Implementation Process

Implementation Process

Implementing digital technology may seem obvious and straightforward activity. However, such an assumption is far from reality. Every digital technology should be integrated into the company’s system with care to avoid future problems and losses. It, therefore, has to be a process that involves several steps.

Implementation Plan

The first step involves creating a realistic timeline within which to launch the technology. The IT manager should use this time to explain to the entire workforce about the plan of implementing the new technology. He should also disclose to the employees who are likely to be affected, that the process may take some time. Realistic completion date should be set to prepare the affected employees.

Goals for the Plan

The company must have goals when deciding to implement the technology. The most significant idea for the company is to increase its revenue and reduce its expenses. Therefore, even during its implementation, the project manager must ensure that unnecessary costs are eliminated.

Additionally, the implementation should be done in phases. After the first phase, the project manager should test the technology to ensure that everything is in order before moving to the next phase. Therefore, the plan here is to create phases.

Somehow some chances existing technology may get affected. The project manager must take stock of what will be replaced, maintained, or retired. Moreover, he must explain to the stakeholders on board why technology is essential and what benefit it will bring to the company. He must also demonstrate its effect on them if there is any and the solution to those adversely affected. An IT team should be selected, and it should comprise dedicated members who are skilled enough to push the implementation of the new technology. A market team should also be chosen to market products using the latest technology as well as market the technology itself.

Steps to be taken

The first step in the implementation of digital technology is to identify the platforms to be used initially. These include Facebook, Instagram, the internet, and Twitter. The company must establish which of these platforms it will begin with.

Step two is to determine which installations need to be done. For example, the marketing team must have a Smartphone and laptops with internet throughout. Some installations have to be done to network all the devices to enable relevant employees to deal with online customers.

Step three is to ensure that all involved workers have the expertise needed to use digital technology. It can be done by training them. Some IT experts may have the knowledge to deal with technology but have no idea how to serve online clients. They should get such training. Besides, some experienced marketers may not know how to use technology, and with the change, they have to get some IT training to enable them to use technology.

How Technology Will Affect Other Processes

Digital marketing technology will affect almost all other areas of operation. Instead of suppliers calling to find out what products are almost out of stock, they will have the information with them. The top managers and the marketers will know what products are fast-moving and which need thorough marketing to increase sales. There will be fewer retail buyers and increased online buyers from all over the world. All other processes will have to adopt the technology for a flow operation of the company’s activities.

How Information about the Changes will be Communicated

Digital technology will affect almost all departments of Retail Clothing Store Company. The IT manager may call a meeting to brief the departmental heads about the changes in their department and the effect. He will explain what needs to be done to mitigate any harmful impact that they may experience. The departmental heads will inform members of their unit about the charges. The procurement manager will also be informed about the changes in the way ordering and supply of goods will be done forward. The distribution will also be affected because of increased sales, and the procurement team needs to be informed.

Stakeholders to be included

Suppliers of products need to be included. Online sales can grow tremendously, and suppliers need to be prepared in advance. They also need to know that new products will need to be supplied according to demand. Marketers and sales team will also need to be integrated for them to understand what products are moving fast and which have a delay. The procurement team also needs to be integrated to help them know what products they need to order. The accounting department needs to be integrated to enable them to understand why they are being asked to give out funds. The top management has to be incorporated to allow them to realize the need to authorize the release of funds to buy more products.

Potential Stakeholders Needs

New customers will require an adequate supply of products at all times. They also need to see all the new products the company brings to the market. Potential stakeholders will require the products they buy to be delivered in time regardless of distance.

How the needs are to be met

The marketers and sales team need to identify the products required by the customers and ensure they are readily available. They should also ensure that logistics are well set to enable the fast delivery of products to potential customers.

Recommendations for Ethical Compliance

Retail Clothing Store should ensure that they comply with the five ethical principals, which include integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behavior. All employees using digital technology should ensure that they are honest and should respect their customers’ privacy. They should have the skills needed and apply professionalism in all their business operations. They should not have a conflict of interest in their business relationships.

Legal Compliance

Digital technology requires security compliance to avoid threats such as network attacks. Retail Clothing Store will need to spend money on regulatory compliance efforts. The company should ensure that they practice confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data.

Recommendation for Ensuring Security for Digital Technology

Retail Clothing Store should ensure that all the information passed through the technology is secure and safe. It should implement built-in network defenses. These will stop any threats attacks before they get to the business.