Is Your IT Implementation Stuck Because of a “Lack of Knowledge”?
“We introduced a new system, yet only a few staff members can actually use it…”
“It’s supposed to be a useful tool, but no one understands how to use it, so we reverted back to the old analog methods…”
“We spent a lot on implementation, but there’s no impact at all. Why did this happen…”
If these situations sound familiar in your company, you might be facing an unexpected challenge called “lack of knowledge” after IT implementation.
For many companies, introducing IT tools and systems is a major project. Multiple selection meetings are held, negotiations with vendors take place, and a large amount of investment and time is spent to finally get the solution installed.
At that point, everyone believes, “This will streamline operations,” or “This will improve productivity.” However, when operation starts, complaints such as “I don’t know how to use it,” “I don’t know how to leverage it,” or “I can’t handle issues when they arise” spring up, and ultimately, the tool fails to be effectively utilized.
“We decided to implement it because it would be operable and useful…”
We often hear this contradiction from our clients. So why does this “post-implementation knowledge gap” happen?
Why Does the Problem of “Lack of Knowledge” Emerge After Implementation?
The “knowledge gap” barrier, unseen at the time of decision-making, stems from several common pitfalls.
1. Implementation Process Focused Solely on the Tools
Many companies tend to focus first on “which tool to implement.” There are countless attractive options—cutting-edge AI tools, high-performance CRMs, efficient SaaS solutions…
But what really matters is the perspective of “people” and “operations”: who will use the tool and how? When too much time is spent selecting tools and the design of post-implementation operation systems and required skill sets is neglected, the result is “implemented but no one can use it.”
2. Overly Optimistic Expectation of “It Will Work Out Somehow”
Vendor demos are often smooth and easy to understand, leaving the impression “Our employees can easily use this.”
However, real work is not like a demo. The concrete knowledge needed to adapt to specific business workflows, handle unexpected situations, and integrate with other systems cannot be gained from demos alone. This optimistic “it will be fine somehow” attitude becomes a major cause of eventual knowledge gaps.
3. Vague Definition of “Knowledge” During the Process
“Knowledge” covers a wide range:
- Basic tool operations
- Specific usage tailored to your business processes
- How to address potential issues
- Advanced skills for discovering better ways and proposing improvements
If the implementation plan does not clearly define “what level and type of knowledge is needed, by whom, and by when,” and does not map out how to acquire it, confusion arises after implementation: “What do we actually need to know to utilize it?”
4. Lack of Post-Implementation Investment in People
IT implementation costs tend to be high, but budgets for human resource development are often cut.
Believing “implementation itself is the goal” leads to stagnation in effective utilization.
A Knowledge Gap Is Your IT Implementation’s “Growth Potential”
Recognizing and properly addressing the issue of “lack of knowledge” enables your IT implementation to start delivering true value.
At e-Prise, we offer comprehensive support, from proper assessment of your knowledge gaps, through crafting development plans, to continuous usage support.
Don’t let your implemented IT tools become “unused treasures.” Transform them into powerful assets that accelerate your business growth.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.