3 Steps for Integrating People and Technology

Unlike the plot of many sci-fi movies, the human race has yet to be dominated by artificial intelligence. And since we are not living in the world of I, Robot or The Matrix, we still need smart individuals to work alongside the technology we use. Neither can achieve maximum efficiency without the other.

Integrating people and technology is a critical step in constructing efficient collaboration within a business. A lack of integration might hold any business back from achieving its maximum potential growth.

There are three main steps that need to be addressed when looking to integrate people and technology within a business:

1. Leaders within the organization must address people and processes ahead of technology issues. If technological issues are addressed ahead of personnel issues, no matter the function of the technology, it will not be fully utilized. Make sure that your employees understand that the software does not make them obsolete.
2. The skill requirement and technical procedures must be clearly articulated and communicated to the employees. This is also important in ensuring full utilization. With knowledgeable employees, procedures within the business can be streamlined.
3. A clear vision of technology incorporation must be established and presented to each member in the value chain so they understand their role in realizing this vision. Employees should be aware of how their actions help the organization grow.

Just as each additional employee should add value to a company, an IT product should also enhance a company's value and productivity – this can be accomplished via successful integration between technology and people.

Whichever product your company chooses to use, remember that communication is key to making the integration of people and technology successful.