Resistance will be there from day one, because any change creates resistance. You have to assume it from the beginning and start working on it right away. The longer you don't address it, the harder it is to overcome. Let workers know about the change as soon as possible, before rumors start flying. Be open and honest.
People resist when they feel they're being lied to or manipulated.
Never assume that the advantages of the change will be immediately obvious to everyone. Create avenues for employees to make suggestions, ask questions, and voice concerns. They think if they just talk at people enough, people will embrace the change. Provide workers with both intellectual and emotional support during the change. Training has an important role, not only because it gives workers the new skills and knowledge they will need to integrate the change into their jobs, but also because it's the only way they can experience working in the new environment.