Implementing new systems or ways of working is no small feat. It involves careful planning, resource allocation and a strong focus on adoption to ensure success. Yet, many organisations face challenges in these areas, often leading to costly delays, resistance or even outright project failure. This is where the early involvement of change management, programme and project management experts like BR One can make all the difference.
By bringing specialists in from the outset, businesses can achieve smoother transitions, save money and better optimise resources. Here’s how:
1.Addressing risks proactively
Starting a project without identifying potential risks is like setting sail without a compass. Change management experts and project managers can proactively identify and mitigate risks before they become costly issues. This could be anything from:
- Addressing employee resistance
- Anticipating technical roadblocks
- Aligning timelines with resource availability
Early involvement of these specialists ensures challenges and risks are tackled head-on, thereby minimising disruptions and avoiding expensive rework further down the line.
2.Aligning technical and people-focused activities
When technical and people-focused activities are planned in isolation, misalignment is almost inevitable. Early collaboration between change management experts, implementation partners and internal teams ensures that these activities are seamlessly integrated. For example, scheduling user training alongside system rollouts ensures that employees are prepared to adopt new tools as they are implemented. This reduces wasted effort and unnecessary downtime later, like when employees realise they can’t use the new system effectively.
3.Engaging relevant stakeholders from day one
Stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of any change initiative. Change management specialists work to build trust, gather input and address concerns from the outset, thereby creating a foundation of support that reduces resistance. When stakeholders feel heard and involved, they’re far more likely to champion the change and help drive adoption across the organisation.
4.Streamlining processes for consistency
Without a clear framework for implementing new processes, projects can quickly become chaotic. Early involvement of change management, programme and project management specialists ensures a systematic approach, with clear protocols for introducing new workflows. This not only minimises disruptions but also fosters consistent improvements, saving both time and resources over the project lifecycle.
5.Maximising resource efficiency
Time and budget constraints are a reality for most organisations. Early integration of change management and project management specialists like BR One allows for a thorough assessment of the project’s impact on resources, timelines and budgets. This ensures informed decision-making, preventing unexpected fluctuations and keeping the project on track.
6.Driving faster (and better) user adoption
User adoption isn’t just about knowing how to use a new system, but about using it effectively. Change management specialists like BR One focus on ensuring employees understand the ‘why’ behind the change and have access to the tools and training they need, tailored to their job roles and individual learning needs. This proactive approach accelerates adoption, reducing the need for extensive post-implementation support and allowing the organisation to realise the benefits of the new system sooner.
At a glance
The statistics speak for themselves: 70% of change programmes fail due to employee resistance and lack of management support. This highlights the importance of making business readiness a top priority. By involving change management, programme and project management specialists early in the process, organisations can create a strong foundation for success and avoid the pitfalls that so often derail change initiatives.
At BR One, we specialise in helping organisations realise the full potential of their technology investments. From proactive risk management to fostering user adoption, our tailored approach ensures that your transition to new systems or ways of working is as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
Let’s work together to make your next change initiative a success. Get in touch to learn more about how our change management and project management expertise can help you save money, resources, and time while achieving your goals.