So, it’s widely acknowledged that the one constant in life is change.
Equally, it’s evident that we will all face the fear of change at certain points in our lifetime. For instance, it might be making the move to a new job or even getting married that makes you wonder whether you should commit and if it’s the right thing to do.
However, have you ever considered how you calculate the cost of ‘not doing’ against ‘doing’?
Set in Our Ways
Just as in your personal life, in business, we need to be watchful we don’t get set in our ways.
For example, if you carry out a process in your work that you know inside out, would you resist changing it?
Moreover, would you decide not to make the changes, purely based on cost or concern of making a mistake?
Software Implementation
Software implementation can be a scary proposition but it doesn’t need to be!
The main objection is one of inertia.
One definition of inertia is ‘a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged’. It’s the resistance a person has to a change in its state of motion.
However, by remaining in a state of inertia, there’s a high risk of missing out on a huge opportunity.
Commercial Decision
When making a commercial decision on whether or not to invest in new software, there’s a general fear of change.
For example, you may have concerns relating to the potential costs involved or the resources and time available.
Similarly, decisions are sometimes made on the perceived possibility of it being the wrong choice or failing.
Overcoming Fear
So, how do you overcome the fear?
As with any fears, knowledge is power. Gathering knowledge and assets and increasing your awareness of the subject will help enormously.
Equally, education through research will prove invaluable.
Fully evaluating solutions will help give you the necessary confidence to move forward.
Furthermore, giving due consideration to finding a trusted vendor such as e-bate is paramount. Choosing domain subject matter experts and third-party acknowledgement will allow you to decide, free of fear.
Less Pain to Move Forward
Logically, the pain of not implementing an automated solution and sticking with a manual system must be greater than the pain of moving forward.
For example, inefficient processes result in missed revenue opportunities.
The same can be said of consequential, long timescales which can also reduce customer loyalty too.
Similarly, a lack of informed decision-making results in missed revenue opportunities and a lack of knowledge sharing creates a silo effect with regard to commercial/purchasing staff and their finance teams.
Benefits
Although you may have a gut feel, the benefits of removing it are wide-reaching for sure. For instance, you will have an efficient and visible process which is both auditable and transparent.
Consequently, the system will ensure better timescales, increase revenue opportunities and reduce the need for so many staff.
As such, you will develop a central source of truth by sharing knowledge and equally, the data to make informed decisions will inevitably increase your overall revenue.
Progression, Development and Growth
In conclusion, in order to gauge the true cost of ‘not doing’ versus ‘doing’, all you need to do is consider the return on investment (ROI).
Moreover, a change of mindset is crucial. Investing in the necessary software is not about change, it’s about progression, development and growth.
