This is one of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein. Much of his life and work was spent solving various issues. And really, isn’t that what business is all about? Arguably, every new business is born out of an idea to solve an issue. To survive and thrive, the business must continue to solve that issue for others and perhaps even for itself. I was recently on a conference call with a businessman who stated that many people he talks to want to have all of their payroll prepared by one group. This would allow them to eliminate third-party people touching, eliminate the involvement of individuals not by them, and let the payroll run through their own headquarters. These consumers felt that as a result of their significant monetary investment into ERP systems and HCM solutions, they should certainly be able to manage these goals from a centralized module.
Sounds reasonable, right? Well, it is. Part of the beauty of the new generations of cloud-based technologies is that they allow your business to run the way you would set it up if you weren’t required to fit into old technology boxes. With the advent of cloud-based technologies, companies no longer need one core database housed on internal servers and locked down through a firewall and only accessible by certain individuals. Ideally companies want or need employees all over the world for a reason. Maybe to add diversity, utilize a low cost workforce, or provide access to unique markets. Why should companies use the same rationale they did when they only had employees located in two North American cities using a large install-based ERP that didn’t allow self-service and didn’t allow management of employees in another geographical area without costly IT customization? When that growth happened, many companies had to scramble and quickly partnered with a third-party in India, which required them to give up access to information. Times and available technologies have changed, so why not change with them? Think of the ideal solution and be resolute about it. Some common issues that arise when considering a switch to new technology are:
- What does this new technology do better?
- How does this benefit us and add value to our business?
- Does it fit into our business strategy and is it affordable?
- How do we handle changing to this new solutions, won’t the transition be difficult?
The last one is the one I have seen close off more opportunities for a better way then the other concerns. Change is never easy. I read this article recently on the topic of change: http://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2013/04/08/why-were-so-afraid-of-change-and-why-that-holds-businesses-back
I spoke awhile back with a local client about the way he got people on board for a project. “Head on” was his answer. “We knew who would be tough, we got their objections and we handled them right off the bat so they could come around to the idea. Not all of them did, but we had that as part of our expectation as well.” Fear of change is not a good excuse to continue doing what you are doing to the detriment of your company and employees. Use the tools available, for many this is the first time the ideal solution is available. Seize it!
If you want to see some more Einstein inspired business thoughts this is a good read http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2381-albert-einstein-business-tips.html
