Paradigm Blog

Navigating Technology Upgrades

A Simplified Approach for Window and Door Manufacturers

Published: 01/26/2024

By: Dana Apfel, VP, Professional Services

Read time: 2 minutes

We all know change is inevitable, and in the realm of window and door manufacturing, staying ahead often involves significant shifts. Whether driven by new leadership, team restructuring, the implementation of new technology, or the adoption of fresh business models, change is a constant force. You have likely encountered these transformative moments, such as moving to Agile, software implementations, or even mergers. The question is, were these changes positive or negative experiences?

Understanding Change Management: A Roadmap to Success

Change management is the intentional and structured process of guiding individuals through a change to achieve a desired outcome. Organizational change can be either adaptive, which is small and incremental, or transformational, which is large in scale and scope. For window and door manufacturers upgrading or implementing technology, this falls squarely into the category of transformational change.

Change management significantly enhances the success rate of technology upgrades. Successful change management programs not only achieve set objectives but also reduce costs, increase adoption rates, and boost employee morale. It’s important to recognize that the end goal is not the change itself, but the outcomes facilitated by the change – for instance, improved sales and reduced errors.

Changing a Step at a Time

Renowned change management expert John Kotter provides an essential 8-step process for successful organizational change. These steps, including creating a sense of urgency, forming a strategic vision, and enabling action by removing barriers, serve as a comprehensive guide for manufacturers navigating technological upgrades.

Communication and Branding: Keys to Smooth Transitions

Effective communication during change is crucial. Tailoring messages to different audiences within the organization ensures clarity. By understanding the concerns of various stakeholders, you can create targeted communication plans. Framing the change as an evolution or transformation, rather than a disruption, can ease apprehensions.

Training: The How to the Why of Change

While training is critical, it’s not the sole solution. Training should be viewed as the ‘how’ to the ‘why’ communicated through change management. Before diving into specific training, conduct a readiness assessment to understand learners’ attitudes and needs. Utilizing a blended approach to training, accommodating different learning styles, ensures a more effective and engaging process.

It’s inevitable you’ll have to optimize, enhance, and refine your systems to best meet your business’s and customers’ needs. Paradigm’s Professional Services team is here to help you navigate your technology rollouts, whether it’s coaching on change management and user adoption strategies or advice on how provide effective training on new systems and upgraded features.

Learn more about Paradigm Professional Services