Technology is evolving at warp speed. There is a whole wave of AI tools being launched in the market in 2023. These tools are capable of performing a number of tasks – from writing codes to coaching users for upskilling! A lot of these tools are being widely and openly accepted as a facilitator for learning and development. Did you know, that 96% of surveyed organizations are expecting their training budgets to increase or remain the same in 2023-24?

Technology is a driver for flexible, user-centered, and self-paced learning. Personalization enables organizations to cater to the individual learning needs and objectives of each employee. Global developments in talent retention and acquisition over the last few years have resulted in a greater emphasis on learning as a major enabler of talent retention. With employee experience becoming increasingly important when planning and delivering learning programs, technology remains key to the entire premise. Yet the million-dollar question remains: Should you jump on the bandwagon every time a new technology tool becomes available on the market in order to capitalize on the opportunity?

In this blog, we dive deeper into the factors that the leadership and management must look-into before deciding which tech trend to ride, or which ones to sit out. 

Five Considerations Before Adopting New Tech

#1 Understanding Business Goals

Defining your organization’s objectives is the first crucial consideration. It is essential to determine how the adoption of the latest technological trend will affect your objectives. Your organization’s learning plan should be integrated with its entire business strategy. Gone are the days when the learning process was handled autonomously with limited involvement from all company functions. To ensure that the learning process promotes retention, engagement, and performance, any investments in programs or technology must include the active participation of important stakeholders, such as employees, managers, and executives.

This approach not only encourages a learning culture within the organization, but also emphasizes that learning is a continuous journey that can be enriched through peer learning, coaching, and mentoring. A culture of learning acknowledges the value of ongoing skill development and expansion. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and is dedicated to the success of the new technology.

#2 Budget

When evaluating a new technology trend, it is important to consider both the initial and ongoing costs associated with its adoption and implementation. Initial costs include purchasing licenses or assets, training costs for employees, integration with the existing ecosystem, etc. Ongoing costs include maintenance and support, renewal licensing fees, costs to upgrade while scaling, etc. It is essential to determine if the benefits of adopting the technology outweigh the expenses and if the return on investment (ROI) justifies the expenditure.

#3 Security and Privacy 

Being tech-savvy has some areas the users need to be careful of too – for instance, data security and privacy threats are critical in today’s digital-first world. With the growing use of remote and mobile devices to access learning content, data security and privacy are acknowledged as some of the most important factors to consider when adopting new technology. It is critical to be aware of the security measures and protocols leveraged by the tech to keep the system safe from cyberattacks and malware. 

#4 Personalization

Personalization is the key to success in the modern world, and the learning industry is no exception. If you plan to implement a new technology, be sure that it meets your personalization requirements. This includes making sure the technology is user-friendly and simple to use. Personalization enables learners to work at their own speed and concentrate on their deficiencies, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective learning and development programs.

#5 ROI and Metrics

At the end of the day, every business must decide whether the new technology will justify its outcomes and ROI. Adeptus recommends organizations clearly establish their KPIs and evaluation methods for measuring the success of the new technology. ROI evaluation should include the benefits of the technology, such as increased efficiency, improved learning outcomes, knowledge retention, performance improvement, and greater employee engagement, against the costs of implementing and maintaining the technology. By evaluating the ROI, organizations can determine whether the technology is financially viable and whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

Suggested Read: Top 5 Learning & Development Trends You Must Know for 2023

Before you leave…

Many modern businesses are eager to be the early birds to adopt new technology and tools to ensure that they capitalize on the trend before it becomes mainstream. But it is crucial to evaluate the technology, understand how it will affect your business, and most importantly, consider its limitations.
Adeptus helps businesses evaluate, assess, and implement technologies that are best suited for their business needs. If you’re looking to invest in the latest technology trend, contact us first to make the right decision!