Before you can begin transforming your enterprise, it is important to understand well what digital transformation is and how you can eventually do this.
Digital transformation is described as the integration of digital technology into all aspects of a business, which significantly changes how your business operates and delivers products and services to your customers.
Also, digital transformation is considered a cultural change that requires businesses and organizations to continuously challenge the status quo and experiment for the better. It is essential for all businesses, from small to large ones. Today’s society has become rather competitive and increasingly digital, making it essential for businesses to transform themselves for the digital future.
It is also worth noting that digital transformation is not simple and sometimes you could get stuck in your digital transformation work. Thus, it is important to be well informed and learn the ways on how to get over the initial bumps of digital transformation from the vision to its execution.
The Different Looks of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation framework will appear different for every company. Thus, it can be difficult to identify a definition that applies to all.
It involves a change in the business’ leadership, innovative thinking, creation of new business models, and the incorporation of digitalization of assets. In addition, it also makes use of technology increasingly to help improve the customer experience as well as business operations.
Digital transformation extends beyond the business aspect, as it is associated with the application of digital technology in every aspect of human society.
Why Does It Matter?
There are various reasons why a business may take on digital transformation. However, the most likely reason is to stay in the competition. It cannot be denied that the business industry has grown rather competitive over the years and with the digital transformation it has become more so.
It is important for those businesses that want to survive to understand how to unite technology with strategy. Most businesses today have already gotten the message, have started prioritizing, and have already taken the first step towards digital transformation.
Many business leaders have also come to realize that digital transformation is considered a long term investment.
While businesses are at a different place in the digital transformation journey, businesses need to gain some speed in the transformation. In fact, IT leaders have already faced pressure to showcase the digital initiatives that would improve agility as well as the speed of business.
The IT specialists must be able to match the pace of digital change, lead the pack or fall behind. They must be able to do bold actions that promote digitalization and these actions must be actively supported by innovations, experimentation, and pathfinding. All these must be performed while managing operational issues and service delivery. Also, they must be prepared for any unpredictable issues like information breach and cyber-attacks.
The end goal boils down to improving customer experience. Thus, properly planned digital transformation must be initiated, as customer service is the most distinguishing factor on how a business will perform.
The Digital Transformation Framework
Although digital transformation will vary depending on the specific needs, demands and challenges of a company, there are a few common aspects among varying digital transformation frameworks. In fact, most frameworks involve the following aspects:
- Operational agility
- Culture and leadership
- Customer experience
- Digital technology integration
- Workforce enablement
Each aspect comes with its recommendation and considerations. It is important to carefully plan out your digital transformation projects.
The Role of IT in Digital Transformation Culture
The role of IT in the business industry has significantly shifted over the years. In the past, business owners want their IT teams to help generate income or revenue for the business. This goal has shifted from improving the business process to developing innovative new products, as the dawn of digitalization has resurfaced.
In fact, instead of focusing on cost-saving measures for the company, the IT team has become the primary driver for business innovation. This shift has been widely embraced by those companies that have taken on the challenge of digital transformation.
Even though the IT team plays an important role in spearheading the digital transformation strategy, the responsibility of adopting and implementing the massive changes associated with digital transformation falls to everyone. That said, it can be noted that digital transformation is a people issue and culture-based.
Digital transformation tends to reshape workgroups, alter business processes, and redefine job titles. IT leaders often find themselves working in cross-functional teams in the company. Such changes tend to create fear among employees. However, if IT leaders have great leadership skills, they can reiterate team trust and create a supportive work environment geared towards digital transformation.
Everyone has their role in the digital transformation journey and each one must be able to carry out this role to ensure the success of the project.
Get Started on Digital Transformation
All this information about digital transformation and who’s at the top of the game may make business owners fearful of undergoing digital transformation. It is a common misconception among IT and business leaders that their competitors are much farther ahead of the game than where they stand.
It is important to note that top companies have started from the bottom and that they have just developed an effective strategy and implemented it. That said, small and medium business can do the same and eventually be on top as the other top companies.
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