How do you solicit and incorporate feedback from your stakeholders on PDM changes?

1 Define your change process

Before you make any changes to your PDM system, you need to have a clear and consistent change process that defines the roles, responsibilities, and steps involved. This will help you avoid confusion, errors, and delays, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. You can use a change request form, a change order form, or a change management software to document and track your change process. You should also define the criteria and methods for approving, rejecting, or modifying changes, and the escalation procedures for resolving conflicts or issues.

2 Identify your stakeholders

Depending on the nature and scope of your PDM changes, you may need to notify different stakeholders and solicit their feedback. You should identify who are the affected parties, what are their interests and expectations, and how are they impacted by the changes. You can use a stakeholder analysis matrix or a stakeholder map to categorize and prioritize your stakeholders based on their power, influence, and interest. You should also consider the communication preferences and channels of your stakeholders, and how often and when they need to be updated.

3 Communicate your changes

Once you have defined your change process and identified your stakeholders, you need to communicate your changes effectively and transparently. You should explain the reasons, benefits, and risks of the changes, and how they align with the project goals and objectives. You should also provide clear and detailed instructions on how to access, use, and review the changes, and what are the expected outcomes and deliverables. You can use various communication tools, such as emails, newsletters, presentations, webinars, or demos, to convey your messages and demonstrate your changes.

4 Solicit feedback

After you communicate your changes, you need to solicit feedback from your stakeholders and incorporate it into your PDM system. You should encourage your stakeholders to share their opinions, suggestions, questions, or concerns, and acknowledge and appreciate their input. You should also provide them with a feedback mechanism, such as a survey, a form, or a meeting, to collect and analyze their responses. You should review the feedback carefully and objectively, and decide whether to accept, reject, or modify it based on the change criteria and methods.

6 Manage change resistance

One of the challenges of making PDM changes is dealing with change resistance from your stakeholders. Some of them may be reluctant or opposed to the changes due to various reasons, such as fear of losing control, lack of trust, or satisfaction with the status quo. You should identify the sources and signs of change resistance, and address them proactively and empathetically. You should also involve your stakeholders in the change process, provide them with training and support, and highlight the positive aspects and benefits of the changes.