The Benefits Of Early Adoption

In our recent blog postS, we talked about some of the pitfalls of being slow to embrace innovation.

Now, we want to talk about the benefit of early adoption. Being ahead of the curve when it comes to introducing new solutions can help boost your reputation, win more contracts and save money and resource overall.

Get A Competitive Edge

Get a head-start on the competition when it comes to winning new projects. There are solutions and technology out there tailored to improving project tenders and delivery. Innovative solutions can result in projects being delivered more quickly, within budget and to a higher quality, whilst analytics can be used to inform data-led project tenders (read our blog on this here).

Increasingly, clients such as Network Rail are prioritising innovation when they go out to tender. They are issuing regular challenge statements, running competitions and recently published information for SME’s about their innovation fast tracks. Being quick to respond to this new focus could help you win future work.

Stop Wasting Money On Poor Processes

Technology may have a cost but at least that cost is going towards improving processes and project delivery. Continuing to pour money into out-dated solutions is a waste and one that you will eventually have to rectify. Early adoption gives you a chance to cut out some of that cost.

Take The Time To Get It Right

Early adoption means you can take the time to test the technology and customise it to your needs. By the time others are starting to play with the idea, you’ll have perfected your offering. You won’t need to rush to catch up and implement what others already have.

For example, Raildiary offers a series of customisations, tailored reports and bolt-ons to create a reporting and analysis platform tailored to your business. By getting started early on, we can help you find the best option.

Become An Industry Leader

Become a voice for innovation within the rail industry and benefit from an improved reputation with clients, contractors, suppliers and new talent. Being at the forefront of new technology is a huge plus-point in the industry today as it moves to embrace cutting-edge solutions such as augmented reality, digital projection and data analytics.

How To Ensure A Smooth Transition

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that being an early adopter of new technology is worth investigating at the very least. So you’ll want to make sure you can roll it out smoothly.

Roll Out In Stages

Many Raildiary clients test our software on one project to start with, then gradually roll it out across the rest of the business. This gives you the opportunity to test and confirm the value of the product, and iron out any initial wrinkles before making the universal change.

Be Transparent

Your staff are an invaluable source of feedback. However, they can also be resistant to change. Be transparent with them throughout the process and explain not just what you’re doing, but why - what value it will bring to their daily work-life and the business as a whole. Ask for their feedback at every stage.

Invest In Training

Ensure a thorough training and implementation process is in place before rolling out new technology. For example, here at Raildiary, we offer a range of options including in-person training, day or night, a Knowledge Base and live chat services, and how-to guides and videos. We firmly believe that the success of innovation depends on widespread adoption and understanding, so our top priority will always be in ensuring that the entire workforce is enthusiastic about the product and understands its value.

In conclusion, early adoption of new technologies and innovations can bring significant benefits to rail companies and the wider industry. However, it is important that rail companies carefully consider the risks and challenges associated with early adoption, and ensure that they have the resources and expertise necessary to make informed decisions and achieve success.