Digital transformation entails the digitalisation of services and operations to improve upon and, at times, re-invent traditional means of working through the integration of digital technology.
Following the recent successful implementation by Waldeck of a Digital Transformation Strategy for one of the UK’s largest automotive manufacturers, Director of Digital and Technologies, Mark Greatrix shares his thoughts on the key considerations all businesses should be thinking about, when it comes to digital transformation.
- Digital, what does it mean to your organisation?
Consider what ‘digital’ means to your organisation. It shouldn’t simply be that everyone has the latest PC’s, processors and monitors. It runs far deeper than having shiny tech, it should be the backbone of your service offerings, your client experiences and the driving force for your organisational efficiencies.
- Define outcomes and align them with your organisational strategy
From the outset, if you can’t determine and define how digital initiatives will lead to better organisational outcomes, you’re already at risk of implementing something for the sake of having to have the latest technology on offer. Looking at, and improving the fundamental and basic aspects of day to day working is a key stepping stone to enable an organisation to define a roadmap outlining outcomes.
- Prioritise digital initiatives and identify the quick wins
Quick wins will enable your businesses digital transformation to build momentum and generate recognition and all-important buy in from stakeholders within the organisation. Following on from this growing wave of momentum, the tackling of higher impact and longer term initiatives which take considerably more effort will be better supported, in-turn improving their success rate.
- Establish KPI’s
Without an end goal, you don’t have a plan. To ensure and measure the success of your business objectives you will also need to define some Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). These will be the means of understanding the effectiveness of the digital transformation, also guiding organisations on the refinement of the initiative as well as future decision making and direction.
- Evolve
Digital technology is moving at considerable pace and continues to offer organisations ways and means of optimising their services and client experiences. Market conditions are already dictating the need for optimisation and efficiencies within all organisations, this continual pressure should be embraced as something that can only make us better. Organisations who therefore continue to evolve, transform and improve will place themselves at the forefront of their chosen markets.
Conclusion
To conclude, whilst digital transformations are never easy, they are far more than simply implementing all of the latest technologies within your organisation. Understanding organisational objectives which are driven by the organisational strategy will focus which digital technologies will provide the desired efficiencies and outcomes.
It’s also vital to consider organisational culture, to ensure new technologies are embraced as part of the organisational ecosystem. Finally, the fostering of innovation for the continued improvement of the organisations future success is an imperative part of evolution.
To find out more about how digital transformation could enhance your business, please contact Mark Greatrix on 08450 990285 or via email.