What are some of the factors managers must consider when considering changes in technology?

I ask myself these questions, not necessarily in this order:

1. Will the change/s hinder or shut down production or cause a safety concern?

2. Will the change/s improve performance resulting in more efficient production?

3. Does the cost negatively/positively affect profitability now, or over time?

4. Does the change/s improve the working environment?

5. Is the change/s in BETA, or a new technology that will be upgraded/improved over time?

The answer to the questions above help me determine if the change/s are to be applied as soon as possible, can be deferred, or if it's practical for a specific situation. Though we like to believe technology is moving forward in a positive direction, it isn't always the case when applied to a specific situation. It's important to consider the time it takes to work out any bugs or defects, especially if safety or production can be affected in a negative way. A smart manager will hardly ever be an early adopter of new technologies or upgrades without intensive research.