Implementing digital adoption platforms (DAPs) in an organization is crucial for maximizing the value of technology investments. As corganizations continue to integrate a growing number of software applications, the challenge in ensuring effective user adoption becomes increasingly complex. The exponential growth of software applications has not only made it easier for companies to acquire new tools but has also heightened the need for effective digital adoption strategies and comprehensive training.
Despite the ease of acquiring new software, organizations often struggle to train and equip users effectively. Software purchases alone do not drive productivity; instead, it is the successful onboarding and digital adoption that enable employees to leverage these tools to their full potential.
Also Read: How CIOs Can Simplify CRM Transformation
According to McKinsey, 70% of digital transformation initiatives fail due to poor user adoption and resistance to change. When software is not utilized effectively, the investment in these applications fails to yield the intended benefits.
Digital adoption is essential for ensuring that organizations derive maximum value from their technology investments. If employees only partially use the software provided, the organization will not experience the improvements envisioned during the acquisition phase. This issue is compounded by the proliferation of SaaS and custom applications, as well as the rise of shadow IT—unsanctioned applications that can further fragment software usage.
Also Listen: Tech-IT Times by CIOInfluence.com Featuring Todd Cramer, Director Business Development- Security Ecosystem at Intel CCG-Commercial Client Group
Defining Digital Adoption Platform
A Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) is software integrated with another application, product, or website to enhance user proficiency. It guides users through key tasks and provides contextual information, enabling quick familiarization and ongoing education to ensure effective adoption of new features and functionality.
Significance of Digital Adoption Platform in IT
As efficient software use becomes increasingly vital for driving productivity and growth, a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) ensures companies maximize the value of the applications their teams use. This begins with effective in-app onboarding, enabling new hires to quickly become productive, and continues as organizations monitor potential hurdles that may lead to IT support bottlenecks.
Here’s how DAPs elevate digital adoption:
- A DAP significantly enhances user productivity by accelerating onboarding, streamlining workflows, and reducing time spent on troubleshooting.
- Poor software adoption costs businesses substantial amounts each year. DAPs mitigate these costs by ensuring users are well-trained and equipped to use the software effectively.
- The right DAP supports internal governance and best practices, further improving operational efficiency.
- Increased user productivity and comfort with applications ultimately lead to improved customer experiences.
However, the true value of a DAP lies in its robust analytics capabilities. While effective onboarding is crucial, ongoing learning and performance measurement are where DAPs truly excel. Leveraging the data collected by a DAP is essential for maximizing its impact.
A DAP collects and analyzes valuable data on user behavior within the company’s software, offering insights into areas causing user roadblocks and generating IT support issues. By tracking metrics such as completion rates for in-app guides or time spent on specific tasks, a DAP helps organizations identify areas for improvement, allowing for continuous refinement of their digital adoption strategy.
Also Read: One-Time Password Malware Poses a Serious Threat to Your Device Security
Advancing Digital Adoption: Beyond Basic Software Integration
The journey to digital adoption transcends mere software adoption; it transforms users into power users who can fully leverage new technology to drive business success. While software adoption involves learning to use new tools, digital adoption requires a deeper understanding of how to utilize these tools to transform business processes and achieve strategic goals.
To unlock the full potential of new technology, users must grasp the following:
- Purpose and Relevance: Why is the application or technology necessary for the organization?
- Business Integration: How will it enhance existing business processes?
- Process Adaptation: What changes are required in current processes to maximize the technology’s benefits?
- Operational Use: How should the technology be used to meet specific business objectives?
- Optimization Opportunities: How can processes be optimized using the new technology?
- Challenge Mitigation: What potential challenges could arise, and how can they be addressed?
- System Integration: How does the new technology integrate with existing systems and workflows?
- Support and Training: What training and support resources are available to ensure effective usage?
- Customization: How can the technology be tailored to meet the unique needs of the business?
- Success Measurement: What metrics will be used to evaluate the success of technology adoption?
- Continuous Improvement: How will ongoing improvements and updates be managed?
