I was speaking with an association recently about their needs for a new AMS. They had already tried and failed with two systems, and they were wondering if I could be helpful in getting them into yet another AMS, this time successfully!

In the course of the conversation, it became clear that one of the reasons the earlier implementations had failed is because a key staff person was not willing to adopt a new system. She had built the current system from the ground up. It was her "baby" and so moving to a new system was not only a bad idea, but an insult to her work.

Which brings us to a key point in data management: The best technology in the world won't work if staff won't use it.

As simple as that sounds, I've experienced this often in my work. I've come across many associations that have perfectly usable software that just isn't working for them. And very frequently, it's because staff has not adopted the technology. For myriad reasons, they've found ways to work around the system.

So before you move to a new software system (of any type!) make sure you understand the real reasons the software isn't working for you. If user adoption is a major challenge, find out why, before you make an investment in new technology!