7 Digital Adoption Challenges & Solutions to overcome them

Are you in the middle of a digital transformation and running into problems? You are not alone. Digital Adoption challenges slow down or kill many business transformation projects. In fact, of the nearly $1.3 trillion spent on digital transformation, $900 billion was wasted. 

The trend continues as global spending on digital transformation adoption reached $2.15 trillion in 2023, with projections indicating it will grow to nearly $3.4 trillion by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% from 2023 to 2027. 

This significant investment underscores the importance organizations place on digital transformation to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. 

However, most digital transformations fail. 

Various studies from academics, consultants, and analysts indicate that the rate of digital transformations failing to meet their original objectives ranges from 70% to 95%, with an average at 87.5%. 

This highlights the technology adoption challenges and complexities involved in these initiatives and the substantial spending that often falls short of its goals. 

Fortunately, there are solutions to overcome even to the worst digital adoption challenges. 

What is Digital Adoption? 

Digital Adoption is how individuals and organizations fully embrace and effectively utilize digital tools and technologies to achieve desired outcomes. It involves the initial adoption of technology and the continuous user adoption of new technology to enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation.  

Successful digital adoption ensures that users are proficient and comfortable with the technology, leveraging its full potential to improve business processes and drive digital transformation. 

7 Common Digital Adoption Challenges

Resistance to Change in Digital Adoption 

Resistance to change is a significant hurdle in digital adoption. Employees often resist new technologies due to fear of the unknown, discomfort with new systems, or concerns about job security. This resistance can stem from a lack of understanding of the benefits of digital transformation or fear that they won’t be able to adapt. 

Statistics show that approximately 37% of employees are resistant to change. The primary reasons include mistrust in leadership (41%), lack of awareness about the reason for change (39%), and fear of the unknown (38%)​. 

Additionally, 74% of employees believe that leaders need to make a greater effort to understand why employees resist change, and only 38% were willing to support organizational change in recent years​.  

Change fatigue also plays a role, with 40% of employees feeling anxious about change and only 16% feeling happy about it. This leads to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. 

The impact of resistance to change is significant, with digital transformations often failing to meet their original objectives. Organizations with effective change management practices are 3.5X more likely to outperform their peers, yet only 29% of change initiatives are rated as “mostly” or “completely” successful. 

Solution: To address this challenge, it’s crucial to create a robust change management plan that directly addresses the concerns of your team members. Here are some steps to consider: 

• Engage Employees Early: Involve employees in the decision-making process from the start. This helps them feel valued and reduces resistance. 
• Clear Communication: Provide clear and consistent communication about the benefits of the new technology and how it will improve their work life. Highlight the positive changes and efficiencies it will bring. 
• Comprehensive Training and Support: Offer comprehensive training sessions and continuous support to ensure employees feel confident using the new system. Utilize a digital adoption platform (DAP) to provide real-time guidance and in-app training. Constant learning opportunities can also help reinforce knowledge. 
• Appoint Change Champions: Identify and appoint change champions within your organization. These individuals can help to promote the new technology, answer questions, and alleviate concerns among their peers. 
• Highlight Quick Wins: Demonstrate the immediate benefits of the new technology by showcasing quick wins. This helps to build trust and buy-in from the team. 
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly monitor the adoption process and gather employee feedback. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments to your change management plan. 
• Support Mental Health and Wellbeing: Acknowledge change fatigue and support employees’ mental health. Offer resources to help them manage stress and anxiety related to the transition. 

Taking proactive steps to manage change, you can reduce resistance and ensure a smoother transition to new technologies. A digital adoption platform can play a crucial role in this process by providing continuous support and real-time guidance, making the transition less intimidating and more manageable for employees. 

Insufficient Employee Training and Onboarding for Technology Adoption 

One of the biggest problems with technology adoption is that software training is often insufficient. 

Comprehensive training sessions are time-consuming and expensive, and traditional methods are often inadequate for complex tools like CRM, HCM, ERP, and ITSM platforms. Employees using platforms such as MS Dynamics or SharePoint cannot become fully proficient with just a day or two of training sessions. Training employees to become fully proficient with these tools often takes several weeks. 

