Technology is constantly changing and evolving, every second of every day. With all this change, it can be difficult to keep up. One thing has become clear though, technology drives productivity which in turn drives growth. From food delivery apps to complex reporting systems, technology makes it easier for us to do just about anything. More specifically, businesses have been able to use technology to grow and innovate, especially over the last year and a half as the global pandemic has forced many companies to transition to virtual, relying solely on technology to operate.
For the last few months, I have been working as an intern on a large-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation project for a Calgary-based company. This project has given me an opportunity to understand the vast impact a new technology has on a company and its stakeholders. The main goal of this project is to enable employees to make better business decisions through a streamlined and central data source, yet one of the biggest challenges is getting everyone to embrace this change.
On the surface, replacing outdated systems with modern applications is a great idea, however it comes with a very real set of challenges. Aside from the financial and resource implications, new technology can come with a steep learning curve, especially for those with a preference to stick to old ways. These old ways can be comfortable and familiar, but we all know that stepping out of your comfort zone is the most important aspect of growth. This is especially true as companies try to embrace change.
Through numerous project meetings and workshops, I’ve experienced first-hand some of the feelings of frustration and resistance among employees exposed to this change. With a project of this size, there are bound to be ups and downs, however with a strong project management team these feelings can be mitigated and ultimately resolved. It is important to set a clear goal that everyone is aware of – especially when you are working in a large team. As a result, it becomes much easier to deal with any challenges that may arise.
So where am I going with this? Well, technological change always begins with people. It’s the people who will be using the technology, and it’s the people who are responsible for adapting to the change. And, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past few months, it’s that Arcurve understands people. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a talented project management team with many years of experience in the tech industry - a team of individuals who understand people and their needs. Through this team, I’ve learned how to deal with unexpected changes, as well as the importance of consistent communication among project stakeholders. I’ve also been able to voice my own thoughts and opinions while gaining hands-on experience working directly with people to contribute to the success of the project. Working as an intern on a project management team has been a great opportunity – and it’s just one of the many services that Arcurve provides!
Along with project management, Arcurve offers various other services for growing companies, from artificial intelligence to full-service software development. If you’re interested in learning more about Arcurve’s vast service suite, click here!
