Unified Communications are enhancing business processes across the world by integrating different communications channels, systems, networks, and applications. There are several benefits that unified communications offer, but they come with several challenges on the flip side. In this article, we will discuss some common challenges that stand in the way of the adoption of unified communications and the ways to address them.
Common Challenges of Unified Communications and Possible Solutions
1. Keeping Track of Multiple Devices
Gadgets and applications in unified communications, such as computers, mobile phones, desk phones, web apps, IM apps, have unique passwords and identifiers. Since they all exist independently, it may not be easy to keep track of all the passwords and identifiers.
Solution:
A central control system can help address this issue by providing the employees with a seamless communication channel – all in one place! Tasks, such as phone calls, video conferencing, etc., can be carried out in a lot more organized manner in the presence of a central control system.
2. User Adoption
Unified Communications requires users to engage with the latest technology, which presents a big challenge: convincing users to adapt to the changes.
Solution:
There are several ways users can be helped to adapt to new technology. Some good suggestions are:
- Involving end-users throughout the implementation process.
- By making sure the features are outlined properly.
- By conducting regular training sessions.
- By giving users time to adapt to the changes.
3. Implementation
It is very important to get the technical elements right in order to make a successful switch to unified communications. But this often presents challenges. To avoid the problems associated with implementation, certain steps need to be taken.
Solution:
Below are some possible steps to overcome implementation challenges:
- Don’t just rely on your IT team for implementation; take the help of vendors with a deep understanding of UC solutions.
- If you feel the need to simplify the matters for end-users, you can lock some features until they adapt to the changes.
4. Miscommunications
In the world of business, lots of important messages get ignored because of the receivers’ inability to comprehend the message being communicated. For example, the IT department’s messages are very technical and sometimes not comprehended correctly by the receivers.
Solution:
Some possible ways to avoid wrong communication include avoiding acronyms, jargon, slang, short forms, and modified language. Also, messages with codes or special characters should be broken down properly to ensure the receiver is getting the whole point of the message correctly.
5. Optimizing the Cost Associated with the Adoption of Unified Communications
While UC, in general, reduces telecoms expenditure, sometimes the organizations can get disillusioned with UC’s overall cost.
Solutions:
Some possible solutions to optimize the cost associated with UC adoption include:
- Choose your carrier carefully.
- Due to poor planning, IT costs can spiral, so always plan properly before UC implementation.
- Do away with the futile business processes to enjoy the complete benefits of Unified Communications.
Some general suggestions for successful adoption of Unified Communication Solutions:
- Don’t label UC adoption as the responsibility of the IT team only; involve the management too.
- Focus on your organization’s vision behind adopting the unified communications and how it can boost your ROI.
- When the changes are introduced in an organization for UC adoption, things may not go smooth at first. So, always be prepared for challenges and have support ready to tackle those issues.
- Lastly, involve the end-users and always keep them motivated to ensure the successful adoption of Unified Communications in your organization.
Wrap Up
You may experience a few bumps in the road as you implement Unified Communications in your organization but at the end of the day, the benefits you receive from this technology will definitely make your business operations smoother for your organization as well as your employees.