Research shows that people tend to forget 50% of the information presented within an hour of the presentation. Furthermore, approximately 47% of organizations report a lack of digital skills as a major obstacle to successful digital transformation efforts. This deficiency is a significant barrier to effectively adopting new technologies. 

Solution: To address this challenge, provide ongoing resources to support your teams. Here are some effective strategies: 

• Utilize a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP): A DAP lays over any web enterprise application and provides users with in-context help. This helps them learn in their workflow and empowers them to learn more independently. Real-time guidance and interactive walkthroughs can significantly enhance training effectiveness, making it a vital digital adoption solution. 
• Regular Training Sessions: Instead of relying solely on one-time training sessions offer continuous learning opportunities. Regular lunch-and-learn sessions can be a great way to reinforce knowledge and keep employees updated on new features and best practices. 

• Comprehensive Onboarding Programs: Develop a solid plan for onboarding new users. Many companies make the mistake of only focusing on the initial rollout of new software, but the need for training doesn’t end there. Ensure that new employees receive thorough onboarding to get them up to speed quickly, which is crucial for software adoption. 
• Support Self-Learning: Encourage a culture of self-learning by providing access to training materials, video tutorials, and knowledge bases. A DAP can contextually offer these resources, making it easier for employees to find the information they need when needed. This supports the adoption of new technology and user adoption of new technology. 
• Use Gamification: Implement gamification strategies to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. Leaderboards, badges, and rewards can motivate employees to complete training modules and improve their skills, a part of effective technology adoption methods. 

Implementing these strategies ensures that your employees are well-equipped to use new technologies effectively. A digital adoption platform can provide continuous support and real-time guidance, making the training and onboarding process more efficient and effective. 

Complex and Unintuitive Digital Technology

One of the major challenges in digital adoption is dealing with complex and unintuitive digital tools.   

Employees may find it difficult to learn and use new technology effectively if it is overly complex or lacks a user-friendly interface. This can lead to frustration, disengagement, and poor user adoption of new technology. 

Solution: Here are some strategies to simplify the adoption of complex digital tools: 

• Choose User-Friendly Technology: Select software and tools designed with the end user in mind. The more intuitive and easy-to-use the technology, the quicker employees can adapt. This is crucial for successful software adoption and the overall adoption of new technology. 
• Provide Step-by-Step Walkthroughs: Utilize a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) to offer step-by-step walkthroughs and interactive guides. This approach helps users navigate the new technology efficiently and reduces the learning curve. 
• Collect Regular Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from users to understand their pain points and areas of confusion. Use tools like in-app surveys to make this process seamless. Feedback can help identify challenging features and require additional training or simplification. 
• Continuous Training and Support: Offer continuous training sessions and support resources. Use a DAP to provide contextual help and real-time assistance. This continuous support ensures that users are not overwhelmed and can get help whenever needed. 
• Simplify User Experience: Streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary steps within the software to create a more straightforward user experience. This helps reduce complexity and make the technology more accessible. 

Implementing these strategies, organizations can overcome the challenges posed by complex and unintuitive digital technology. A DAP can play a critical role in this process by providing ongoing support real-time guidance, and making the technology more approachable for users. 

Relevant Read: Salesforce Training & The Impact of the Forgetting Curve

Inability to Measure and Monitor User Adoption 

Another critical digital adoption challenge is the inability to effectively measure and monitor user adoption of new technology.  

Without clear metrics and evaluation methods, organizations struggle to assess the success of their technology adoption initiatives. This lack of visibility can lead to uninformed decisions, wasted resources, and unsuccessful digital adoption efforts. 

