After many months of research, you’ve decided to go forward with implementing new terminal technology in your organization.
You’ve done the research, so you have confident optimism about the improvements the new systems will provide your terminal. However, as a leader, you know that your employees may not automatically adopt the new systems and changes to operations that are about to be in place.
There might be questions, concerns, and resistance. What are the best ways for you and your leadership team to handle this state of flux?
We’ve got you covered with seven tips that will make it easy for your employees to get adjusted to new technology solutions.
1. Address Resistance
First and foremost, prepare for some resistance among users.
In your eyes, it’s a no-brainer. A win-win that will make your operations smoother and reduce costs.
From the employees’ perspective, it may cause an unexpected shift away from a comfortable process and take time for them to adapt to the new terminal technology.
To address this resistance, do the following:
- Allow Open Dialogue: Make sure employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns.
- Communicate Clearly: Clearly explain why you’re making the switch and that it isn’t just change for change’s sake.
- Offer Support: Make sure your employees know they’ll be supported as they learn the new platform.
2. Communicate Effectively
Big changes require frequent and in-depth communications to go smoothly.
Your employees will need to understand exactly how the new terminal operating system is an improvement. Take the time to explain the benefits, the improvements to their workload, and how you expect it to enhance productivity and contribute to company-wide growth.
- Provide regular updates to keep employees informed of implementation milestones and key dates.
- Use simple and clear language to explain the purpose, benefits, and expectations of the new technology.
- Also, remember that communication is a two-way street. Frequently encourage feedback and suggestions about the new implementation process so your employees’ voices feel heard.
3. Highlight Success Stories
As part of your initial communications, show how other terminals or teams have already used the new TOS system successfully.
Make sure the success isn’t just based on the company’s bottom line. Ideally, they should also include first-hand accounts of what it’s like to use the new tech and how it makes work easier or more productive.
Remember that real-life success stories are powerful motivators and can make an impact on individual employees.
4. Enlist Help from Enthusiastic Employees
In a similar vein to tip #3, keep an eye out for employees who take quickly to the new terminal technology. These employees can act as ambassadors or super-users among their peers.
Encourage this type of positive feedback by taking an interest in why the employee is enjoying the switch. Learn how they’re making the best use of the new technology and their personal suggestions as to how everyone can get the most out of it.
5. Implement Custom Training
Some employees or specific job roles may require more time and attention to get used to the new system.
- Consider role-specific training. Customized training sessions tailored to different job roles ensure employees learn how to use the new technology in a way that directly applies to them.
- Allow hands-on practice where possible. Look for opportunities to provide employees with first-hand practice on the new system before they make the jump to production.
- Be mindful of anyone who might need individual coaching. Those employees who are less tech-savvy may require individualized training to help them get used to a new interface or process.
Most importantly, make it clear that the support is there when it’s needed.
6. Celebrate Wins
As your team grows into the new system, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate that progress. This can help the team understand that although sometimes it may feel challenging to adopt a new system, progress is being made, and you’re starting to reap the benefits.
- As part of your regular communication updates, point out specific milestones or achievements related to the implementation that have been met.
- Recognize and appreciate individual employees who have made consistent efforts to adapt.
- Set achievable goals for teams and individuals to give everyone a sense of accomplishment.
- Don’t forget to point out company-wide positive changes that manifest weeks or months down the line.
7. Lead by Example
Attitude is infectious, and it starts at the top. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and openness to learning the new system and set a positive example for your team. Charge all team leaders with the same.
- Become an expert in the system, allowing you to confidently answer questions and concerns about how to use it.
- Showcase the benefits of the new system with team leaders, proving the value it adds.
Most importantly, keep a positive attitude in the face of any challenges. Remember that there will be growing pains and hurdles to overcome, even during the smoothest of upgrades. With patience, commitment, and positivity, your team will learn to love the features of your new terminal operating systems technology.
BONUS TIP: Invest in a Technology Worth the Time and Effort
Of course, all of these tips don’t matter if the terminal technology you’re upgrading to is clunky, inflexible, or lacks important features your employees need to do their jobs effectively.
At Tideworks, we’ve used our decades of industry experience to build a suite of terminal operations solutions that are both powerful, intuitive, and truly industry-leading.
From our marine and intermodal TOS systems to data visualization and analytics to customer support, our product suite is worth upgrading to, which is the first step in a smooth transition.
Tideworks software helps terminals around the world increase efficiency, make better business decisions, and improve performance.
Take a look at our products page to learn more about how we can help your terminal streamline operations and remain competitive.