Manufacturing Automation: The big picture: The human factors in technology adoption

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The forces that impact technology adoption in an established industry mirror the forces affecting any change management initiative. In past columns, we explored why technology is important to the manufacturing industry and how collaboration and strategic investment can help companies evolve, even in uncertain economic conditions. In this column, we will examine the human factors that impact the rate and success of technology adoption. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the technology is or how much money it’s supposed to save if no one uses it. 

Change is a given in the manufacturing industry and it is important to pay attention to trends. But by examining the details of successful technology implementations, we can inoculate against change happening to us and we can look to set the pace instead. Manufacturers that embrace technology thoughtfully can create a culture that is resilient in the face of sweeping change. There are many change management frameworks that touch on the points in this article, and it pays to be intentional with your technology adoption journey. Using a change management framework can be a great place to plan the activities to roll out new technology in your company.

This article originally featured in Manufacturing Automation. Read the full version here.