Solution: Organizations need to implement robust tracking and analytics systems to address this challenge. Here are some strategies: 

• Utilize a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP): A DAP provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that allow organizations to monitor user adoption of new technology in real time. Key metrics include adoption rate, active usage, feature usage, retention rate, conversion rate, software adoption rates, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). 
• Define Clear Metrics: Establish specific, measurable objectives for technology adoption. Metrics such as the number of active users, the frequency of use, and the completion rates of specific tasks can provide valuable insights into how effectively new technology is being adopted. 
• Regularly Review Analytics: Continuously monitor and analyze user engagement data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and potential issues. This ongoing evaluation helps organizations stay informed about the progress of their digital adoption strategy. 
• Gather User Feedback: Collect qualitative user feedback through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This feedback can provide deeper insights into user experiences and help identify areas where additional support or training may be needed. 
• Behavior Analytics: Use tools like Apty to observe user behavior on your site and identify unused features or areas where users get confused. This data can inform decisions about improving the user experience and enhancing technology adoption. 

Implementing these strategies, organizations can effectively measure and monitor user adoption of new technology, ensuring their digital adoption solutions succeed and deliver the desired outcomes. 

Fragmented User Experiences Across Multiple Applications 

Many digital processes span multiple applications, leading to fragmented user experiences. This fragmentation can create significant digital adoption challenges, as employees are often required to switch between various tools and systems, reducing overall productivity and complicating the adoption of new technology. 

A recent study by Asana found that the average employee switches between 13 applications 30+ times a day, resulting in a 26% loss of productivity. Additionally, 93% of employees require the help of three different software applications to do their job, with 50% needing six applications.  

Fragmented digital experiences can also severely impact a business’s sales and customer loyalty. Up to $4.7 trillion is lost annually due to subpar customer experiences, often caused by inconsistent digital interactions across various touchpoints. 

Solution: Here are some strategies to streamline user experiences and enhance software adoption: 

• Utilize a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP): A DAP can integrate with multiple applications, providing a cohesive and seamless user experience. By offering contextual help and guidance across different tools, a DAP reduces the cognitive load on employees and enhances their efficiency. 
• Unified User Interface: Implement solutions that offer a unified user interface across multiple applications. This consistency helps users navigate different tools more easily and reduces the time spent switching between them. 
• Streamline Workflows: Simplify and streamline workflows to minimize the need for switching between applications. Identify critical processes that can be consolidated within fewer tools to improve efficiency. 
• Cross-Application Training: Provide comprehensive training that covers the use of multiple applications together. This approach helps employees understand how different tools work in conjunction and improves their ability to use them effectively. 
• Regular Feedback and Adjustments: Continuously gather feedback from users about their experiences with multiple applications. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements to the integrated systems. 

Implementing these strategies, organizations can overcome the barriers to digital adoption caused by fragmented user experiences, ensuring a smoother and more efficient adoption of technology. 

Lack of a Clear Digital Adoption Strategy 

Without a clear and well-defined digital adoption strategy that aligns with overall business goals, digital adoption efforts can lack direction and fail to deliver desired outcomes. A digital adoption strategy serves as a roadmap, guiding the organization’s digital transformation adoption journey by establishing clear objectives, identifying target areas, and prioritizing initiatives. 

Too often, businesses want to engage in digital transformation but don’t have a clear picture of what they hope to accomplish with these tools. Without established objectives, organizations will fail to maximize the value of the technology. 

Solution: Here are some strategies to develop and implement a clear digital adoption strategy: 

• Define Clear Goals: Before attempting an organization-wide technology overhaul, define what you want to achieve with these tools. Establish overarching objectives for the entire business and specific goals for each department. 
• Align with Business Goals: Ensure your digital adoption strategy aligns with the broader business goals. This alignment helps prioritize initiatives that drive the most value for the organization. 
• Engage Stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders from different departments in the planning process. Their input can provide valuable insights into what is needed and how best to implement the digital adoption strategy. 
• Develop a Roadmap: Create a detailed roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve your digital adoption goals. This roadmap should include timelines, milestones, and responsible parties for each task. 
• Communicate the Strategy: Communicate the digital adoption strategy to all employees. Ensure that everyone understands the objectives, the benefits of the new technology, and their role in the adoption process. 
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly monitor the progress of your digital adoption strategy and make adjustments as necessary. Use data and feedback to identify what is working and what needs improvement. 

Organizations can develop a clear and effective digital adoption strategy that drives successful technology adoption and maximizes the value of new technologies. 

