Change and Implementation

How, as managers, are we to make sure IT projects succeed beyond implementation?  A major factor in determining if an IT project is a success is how it is utilized after installation.  If implementation is an enterprise wide activity, so too is emphasizing the importance of how the adoption of it will improve the firm. 

We all know this is no easy task.  Employees get set in their ways, and the last thing they want to do is "lose" time learning a new system when they already know the technology in place.  I think we need to keep this in mind when unveiling the new system.  There will, without doubt, be many questions and objectors, both active and passive.  I think it's our job to reassure them of the benefits of the system and to encourage participation in training programs.  I personally don't feel like mandatory training is the proper approach.  I think approaching this in a way that makes the employees feel we are learning with them, rather than strictly monitoring their progress is more effective. 

The only real experience I have with something like this comes from my teaching days.  We, as instructors, had the choice of using WileyPlus, an online homework suite.  The students had to use it to complete homework assignments.  Many students openly objected to the technology.  It had many benefits for both teachers and students.  Eventually, they all embraced it as an instructional tool.  The only complaint that persisted was the network problems everyone had. I made sure I was understanding of these issues and took measures to make sure they didn't give up on the system.