s strengths and weaknesses and learned to work around them, making it more difficult to take the leap.
Your team may fear that a new system could be unreliable if it’s not configured properly or lacks the integration you need to create seamless communication with your current tech stack. The risk of business disruption can be more of a concern than the benefits that come with a newer and more robust option.
Upgrading your benefits technology doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start from scratch, however. With the right vendor, you can implement new technology without disrupting your current system and processes. They’ll work with you to identify the best-fit solutions that solve your business challenges and augment your current system, rather than tearing it down and starting over.
Measuring Success
Implementation is just part of the process with new technology. Once you have a solution in place, you need ongoing evaluation to ensure that it’s delivering the results you want. Otherwise, you’re missing out on an opportunity to get the most out of your investment.
With any strategy, you should have goals in place when you begin, such as increasing employee satisfaction, reducing administrative burden, or improving overall organizational efficiency. These goals should be specific and measurable.
How will you measure your goals? Key performance indicators measure your company’s success compared to a set of targets or benchmarks. Your defined KPIs help you determine if you’re working toward your goals and likely to succeed, or if you need to pivot for better results.
The utilization rate of the new solution can offer insights into how employees are receiving it as well. For example, if you notice a low utilization rate with a particular feature or group of employees, that could indicate that more training is needed or that the feature isn’t operating as it should.
Ultimately, your success metrics are evaluating how your technology investment is contributing to your organization and to identify potential areas for improvement to make the most of it. Staying on top of the process not only helps you now but prepares you for implementing new solutions in the future, whatever they may be.
Prepare for a Smooth Implementation Process for Benefits Technology
There are plenty of advantages to implementing new employee benefits technology, but the implementation process is challenging and involves a lot of consideration. There are barriers and obstacles along the way, but preparing in advance can help you pave the way for a smooth transition and successful experience that takes your organization to the next level.
About the Author
Frank Mengert continues to find success by spotting opportunities where others see nothing. As the founder and CEO of ebm, a leading provider of employee benefits solutions, Frank has built the business by bridging the gap between insurance and technology driven solutions for brokers, consultants, carriers, and employers nationwide.
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