User Adoption is not just for applications - New Cloud users Need it too!

“User adoption” are huge buzzwords these days.   It is a fact that if users do not buy into the new systems, the projects are not deemed successful projects.  Without user adoption, companies have disgruntle employees who just complain about the changes.  

Human nature is to be change adverse!!  Try to make the employees a little more comfortable to the changes before they happen and even get them excited about how it will make their jobs “easier". This will make the project seem 100 times more successful than originally thought!

This is true for moving users from an On-premise solution to a Cloud-based solution. User adoption is instrumental in the success and ROI of any companies move into any Cloud.

1. Nothing is ever “exactly the same”.   Train your users on the cloud and access.       
   1. Even if they used the product for 20 years, perception is 50% of the battle. People feel intimidated when they are not tech savvy. Make them comfortable with the new system.
2. Explain and show the benefits of the cloud – why the company made the decision to go in this direction in the first place.
   1. Explain reasons why the company went to the cloud.
   2. Show the users that they can access from anywhere.
   3. Give an example of something in the past that won’t happen when in the cloud.
   4. Show the users how it helps them be more productive.
3. Different people learn differently. Offer alternatives to learning methods for the solution in the cloud.
   1. Classroom training should be available so there are no distractions
   2. Self-help tutorials help people go back and remember how to do certain functions.
   3. 1-1 training for those who have little more trouble learning until they “drive” themselves.
4. Give them time to adjust and play before going live.
   1. Have everyone involved in UAT.   Too many people don't have the time to work in the new system before it goes live.  Make sure they have time.
   2. Give extra time to do their functions the first week or two depending on the person’s comfortability level. 
   3. Make sure there is someone available for those who are technically challenged. There are always people in an office who are afraid to try new technology and need their hand held the first time getting connected and playing around.
5. Have plenty of support for the first few weeks after the migration is completed.
   1. Encourage them to ask questions and no question is a dumb question.
   2. Make sure you have the right personnel supporting the different level of users.
   3. Positive reinforcement – always let them know it is a good question or others are having the same questions.

Utilizing your partner(s) to help with this user adoption can be beneficial. They have the experience with repeatable implementations under their belts. The partners might already have materials that they can share with you as a template for helping your end users.

User adoption is key to getting your employees to feel comfortable with any solution in the cloud. The extra investment in time and resources will pay big dividends in getting your employees to feel like the cloud is the best solution they were ever handed.