That new system is finally up and running. But one team can’t get it to work. The others need to pay extra to use the features they want.
Teams soon begin shifting back to the old, familiar system. Adoption stops, and the entire project is quietly written off as a wasted investment.
It’s a pattern we see all the time, but the issue isn’t the tech. It’s rolling it out too fast, with little prep and without the right engagement from the wider business.
The hidden cost of rushing digital transformation projects
When deadlines loom, it’s easy to move fast to achieve those quick wins. You want results, and budgets need to be spent. Pushing ahead without planning is what trips most projects up.
A new system can be bought and introduced before its place in existing processes is fully mapped out. Teams are focused on different priorities, and those using the system daily may not have had the chance to shape how it works for them.
88% of business leaders admit that less than half of their digital projects meet the goals they set (ITPro). The foundations for integration weren’t there, so they’re left with a system that never solves the problem it was meant to fix.
The better route isn’t to slow everything down to a snail’s pace, but to take a smarter approach.
The benefits of smart, cautious innovation
Smart innovation considers the whole process – technology, people, deployment and the difference it makes. It focuses on delivering results that last.
Done well, this approach means:
- Users are engaged from the get-go
- Clear KPIs are set early
- Leaders stay involved throughout rollout
- Progress is visible
When staff are brought in early, adoption rises. Involving users from the start ensures systems reflect what’s needed and avoids unnecessary features or workarounds.
Defining clear KPIs makes success measurable. When you know what looks good from the start, whether that’s reducing repetitive admin or speeding up approvals, progress can be shared clearly across the business.
Strong management can also drive results, with tech adoption rates increasing to 88% when leadership is engaged, compared to 51% when it’s lacking (Office for National Statistics). Leaders who support change throughout the rollout help users adopt it successfully.
Most importantly, take measured steps. Introduce new systems or programmes gradually, with thorough training at every step. People need to feel confident in what they’re using, or they won’t use it at all.
Balancing risk and reward
When new systems are implemented with care, revenue per employee is 19% higher on average (Office for National Statistics).
But success isn’t guaranteed – problems often appear when decisions are guided by trends rather than real business needs. Two-thirds of digital projects are motivated by fear of missing out on the latest tech (ArvatoConnect). Far too many businesses end up with tools and software that don’t solve the problems they were bought for.
Putting people first and moving step by step makes that risk much smaller. Involving the right users from the start and setting clear goals means systems get used, making success far more likely.
Finding the right partner
Are you making choices based on cost alone? We get it. Budget matters. But your money goes further if the project succeeds. Having tailored support maximises this possibility.
The wrong partner leaves you stuck with systems that don’t fit and software that quickly falls by the wayside.
The right one asks the questions you haven’t thought of yet and stays involved long after the rollout.
That’s where Embrace comes in. We reduce risks behind tech implementations and give businesses the confidence they need to choose tools that grow with them, not against them.
It’s something we’ve been supplying for over a decade. Whatever it is you want to achieve with new tech, we’ll help you make better decisions that get you winning results.
A stronger route to lasting impact
Rushing tech adoption costs more than it saves.
Plans stall, budgets inflate, teams slip back into old habits and the whole project is chalked off as a mistake.
Taking a cautious, structured approach might seem slow, especially if your competitors are steaming ahead, but it helps to secure results that last.
With the right partner, you can innovate smartly while keeping risks under control.
Want a safer way to grow with new tech?