Newspapers of all sizes, from tiny to titanic, need a technology upgrade path.

It is possible, even for a small operation, to map out an evolutionary plan that would make Charles Darwin proud. Prepare a new one or update an old one now.

My experience in smaller operations suggests some of the following tactics might work.

The place to start is to identify the specific targets you want to hit, the places on the map you want to reach immediately and what directions you want to travel once you get there.

We may all be in different starting places, but common landmarks like complete pagination, 100 percent digital workflows and even straight-to-plate are admirable goals requiring commitment and progression.

Once your goal has been determined, do the homework necessary to get there.

I have found it best to ask everyone you know who already has been there.

When you ask, obviously find about road hazards, bands of highwaymen and the path of least resistance. Then choose the vehicle or the specific equipment that provides the best mode of travel. At this critical stage in your plan, you must find the money to pay for the trip.

Pitch successful, now what?

So you have made your pitch and they bought it. Now you are in the enviable position of being in possession of an approved capital expenditure request from corporate, or your bank has approved your loan or your significant other says it’s OK to put it on the card. It is time to act.

Try it, buy it, place it, face it. It is never quite going to work exactly like you thought it would. Implementation may be the most difficult part.

Consider the following: As part of your planning, you’ve already created this fabulous needs assessment matrix. On the one side you ranked your power users. On the other, you compiled all of your equipment — planned and existing — to create the perfect configuration matching needs to deeds.

Personality conflicts

But did you consider personalities?

Implementation strategy can get complex. For example, let’s say you have two new Macintosh CPUs approved. You want to place them into your network of 10 to maximum advantage. Do you go with “rabbit theory,” in which you pick very quick learners (or rabbits) to bless with new products in the hopes they will carry the torch?

Not a bad idea but there may be social ramifications. The “keepers of the old ways” may go underground on you, continuing inefficient practices and isolating your rabbits. Process change requires commitment from everyone.

Clear communication to everyone on the goals, buy-in and training — before, during and after — may be the easiest way to get there. Tell people what you are thinking about doing. Tell them why. Ask them if they have ideas. Listen to them. Tell them what you have decided. Do it.

What you want to avoid is “creationism versus evolution.” It’s divisive and you may find you have created a monster. Keep in mind what W.L. Gilbert noted in 1844: “Darwinian Man, though well-behaved, at best is only a monkey shaved.”

Rob Carrigan specializes in prepress systems for weekly newspapers. He is the publisher of the Ute Pass Courier in Woodland Park, the Gold Rush in Cripple Creek and the Extra in Teller County, all ASP Westward LP weeklies in Colorado. He can be reached by e-mail at RCarrigan@aol.com or rcarrigan@ccnewspapers.com.