What is digital transformation? Digital transformation is the transformation of business activities and processes that occurs when businesses adopt a mix of evolving technologies that impact the enterprise in a strategic way.
There is one thing that will guarantee the success of your digital transformation. That same thing can also doom it to utter failure. What is this all-crucial component?
The secret ingredient is an effective digital strategy.
What is a Digital Transformation Strategy?
As is the case with other growth-centered strategies, digital transformation strategy at its best is a well-conceived, carefully planned roadmap for leveraging advanced technology to deliver clearly defined results.
An effective strategy guarantees that your digital transformation will have far-reaching, positive outcomes for your company. Read on to learn what the difference is between a good digital transformation strategy and one that will keep you stuck in neutral.
Do You Have Clear Goals (and the Plan to Achieve Them)?
A strategy will only work if you have clear goals and a plan to achieve them. Why is that the case?
Your digital transformation is a journey. Before you embark upon any journey, you need a map to show your destination. The map also tells you which path to take (and which to avoid).
Before you embark upon any journey, you need a map to show your destination.
If you have no sense of what your goals are, your strategy will fall flat. You will be going in circles because you do not have a clear idea of what target you are trying to meet.
Choose Technologies that Support Your Strategy, Not the Other Way Around
When decision makers hear the phrase “digital transformation,” many of them think that if they implement any kind of technological solution, they will achieve a digital transformation. That is not the case at all.
Digital transformation is about using technology to radically improve a business’ performance and reach. A single solution, or even more than one solution, is not going to bring about a digital transformation unless it brings about dramatic, positive changes.
A single solution is not going to bring about a digital transformation unless it brings about dramatic, positive changes.
EDI systems are one example of technology that can bring about such changes. They can actually change processes; instead of entering data manually, the system extracts information from digital sources. EDI systems also transmit that data automatically, so the recipient gets it within moments. This technology transforms previously inefficient processes into ones that are smooth and quick.
Put a Change Management Plan in Place
As the name implies, “digital transformation” represents a significant change for your company. Part of your digital transformation strategy should include a change management plan.
A change management plan guides employees through every step of the process, so they feel as though any new technology is not being shoved upon them from on high; they understand what is going on and why it is necessary.
A change management plan guides employees through every step of the process.
Many companies do not have experience implementing EDI systems, let alone helping employees through the process. Fortunately, there are EDI consultants that work with you to ensure that the implementation is successful and that your company undergoes a true digital transformation.
A digital transformation does not happen by chance. You need a strong strategy to bring it to fruition. However, you do not have to go it alone; experienced, reliable experts will give you the advice you need to achieve it. To learn more, contact us.
