Businesses are embracing digital transformation for different reasons: New market conditions created a need to be more adaptable, processes need improvement, they want to keep up with competitors, etc.
Digital transformation is a buzzword that sounds overwhelming, but it’s merely adopting new—or modifying existing—technology to make your business run better. Many small and midsized companies begin to digitally transform through integration and automation.
Connecting business systems, streamlining processes, and increasing efficiencies allow organizations to grow without hiring more people. Being digital also saves time you can refocus on innovation and initiatives that bring value and revenue to the business. And digital transformation doesn’t just make things easier for businesses—it also simplifies and optimizes the customer experience.
Although change is hard and digital transformation journeys don’t always go as planned, they’re still a critical initiative for businesses. Here are five ways to make your digital transformation more successful.
Understand Your Starting Point
Before investing in new—or modifying existing—technology, you need to know what you’re working with. Ask your IT team about your current infrastructure. Is it on-premises, in the cloud, or a combination of both? Is your data secure? Are your legacy systems outdated or slowing your business down?
Communicate Early and Often
Communicate with your team. Ask your employees where they think digital transformation would benefit them. Explain where the business is headed, why you’re making changes, and the value it will create internally and externally. Convey:
- Overall digital transformation objectives
- Which technology will be implemented/modified
- How digital transformation will shape overall business strategy
- New or revised processes for how employees will do their jobs, collaborate, serve customers, and work with vendors or suppliers
Communication isn’t a one-way street of company-wide emails; it’s best done interactively through internal social media or meetings. Keep communications brief and to the point, always have an agenda, and make time/space for questions and discussion.
Appoint a Leader
Designate someone whose full-time job will be your digital transformation. If an internal employee fits the bill, don’t just dump the digital transformation on their plate—modify their role to be digital transformation-specific and redistribute their current responsibilities. You could also hire an outside consultant.
Take It One Step at a Time
Digital transformation doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t try to fix everything at once. Start by identifying your business’s biggest pain point, find technology that can alleviate it, then move on to the next point. One small change can have a big impact on how your business operates without being overwhelming or cost prohibitive. Consider these examples:
- Migrating to the cloud
- Self-service tools for your employees, customers, and vendors
- An integration platform to connect your critical business applications
- A solution that automates daily processes
- A business management system that provides real-time information and visibility across the business
Engage the Experts
Recognize that you don’t have all the answers and can’t become a technology whiz overnight. Focus on what you do best and let a technology consultant handle the other stuff. When looking for a consultant, avoid firms that advertise a one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation. Make sure the consultant understands your needs and will support you after technology implementation with ongoing training and world-class support.
Learn More
To learn more about getting started with digital transformation, visit the site below. You’ll find blogs, customer success videos, on-demand webinars, demos, and eBooks to answer your digital transformation questions.
