A digital adoption platform (DAP) is an onboarding, training, and support software that can integrate directly into web-based applications and software. It supports users in the handling of digital tools using a library of interactive resources and features (interactive guides, push notifications, etc.). A digital adoption platform guides users step-by-step, through their digital tools to ensure effective and efficient user adoption. Long term, a digital adoption platform facilitates sustainable digital transformation within companies.
How a digital adoption platform works
A digital adoption platform integrates with any type of software accessible from a web browser, via a browser extension or a line of code integrated into the tool.
The platform integrates itself over a CRM, ERP, HRIS, Purchasing system, intranets, in-house software, and other web-based software.
A digital adoption platform is designed to be easily accessible and intuitive for users without them ever having to leave their tool. This encourages the best handling of digital tools.
Digital adoption platform users can:
- Follow step-by-step interactive modules when they encounter questions about the software they are using.
- Be informed of new features in their software as soon as they log in (new functionality, new module, new update, announcements, etc.).
Characteristics of a digital adoption platform
A digital adoption platform is composed of three main features:
- The player (user interface): it houses the contents available to users with access, including interactive guides, videos, resource library, etc.
- The editor (authoring tool): the interface allows you to create support and training content. The author can create the content they need whenever they need it, including new processes related to tool updates, communication elements for end-users, and more. No technical knowledge is required, and it only takes a few clicks to create and update support and training content.
- The back-office (dashboard): this interface allows authors to manage projects, users, and training courses, as well as analyze statistics on various projects.
Features of a digital adoption platform
A digital adoption platform features various functionalities:
| Embedded interactive guides | Tooltips |
| Push notifications | Dashboard |
| Analytics | Educational segmentation |
Depending on the digital adoption platform, there may be additional features available.
To further understand the features of the Lemon Learning digital adoption platform, take a look at our pillar page: Digital adoption: the what, how, and why!
What is a digital adoption platform used for?
A digital adoption platform helps accelerate software digital adoption. The software houses the resources and answers to digital and technical issues that commonly stand in the way of digital adoption.
For example, a digital adoption platform can be used to:
- Onboard a new arrival, deploy a new tool, or facilitate the use of a new software update. With a digital adoption platform, all three can be carried out at distance, with full autonomy and support.
- When training is not linked to the use of the software, different situations can arise:
- The employee does not master software functionalities at the time of need (often several months after training).
- When a problem is encountered, the employee requests support.
- The employee abandons software.
When a digital adoption platform is implemented:
- Software training is integrated directly into the software, promoting the Learning by doing methodology.
- Employees onboard and train autonomously, significantly reducing support calls and distractions among colleagues. Content is accessible “just in time”, i.e., in real-time on the digital adoption platform.
- When software experiences periodic upgrades, training courses can be updated in a few clicks from the digital adoption platform editor.
Who benefits from digital adoption solutions?
A digital adoption platform is beneficial to any organization implementing a digital transformation, training, onboarding, support, or change management project.
It is particularly relevant to larger organizations looking to scale international deployments (thanks to the multilingual content feature, training can be personalized and customized to the needs of different user profiles).
Digital adoption platform software is particularly relevant to decision-makers, including:
| CIOS | HRD | Purchasing managers |
| Training managers | Change Management | Innovation Managers |
A digital adoption platform is also aimed toward application managers and professionals in charge of implementing digital tools and training to ensure digital adoption:
| HRIS Manager | ERP Manager |
| CRM Manager | Purchasing IS |
The benefits of a digital adoption platform
A digital adoption platform delivers value to companies and their users.
Benefits of a digital adoption platform for companies.
Companies improve in several areas when implementing a digital adoption platform:
- Optimization of internal processes
Periodic optimizations over time, ensure the quality and improvement of internal processes.
- Cost optimization
Once a tool is used correctly, companies can more accurately measure and reduce costs:
- Support costs: Users require less user support once able to locate low-level support resources directly inside their tool.
- Training costs: Traditional (face-to-face) training courses are costly when it comes to content creation and adaptation. Instead, it can be replaced by a hybrid format (Blended learning) or a 100% digital format. The creation and adaptation of content take place directly in the software, in just a few clicks.
The back office contains various metrics concerning projects, users, training paths, content performance statistics, etc.
Benefits of a digital adoption platform for users.
A digital adoption platform has positive impacts on the day-to-day functions of users:
- Autonomy
With the learning by doing methodology, software users can train with full autonomy, at their own pace and in their own time, improving the handling of their tools.
- Productivity
Users have access to information when they need it and where they need it without ever needing to leave the tool, instantly boosting productivity.
- Communication
Digital adoption platforms allow users and authors to communicate directly inside software. A variety of formats can be used to target, schedule, and send information (surveys, questionnaires, news, new features…) to specific users.
- Long-term benefits
A digital adoption platform also facilitates change management. In the long term, it makes it easier for users to handle change, gain confidence in their abilities and accept inevitable digital transformation.
