Technology Drivers in Change Initiatives

When we think of implementing new technology as a means of gaining a greater competitive advantage, discussions generally focus on the strategic role, selection, pursuit of research, and on the technology development itself. A broad and inclusive review of managing technology is beyond the scope of this discussion.

Many manufacturing businesses lack effective coordination when exploiting technology for manufacturing competitiveness. As a result, the integration of product, processing, and production systems related technologies within the manufacturing operations occurs inefficiently, is less effective in terms of speed, cost and compatibility, and adversely impacts quality, profits and business image.

There is an implementation crisis technology itself is not the issue. Key success factors relating to the impact of technology include: timely top management decisions based on technology knowledge and integrated systems thinking, a customer focus, a continuous improvement approach and a phased technology introduction process.

Technology Success

The manner, whether well-synchronized or in a relay race “hand-off”, in which technology flow, assimilation and utilization occurs in an enterprise, impacts the success of any technology implementation venture. The effective utilization of technological innovation requires that strategic insight, a good game plan, and tactical strength and capabilities be leveraged in timed strategic moves that keep competition off guard. What is needed is a sound understanding of the implementation process. In many organizations there is an implementation crisis in the sense of making a specific technology owned, smartly utilized, exploited and assimilated within the manufacturing environment. Technology in itself is not the issue here. The issue or challenge is to make it work and useful within the operating environment of the production workplace. The introduction, deployment and management of technology including identification and development cannot be left to just R&D or marketing personnel. It must be dealt with as a key part of the total strategy at the highest corporate level. When choosing to exploit or abandon a specific technology, a well integrated system and earlier direct involvement by the top executive, who can influence the outcome by minimizing risks and maximizing the technology productivity, are essential.

Technology Benefits Through Smart Management	Risks / Side Effects
New Features, Performance and Breakthroughs	Misapplication or abuse
Integrity of Product / Process	Poor Compatibility
Productivity	High Cost / Effort
Customer Responsiveness and Business Enhancement	Failures from Rapid Technological and Market Changes
Innovation, Spin-offs, and Continuous Improvement	Skills Shortfall and Changes in Workforce and Management Structure / Style

Why new and innovative technologies?

Before initiating any new technology implementation, the risks and benefits need to be considered. The illustration at left outlines some of the issues which need to be considered before embarking on a new initiative.

Although new technology can be a boon to productivity and necessary to remain competitive, each organization requires strong and insightful leadership to reap the benefits new innovations promise.

The concepts in this article came from “Making New Technology work For Manufacturing Competitiveness: A Management Perspective” by Dr. Bitthal Gujrati.