How to digitally transform your business?

If we want to be successful with digital transformation we need to plan ahead. Just like people, business organizations are creatures of habit and established practices are often hard to change. 

Businesses usually rely on routine processes and adapting them for improved efficiency could be a significant challenge. 

When is the best time to consider digital transformation?

Just imagine where your business would be a year from now. Think about your competition that seeks new ways to engage with clients and improve service. Imagine all those small things you wish you could fix in order to make business work better.

When it comes to digital transformation there are no definite deadlines and that’s an alarming fact because this facilitates procrastination.

Digital transformation is rarely a priority until the lack of it becomes a burden and then the void quickly grows into the last breath for a dying business.

Plan. Review. Execute.

There is really no alternative to taking action but before we jump into that we must plan carefully. Many digital transformation initiatives fail because of the lack of proper planning, communication and shared vision among stakeholders on all the necessary steps for a successful transition.    

This process is like sketching a brilliant masterpiece before the paint comes on. It is the phase where we have all the freedom to think creatively and set up bold goals. Communication failure at this stage could eventually put the whole project at risk.

In fact it is much like developing a building. If you find out there is an issue with the foundations when the construction is already up at level 4 there is not much you could do.  

Deploy. Test. Support.

The process of going back and forth after the stage of deployment is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the solution. This is where testing and further development takes place. 

The effectiveness of any solution depends on initial architecture, actual application and ongoing maintenance. 

Furthermore, cultural fit with people is another key element that needs extraordinary attention. People would sometimes find it hard to justify the additional effort that digital transformation requires. This makes sense actually. Going digital rarely has an immediate impact on an organisation and thus the payment structure for employees.

Therefore, support should not solely be limited to technical maintenance. It requires working directly with people on developing their skills. This learning process is crucial for the success of the whole project.

How to make sure we succeed with digital transformation

The sheer will and devotion to change is fundamental to the success of any digital transition initiative. If stakeholders share a common vision and determination to embrace the discomfort of change then there is no limit to how an organisation could improve fundamental ways of work.

Looking at digital transformation as some sort of an experiment brings substantial risks of failure because there is always an option to quit. In order to commit fully and trust the process stakeholders and business technology consultants need to develop a relationship of trust and clarity. 

If you are looking for a digital transformation roadmap for your organisation, reach out today and let’s start planning ahead.