This paper discusses which pitfalls to avoid when applying new technology. By involving staff in planning and implementation, these rules will guide your utility to successful implementation of the right technology for your utility's needs. The paper explains the little-known secret to applying technology for productivity improvement, showing that when planning a technology project, it's important to involve the organization and people who will be impacted by that project as part of a team. That team examines the way they currently do their work practices and then determines how it could be if they applied the appropriate enabling technology. This process, involving the people who will be impacted by the change, gets them to work together, identifying the ideal or best work practices. Then the new technology will enable them to implement those best practices. That's the key to technology as strategy. Technology as strategy requires that a return on investment is proven, and it requires that results be achieved. This paper presents the productivity improvements that "Technology as a Strategy" provides for any utility, regardless of size. Includes figures.