Last updated on Jun 28, 2024

Here's how you can effectively convey the benefits of new technology to stakeholders as a plant operator.

As a plant operator, you're likely to encounter skepticism when introducing new technology to your facility. However, with the right approach, you can effectively communicate its benefits to stakeholders and garner the support needed for successful implementation. Understanding your audience, articulating the value proposition, and demonstrating the technology's alignment with business goals are critical steps in this process. Engaging stakeholders through clear explanations and addressing their concerns can lead to a smoother transition and better outcomes for your plant operations.

1 Know Your Audience

To effectively communicate the advantages of new technology, it's essential to understand the stakeholders' perspectives and needs. Each group may have different concerns and interests, from safety and efficiency to cost savings and environmental impact. Tailor your message to address these areas, ensuring that each stakeholder sees the relevance of the technology to their role. By speaking their language and acknowledging their priorities, you create a foundation for meaningful dialogue and increase the likelihood of their buy-in.

Add your perspective

Abdelrahman Hado

Process Operation Engineer | Safety Advocate | Emergency Response
Report contribution
From my long work experience with petrochemicals industry would say To effectively convey the benefits of new technology to stakeholders: 1. Cost Savings💰: Highlight long-term savings and ROI. 2. Efficiency⏱️: Show improved process speed and productivity. 3. Quality📈: Demonstrate enhanced product quality. 4. Safety🦺: Emphasize increased safety measures. 5. Compliance📜: Explain how it meets regulatory requirements. 6. Sustainability🌱: Present environmental benefits. 7. Competitiveness🏆: Showcase market advantage and innovation. Use clear data and real-world examples to illustrate these points, ensuring stakeholders understand the technology's comprehensive value.

Like
AbdulRazzaq Ibrahim Inyass

Mini-MBA, GMNSE, MSPE, ISPON. Gas Engineer, Energy Enthusiast, PLC-SCADA Control System, Process Engineering, Natural Gas Processing, LNG/LPG.
Report contribution
Stakeholders will accept what is cost effective, environmentally-safe and technically acceptable literarily Optimizable technology to replace the already existing or introduced technology in process plants. Knowing what stakeholders prioritize in an organization is a bit difficult as it has to be an information from inside which is against companies rules and regulations. So leveraging on what optimization looks like as above will go a long way in creating a buying and selling ground for any said technology.

Like
Henrique Sales Cunha Gaspari

Industrial Manager | Operational Management | Engineering | Operational Excellence | Suplly | Lean Manufacturing | Quality and Environment | Chemicals | Food and Beverage | Petrochemical and Oil and Gas
Report contribution
In my experience, knowledge of the public is not only linked to the industry, but also to any professional and personal position. Much more than just knowing the public, you must know each one individually, this way the approach is more efficient.

Like

2 Value Proposition

Clearly defining the value proposition of the new technology is crucial. It's not just about the features; you need to highlight how it can solve existing problems or improve operations. Whether it's increasing productivity, reducing downtime, or enhancing safety, focus on tangible benefits that resonate with stakeholders. Use relatable scenarios to illustrate potential improvements, making the benefits more concrete and compelling.

Add your perspective

Henrique Sales Cunha Gaspari

Industrial Manager | Operational Management | Engineering | Operational Excellence | Suplly | Lean Manufacturing | Quality and Environment | Chemicals | Food and Beverage | Petrochemical and Oil and Gas
Report contribution
Resources and new technologies are not always well accepted by the group, and a moment of convincing is necessary. Sharing knowledge about the tool is important to demonstrate the quality and benefits of the tool. My experience shows me that a 30-minute meeting demonstrating the benefits of the tool in practice is effective.

Like

3 Business Alignment

Demonstrate how the new technology aligns with overall business goals and strategies. Stakeholders need to see that this isn't just a shiny new gadget but a tool that will help achieve objectives such as cost reduction, quality enhancement, or market competitiveness. Connect the dots between the technology and key performance indicators (KPIs) to make a strong case for its strategic importance.

Add your perspective

Henrique Sales Cunha Gaspari

Industrial Manager | Operational Management | Engineering | Operational Excellence | Suplly | Lean Manufacturing | Quality and Environment | Chemicals | Food and Beverage | Petrochemical and Oil and Gas
Report contribution
Technology tools must be aligned not only with needs, but also with the business. There is no point in having a great tool if it does not meet the business needs. IT tools must be treated as an asset, that is, they must bring clear and effective results.

Like

4 Clear Explanations

Complex technical jargon can be a barrier. Use clear, simple language to explain how the technology works and its benefits. If stakeholders can't understand the technology, they won't be able to appreciate its value. Consider using analogies or visual aids to help demystify complex concepts and facilitate a better understanding among non-technical stakeholders.

Add your perspective

5 Address Concerns

Anticipate and address any potential concerns stakeholders might have about the new technology. This could range from cost implications to the impact on the workforce. Be prepared with data or case examples to counter these concerns and show a well-thought-out plan for implementation that minimizes risks. Listening and responding to feedback shows that you value their input and are committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.

Add your perspective

Henrique Sales Cunha Gaspari

Industrial Manager | Operational Management | Engineering | Operational Excellence | Suplly | Lean Manufacturing | Quality and Environment | Chemicals | Food and Beverage | Petrochemical and Oil and Gas
Report contribution
Tools should work for employees, not the other way around. Beware of being dependent on tools or spending too much time on them. Training and optimization are key to avoiding becoming overly dependent on tools.

Like

6 Engage and Involve

Finally, actively involve stakeholders in the process. Offer demonstrations or pilot programs that allow them to experience the technology firsthand. This not only builds familiarity but also allows them to provide feedback that can be used to fine-tune the implementation process. Engagement creates a sense of ownership among stakeholders, which is key to driving acceptance and enthusiasm for the new technology.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can effectively convey the benefits of new technology to stakeholders as a plant operator.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Audience

2 Value Proposition

3 Business Alignment

4 Clear Explanations

5 Address Concerns

6 Engage and Involve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Plant Operations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Plant Operations

More relevant reading

Here's how you can effectively convey the benefits of new technology to stakeholders as a plant operator.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Audience

2 Value Proposition

3 Business Alignment

4 Clear Explanations

5 Address Concerns

6 Engage and Involve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Plant Operations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills