As we discussed throughout this blog series, Microsoft Teams offers a full suite of integrative solutions designed to help improve the efficiency and safety of frontline workers (FLWs) in the manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve followed our series, you may have decided that deploying Teams for your frontline workforce<\/a> could benefit your entire organization. But how do you prepare for something that impacts so many key people and processes?<\/p>\n Between stakeholders needing convincing and users needing training and support along the way, the digital implementation of a new tool is no overnight fix. You need a plan to ensure there is a streamlined, cost effective and enthusiastic Teams deployment process<\/a> for your manufacturing FLWs.<\/p>\n Here are some planning considerations and solutions to technology roadblocks we\u2019ll cover in this final post:<\/p>\n By considering these factors, you can overcome technological roadblocks and ensure the successful deployment and adoption of Microsoft Teams for your organization. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n It’s important to ensure your manufacturing environment has a robust and reliable network infrastructure that can support the data traffic generated by Teams. This step includes determining sufficient bandwidth, low latency and appropriate security measures. Depending on the size and complexity of your manufacturing environment<\/a>, you may need to upgrade the network infrastructure or deploy additional access points to ensure coverage throughout the facility.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to make sure devices employees use in the manufacturing environment are compatible with Teams.<\/strong> This includes desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Devices should meet the minimum system requirements for Teams and have the necessary hardware, such as cameras and microphones, for effective video conferencing and collaboration.<\/p>\n It is also important to provide training and support to employees to guarantee they can effectively use Teams in the manufacturing environment or field. This step includes providing guidance on best practices for using Teams<\/a>, troubleshooting common issues, and ongoing support to address any technical challenges.<\/p>\n As we\u2019ll discuss in detail below, implementing an adoption and change management plan will ensure higher adoption rates and employee satisfaction. Including training in this plan is always the most effective solution to change. Incorporating change champions as the first line of support and training is an effective way to ensure successful adoption.<\/p>\n Properly configuring the manufacturing workplace environment to support Teams is critical to ensuring your Teams implementation succeeds.<\/strong> This includes configuring firewalls and other security measures to allow Teams traffic, setting up appropriate permissions and access controls and configuring Teams settings to optimize performance. We recommend establishing a governance plan about how and when to use the technology as a best practice. Consider Microsoft Intune to manage and secure devices and applications.<\/p>\n As with any digital implementation, an adoption and change management plan<\/a> is essential. While detailing how to create a change management plan is beyond the scope of this post, broadly summarizing the most important focus areas will help you initiate discussions about building a Microsoft Teams implementation roadmap<\/a> for your organization. The core elements of your plan should focus on the following:<\/p>\n Monitoring how FLW use Teams can provide valuable insights into their communication and collaboration habits, which you can use to promote continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. Establishing high-level key performance indicators (KPIs) aids in measuring the success of adoption.<\/p>\n These KPIs could include metrics such as the number of Teams messages send and received, the number of video calls made, documents shared and the frequency of communication between team members. Monitoring how people use Teams will help you identify patterns or trends in communication and collaboration habits and determine if they need further training or support.<\/strong><\/p>\nMicrosoft Teams for Frontline Workers: Where to Start<\/h2>\n
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Assess Current Technology Infrastructure Compatibility with Teams<\/h3>\n
Establish a Clear Plan for Employee Training and Support<\/h3>\n
Set Up Security, Data Privacy and Compliance Policies<\/h3>\n
Adoption and Change Management Planning for Teams Implementation<\/h3>\n
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Monitor FLW Use of Teams to Promote Continuous Improvement<\/h3>\n
Communicate the Value of Microsoft Teams for Frontline Workers<\/h3>\n