Buying Software Without Talking with Users Is A Huge Risk!

Buying Software Without Talking with Users Is A Huge Risk!

 

Users need to speak up when corporate IT mandates tools that will not work.  Here are some things to discuss with the Executive Team….

 

Ineffective Software: The software purchased might not align with the actual needs and workflows of the users. This can result in inefficiency and frustration as users struggle to adapt to a system that doesn't meet their requirements.

 

Wasted Resources: Investing in software that doesn't meet user needs can be a significant waste of financial and time resources. The organization may spend money on licenses, training, and implementation, only to find that the software is not usable.

 

Resistance to Adoption: Users may resist using the software, as they weren't involved in the selection process. Resistance can lead to low adoption rates, which, in turn, hampers the software's ROI and the organization's ability to realize its benefits.

 

Lost Productivity: If the software is not user-friendly or doesn't integrate well with existing systems, users may spend more time trying to figure it out or working around its limitations. This can lead to a decrease in overall productivity.

 

Hidden Costs: Software purchases often come with hidden costs, such as customization, integration, and ongoing support. Without user input, these costs may not be adequately accounted for in the budget.

 

Low Satisfaction: Users who are not consulted in the software selection process are likely to be less satisfied with the tools they are provided. Low user satisfaction can affect morale and employee retention.

 

Missed Opportunities: Users often have valuable insights into their workflow and can suggest software features or solutions that address pain points and improve efficiency. Ignoring user input may result in missed opportunities for process improvement.

 

Lack of Training and Support: Inadequate consideration of user needs can lead to a lack of appropriate training and support for the new software. This can hinder users' ability to effectively use the software.

 

To mitigate these risks, it's essential to involve users and relevant stakeholders in the software selection process. Conducting needs assessments, gathering user requirements, and seeking feedback can help ensure that the software chosen aligns with the organization's goals and the needs of its users.

John M. Cachat   

jmc@peproso.com