Tips to Boost Adoption and Accuracy Change management,
onboarding tips and how to avoid common pitfalls
Moving to a new digital system is a significant investment, but the technology is only as good as the people using it. In the UK, many digital transformations falter not because of software bugs, but because of “people problems”—resistance to change, lack of clarity, or insufficient training.
If you’re overseeing a transition, here is how to manage the change effectively, onboard your team with confidence, and avoid the common pitfalls that stall progress.
- Focus on Change Management Early
Before the first login is created, you need to win hearts and minds. People are naturally wary of change if they perceive it as “more work” or “monitoring.”
- Communicate the “Why”: Don’t just explain how the system works; explain why the business is adopting it. Whether it’s reducing manual admin or providing better data for clients, make the benefits clear.
- Identify Digital Champions: Find tech-savvy members within different departments. Train them first so they can provide peer-to-peer support. People often feel more comfortable asking a colleague a “silly” question than a manager.
- Acknowledge the Learning Curve: Be transparent that productivity might dip slightly during the first week. This honesty builds trust and reduces anxiety.
- Practical Onboarding Tips
A “one-and-done” three-hour PowerPoint presentation is rarely effective. To boost accuracy and adoption, make training interactive and digestible.
- The “Sandwich” Approach: Start with a high-level demo, follow up with hands-on practice in a “sandbox” (a test environment where they can’t break real data), and finish with a Q&A.
- Create Micro-Learning Resources: Instead of a 50-page manual, create short, two-minute loom videos or one-page “Cheat Sheets” for common tasks like raising an invoice or logging a lead.
- Role-Specific Training: A sales executive doesn’t need to know how the finance module works. Tailor the training sessions so users only see what is relevant to their daily workflow.
- How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Even with the best intentions, digital rollouts can hit snags. Here is what to watch out for:
| Pitfall | The Consequence | The Solution |
| Information Overload | Teams feel overwhelmed and revert to old spreadsheets. | Drip-feed features. Master the basics before introducing advanced tools. |
| Dirty Data In | Inaccurate reporting and loss of “source of truth.” | Set strict data entry standards and use mandatory fields in the system. |
| Lack of Feedback Loop | Small frustrations turn into major resentment. | Schedule a “surgeries” session two weeks post-launch to address specific pain points. |
- Measuring Success and Accuracy
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Once the system is live, keep a close eye on adoption rates. Most modern platforms have “last login” reports or usage analytics. If a specific team isn’t using the system, don’t assume they are being difficult—they might just need a refresher or a slight adjustment to their permissions.
The Golden Rule: Digital transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate the small wins, like the first week of 100% data accuracy, to keep morale high.
