Digital transformation in companies is nothing new, but it is a term increasingly considered by organizations given the varied competitive advantages it entails. However, the transformation also brings with it enormous challenges, both in terms of initial investment, implementation of organizational practices and performance measurement of the outlined strategy, for example.
More than a buzzword, digital transformation has become a central goal for many companies, and in many cases a need for sustainability.
The question that arises is:
how to effectively implement and benefit from digital transformation in organizations?
Embarking on a digital transformation project is a huge work. More than betting on social networks and management tools such as CRMs or ERPs, one should consider:
- develop new applications;
- master the Internet of Things;
- create big data solutions;
- develop cloud computing;
- implement artificial intelligence in the company, etc.
Digital transformation enables you to gain advantages and impact in many fields: enhanced connectivity; automation of manual tasks; improved decision making and innovation in products and services.
To successfully achieve the digital revolution at work you need to be comprehensive, insightful and careful.
1. Keep in mind the comprehensive concept of digital transformation
But what is the meaning of digital transformation in companies exactly? Digital transformation is not just about digitizing the company’s business channels.
Its definition is broader, consisting of a profound change in the activities of organizations and companies, processes, competencies and models. That is, organizations must know how to create value and competitive advantage through innovation in general, always looking at the challenges raised by change as a stimulus.
Thus, it is necessary to think about the various dimensions of digital transformation in the company. To achieve true transformation, one must have a global vision and, early on, consider the various dimensions of the digital revolution: customer relations, product and service offerings, and digitization of operations.
Successful digital transformation must be focused on the triangle:
- people (from the organization and outside – the clients);
- things (products or services);
- processes (operations).
2. Clearly define objectives and goals
At the heart of any transformation must be the clear definition of an action plan with use cases, technologies, work goals and the actors/authorities (with hierarchy) involved in the process. Only then can an effective action plan be put in place and the results obtained measured.
Companies consider a lot what they invest, but little what they earn. A digital transformation project that does not take into account the economic value created is bound to fail.
When designing a digital transformation plan be careful to integrate concrete and illustrated descriptions along with each usage scenario as well as precise definitions of the project’s expected benefits and ways of measuring success.
- How much money can be saved by implementing augmented reality remote assistance solutions that prevent long production downtime and costly on-site expert visits?
- How much money can be made by implementing big data analysis?
These are some examples of considerations to take into account in the action plan of a true digital transformation.
3. Think about people, processes and channels at the beginning of development
For digital transformation to be truly embraced with new solutions, it needs to be thought of from the bottom up, taking into account people, processes and channels. In certain cases, it may even be necessary to adjust the business model in line with technological progress to maximize results.
Not to forget is the fundamental end-user experience and the diversity of contexts in which the digital transformation will be felt. Thus, the sooner you think of technology as a means of improving customer experience and operational flexibility, the easier it will be later to set up processes, new tools and, consequently, to achieve better results.
4. Continuously train talent
Digital transformation must be people-centered, not just technology-centric. A key factor in digital transformation is the ability to bring together the right talent. As advanced as a company is in technology, it is never fully and immediately ready to meet all the challenges that digital transformation poses.
Companies should think about the constant formation of their resources and identify the resources that are still missing to reach the goals initially set. Not only at the internal resource level. The concern must also be in the creation of a partner ecosystem that will allow the accomplishment of the most varied projects.
5. Monitor and reformulate the plan
Finally, there is the need to monitor the digital transformation and to update the action plan initially outlined to keep up with progress, success, and areas of daily improvement.
Keep in mind that the transformation is constant. To ignore its scope is to question the sustainability of a plan or even a business.
Centro de Computação Gráfica (CCG) is one of the TIC for digital technology. CCG is a strategic partner in the research and innovation processes of companies and organizations wishing to integrate innovative processes, services, and products, based on high-value scientific and technological knowledge.