Challenges in Knowledge Retention 

Even with robust training and onboarding programs, knowledge retention remains a significant digital adoption challenge. Studies show that people forget 70% of what they learn in a training session within 24 hours. Retention a couple of days or even a week later is even worse.  

This digital adoption barrier can significantly hinder the effectiveness of training efforts and the overall adoption of new technology. 

Solution: To address this challenge, organizations must implement strategies supporting continuous learning and reinforcing key concepts. Here are some effective approaches: 

• Utilize a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP): A DAP helps mitigate knowledge retention issues by offering continuous learning opportunities and reinforcing key concepts through real-time assistance. Interactive elements such as tooltips, pop-ups, and reminders help users retain information better by providing it at the point of need. 
• Microlearning: Break down training content into small, manageable segments that are easier for employees to absorb and retain. Microlearning modules can be quickly consumed and are often more effective than lengthy training sessions. 
• Regular Refresher Courses: Schedule regular refresher courses to help employees revisit and reinforce important concepts. These courses can be tailored to address specific areas where users struggle. 

• Gamification: Incorporate gamification elements such as quizzes, badges, and leaderboards to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. Gamification can motivate employees to revisit training materials and improve their retention. 
• Performance Support Tools: Provide employees with performance support tools that offer on-demand access to training materials, tutorials, and documentation. These tools can help employees quickly find the information they need when facing challenges. 
• Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops to gather employee insights about their learning experiences. Use this feedback to improve training programs and address any gaps in knowledge retention. 

Organizations can overcome the technology adoption challenges associated with knowledge retention by implementing these strategies. A DAP plays a crucial role in providing continuous support and reinforcing learning, ensuring that employees retain the information they need to effectively use new technologies. 

Overcome Digital Adoption Challenges and Drive Digital Transformation Success with Apty 

Overcoming digital adoption challenges is crucial for organizations looking to stay competitive and drive innovation. Apty provides a comprehensive digital adoption solution that help businesses navigate the complexities of technology adoption and achieve successful digital transformation adoption. 

Here’s how Apty can help your organization overcome digital adoption obstacles and accelerate your digital transformation journey: 

1. In-Context Training and Support: Apty’s Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) offers in-context training and support, ensuring that users receive guidance exactly when and where they need it. This real-time assistance helps to reduce barriers to digital adoption and makes the adoption of new technology seamless and efficient. 

2. Streamlined Onboarding Process: Apty simplifies onboarding by providing interactive walkthroughs and step-by-step guidance. This approach ensures that new users can quickly become proficient with the technology, addressing one of the significant technology adoption challenges and enhancing software adoption. 

3. Continuous Learning and Knowledge Retention: Apty helps overcome knowledge retention challenges by offering continuous learning opportunities. Interactive elements such as tooltips, pop-ups, and reminders reinforce key concepts, ensuring that users retain the information they need to effectively adopt new technology. 

4. Robust Analytics and Tracking: Apty provides robust analytics and tracking tools that allow organizations to monitor user adoption of new technology in real time. These insights help identify areas where users may be struggling and enable timely interventions to improve the overall digital adoption process. 

5. Customization and Flexibility: Apty’s platform is highly customizable, allowing organizations to tailor their digital adoption strategy to meet their needs. This flexibility ensures that the digital adoption barriers unique to each organization are effectively addressed. 

6. Enhanced User Experience: By integrating seamlessly with existing applications, Apty ensures a consistent and cohesive user experience across multiple tools. This integration helps minimize employees’ cognitive load, reduce digital adoption obstacles, and enhance overall productivity. 

7. Alignment with Business Goals: Apty helps organizations develop a clear and well-defined digital adoption strategy that aligns with their broader business goals. This strategic alignment ensures that the adoption of technology drives meaningful business outcomes and maximizes the return on investment. 

Leveraging Apty’s comprehensive digital adoption solutions, organizations can overcome the most pressing digital adoption challenges and accelerate their digital transformation journey. Apty’s innovative approach to technology adoption methods ensures that businesses can fully realize the benefits of their digital investments and drive sustainable growth.