Achieving digital adoption means answering these questions and demonstrating how the software addresses the organization’s challenges. This comprehensive understanding ensures that technology is utilized to its fullest potential, leading to meaningful transformations in business processes and driving the broader digital transformation agenda.
Also Read: CIO Influence Interview with Mehdi Daoudi, CEO of Catchpoint
Top Digital Adoption Platforms
Whatfix
WalkMe Digital Adoption Platform
Stonly
SAP Enable Now
Pendo
Oracle Guided Learning
Userlane
Apty
Best Practices and Considerations for Implementing a Digital Adoption Platform in Training
Successful implementation of a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) requires meticulous planning and consideration. To ensure effective deployment, several factors must be addressed.
The foremost question to address is, “What is the ultimate goal of the DAP?” Are you aiming to reduce help desk calls, minimize application errors, decrease formal training time, or achieve another objective? Defining a clear implementation goal is crucial for success.
When deploying a DAP, consider the following best practices:
- Define Clear Training Objectives: Establish specific training goals to guide the implementation process.
- Ensure Integration Compatibility: Verify that the DAP integrates seamlessly with your existing software.
- Assess Employee Skill Levels: Understand the current competencies of employees to tailor the DAP effectively.
- Plan for Resources and Support: Outline the resources and support required to assist employees during the transition.
- Purposeful Guides: Ensure each guide within the DAP serves a clear purpose. While it is impossible to anticipate every need, maintaining flexibility is essential. Be prepared to adjust the DAP as requirements evolve.
By addressing these factors, organizations can improve their chances of a successful DAP implementation, leading to more effective training and user adoption.
Benefits of Investing in Digital Adoption Platforms for Technological Advancement
Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) offer significant advantages for businesses that rely heavily on software. Rather than repeatedly investing in costly employee training, a DAP provides an automated solution that efficiently manages the learning process.
Here are five key reasons to invest in a Digital Adoption Platform:
- Accelerate Software Adoption Resistance to change can hinder software implementation. Digital Adoption Platforms simplify the learning process, reducing frustrations and overcoming resistance. By making the transition to new systems easier, DAPs help employees adapt more quickly and embrace the most effective solutions for their tasks.
- Enhance User Onboarding Efficiency Training sessions, even brief ones, can result in substantial lost productivity. For example, training 200 employees can equate to over 75 days of lost work. DAPs streamline the onboarding process, allowing employees to learn while they work, thus minimizing disruptions and maximizing productivity.
- Increase Business Competitiveness Effective use of software is crucial for reducing waste and improving efficiency. DAPs facilitate convenient and engaging learning, motivating employees to utilize digital tools effectively. This leads to increased productivity and a competitive edge over businesses struggling with inefficient software use.
- Optimize Application and Tool Usage Understanding and utilizing software to its full potential is essential for maximizing ROI. DAPs enhance employee proficiency, reduce support tickets, and ensure that all features are leveraged effectively, thereby addressing potential issues before they escalate and incur additional costs.
- Boost Employee Engagement and Performance Traditional training methods can be dull and disengaging, affecting effectiveness. DAPs create interactive and engaging learning experiences, keeping employees motivated and focused. This approach improves overall performance and ensures that training contributes positively to productivity.
Finally
A Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) represents a transformative advancement in corporate technical training. By integrating learning directly into the workflow, it effectively handles a substantial portion of training requirements. While not a complete substitute for all formal training, a DAP significantly reduces its necessity, providing employees with immediate, context-specific support.
The benefits of a DAP include enhanced user confidence, decreased support costs, and overall business success. It is an essential tool for organizations aiming to leverage their digital investments. Embracing a DAP enables businesses to remain competitive in the fast-paced digital landscape and adapt to ongoing technological changes.
For organizations considering the implementation of a DAP, consulting with experts who specialize in increasing digital adoption through these tools can provide valuable insights and strategies.
[To share your insights with us as part of editorial or sponsored content, please write to psen@itechseries.com]
