The term Tooltest is at the centre of a clearly structured procedure with which decision-makers and managers thoroughly test digital tools for their practical suitability. In the second step of the KIROI methodology, the Tooltest The company can evaluate suitable technologies not only according to technical criteria, but also in terms of their integration into existing processes. In this way, well-founded decisions can be made to support the successful implementation of new solutions.
Systematic preparation: the basis for a successful tool test
Before the Tooltest The first step is to precisely analyse the individual company requirements and define specific use cases. Managers from the production industry, for example, focus on scenarios that test the efficiency of automated quality assurance. Service providers, on the other hand, are testing tools that improve their customer communication and digitalise processes. The financial sector is also focussing on the seamless integration of risk management solutions. Such practical use cases help to focus the entire process on relevant criteria and collect tested feedback from realistic environments.
Therefore, typical challenges are: Which software fits exactly with the existing IT systems? How user-friendly are the applications? And how can costs and follow-up costs be assessed transparently? These questions can only be answered with a structured Tooltest that takes all relevant aspects equally into account.
Tool test in KIROI step 2: Criteria and concrete implementation
As part of the Tool tests decision-makers follow an iterative process. After selecting potential tools, tests are carried out in realistic, practical scenarios. A production company, for example, carries out the test with different sensor-based inspection systems in order to optimise the detection of manufacturing defects. In the healthcare sector, documentation solutions are tested in terms of their user-friendliness and data security. A financial services provider is testing AI tools for risk assessment in terms of their scalability and integration into existing risk management systems.
Important criteria for Tooltest include:
- Technical functionality and adaptability to operational processes
- Compatibility with existing systems and databases
- User-friendliness and acceptance among employees
- Cost transparency as well as maintenance and follow-up costs
- Security and data protection standards
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that not only theoretical functions are tested, but that actual application possibilities are assessed realistically. This provides decision-makers with reliable data that can be used to optimise subsequent implementation.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) and then the example with at least 50 words.
One media company used the Tooltest in KIROI step 2 to compare different AI-based text creation solutions. The focus here was on text quality, adaptability to internal workflows and user acceptance. This structured approach enabled the company to integrate a customised solution that provides the editorial team with sustainable support in content creation and simplifies work processes.
Success factors: Focus on user feedback and documentation
A key component of the Tool tests is the systematic collection of feedback from users. This is the only way to recognise potential and possible hurdles at an early stage. For example, managers from retail companies report that user surveys during the test provide important information on operating concepts that could be improved. In the manufacturing industry, documented feedback helps to realistically assess the compatibility of the tested systems with existing control systems. IT teams from the service sector also use this information to plan customised training strategies.
Careful documentation of all test results also creates transparency, which is essential for management decisions. It ensures traceability and allows adjustments to be implemented in a targeted manner as the project progresses.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) and then the example with at least 50 words.
One financial services provider used the feedback process in the Tooltest, to customise an AI-supported forecasting algorithm more closely to the needs of its risk department. Feedback showed that the user interface was too simplistic for experienced analysts, which prompted targeted further developments. As a result, the tool was introduced on a broader acceptance basis and the effectiveness of the risk assessment was significantly increased.
Practical tips for decision-makers and managers
In order to Tooltest it is advisable to involve interdisciplinary teams in the process from the outset. This ensures that different perspectives from technology, specialist departments and users are taken into account. It also makes sense to import real data from day-to-day business into the test environment. This shows more realistic results compared to simulated scenarios.
Transparent communication also helps to increase the acceptance and motivation of those involved. Managers often report that clearly communicated goals and open feedback sessions make implementation much easier. Planning sufficient resources for training measures should also be part of the preparations.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) and then the example with at least 50 words.
A medium-sized company from the service sector integrated the Tooltest in its digitalisation project and relied on close collaboration between IT and specialist departments. By jointly defining realistic use cases, it was possible to specifically select a communication tool that improves collaboration and is also easy to use. As a result, the project achieved a high level of user satisfaction and realised measurable increases in efficiency.
My analysis
The Tooltest in KIROI Step 2 is an indispensable building block for providing managers with targeted support when selecting suitable digital tools. The structured combination of requirements analysis, realistic tests and systematic evaluation makes it possible to identify the optimum mix of solutions. Practical examples from various industries illustrate that without well-founded Tooltest time and energy are often lost. In addition, user involvement promotes sustainable acceptance of new systems. Companies that use the Tooltest as an integral part of their digital strategy, lay the foundation for long-term success and future-proof processes.
Further links from the text above:
KIROI step 2: Tool test - How decision-makers test AI solutions
Tooltest: Successfully try out AI tools with KIROI Step 2
Tool test in KIROI step 2: How decision-makers find the best
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