Why and how businesses can succeed in digital transformation

The world-renowned technology research firm, Gartner, defines Digital Transformation as ‘the changes associated with digital technology application and integration into all aspects of human life and society. It is the move from the physical to digital’. While many businesses are taking up the task of planning for and executing Digital Transformation (Dx), many businesses will find these initiatives fall short of expectations.

There are many reasons for poor results in Digital Transformation initiatives, but with the right planning, resources and advice, every enterprise can succeed and, in so doing, take their business to the next level.

In 2021, research and consulting firm, Deloitte, stated that ‘53% of businesses reported that a significant percentage of their workforce would need to revise their capabilities and skills in light of digital progress.’

‘While this company-wide shift may seem daunting, it is important to note that, success is related not to the size or expense, but rather to commitment, planning and engaging the right partner.’

Some business managers may not feel that Digital Transformation is an urgent issue, there is much evidence to the contrary. Every market today is more competitive than in decades past and, to improve your productivity and the quality of your decisions, your business must make comprehensive changes.

Digital Transformation has many benefits:

Enable users and customers to achieve goals.

Enhance your value proposition.

Understand and address customer need

Provide appropriate delivery models and capabilities

Model your digital future and create a roadmap to success.

In order to enjoy these benefits, the business must ensure that every team member has the tools they need to improve data literacy, and to feel comfortable using software and applications to collaborate, to analyze data and use that data to make decisions and recommendations, to collaborate with other users, to report, complete work processes and tasks and streamline tasks using technology and software across the enterprise for things like approval loops, communicating with suppliers, partners and customers and documenting progress for projects, goals and objectives and metrics.

Technology
In order to achieve your Digital Transformation goals, you must perform a technology review. Appropriate, up-to-date technology, infrastructure, networks, hardware and software are the integral support systems for digital transformation and streamlined workflow and tasks. Technology is integral to stability, dependability and business success. True Digital Transformation (Dx) requires that the business simplify the use and deployment of technology and provide the functional richness a user needs to accomplish tasks in a worry-free technology environment.

Support for initiative
To navigate the lifecycle of a Digital Transformation project, the business will need a partner; an IT consultant with a team that is skilled and experience in Digital Transformation and can provide support across the board, from technology, to user adoption, to deployment planning, etc. The right partner must acknowledge the unique nature and needs of your business, its vertical industry, its market and its customer, supplier and user needs. Whether your business is a start-up, a small, medium or large enterprise, your needs and the status of your technology environment is unique to you. Assessing and planning for the Dx initiative is crucial to your business success. The right partner will help you analyze and plan for the cultural changes needed to make this transition and will be there to support you as your needs change.

User training and skills
While it isn’t necessary to hire and retain users who are technically advanced, you will need to understand the skills of your average users, the way in which they currently use technology and their ability and willingness to adopt new software and technology to complete tasks. You will want to plan for the cultural change, with appropriate champions and support available throughout the organization as users tackle the new systems and workflow, in order to ensure that they are not frustrated. Digital Transformation requires the understanding and cooperation of your team members and this cannot be accomplished simply by buying software, or making an enterprise-wide announcement.

‘Deloitte, stated that ‘53% of businesses reported that a significant percentage of their workforce would need to revise their capabilities and skills in light of digital progress.’ With the right planning, resources and advice, every enterprise can succeed in Digital Transformation and take their business to the next level.’

These are just a few of the considerations your business must include in its Digital Transformation (Dx) initiative. While this company-wide shift may seem daunting, it is important to note that, success is related not to the size or expense, but rather to commitment, planning and engaging the right partner to provide support and knowledge and guide your business through the process.

CT Bureua