Let’s start at the very beginning
After partnering with some of the best-known organisations up and down the country, we know a thing or two about digital transformation. So we thought it was high time to start sharing our recommendations and opinions on what will drive success in the digital arena. We might not have all the answers, but what we can do is share our experiences, and leave you with food for thought on the questions you need to ask yourself, and your organisation. We’ll cover it all – from creating the business case to funding, hosting, the people, and everything in between.
A great business case does not guarantee success, but it’s a very good place to start
Before any digital transformation project gets off the ground, the business goals need to be clear so that a digital roadmap can be created. That means understanding what is driving the change. Is it the customers that are the catalyst for change? Your employees? Or your competitors, perhaps? The answer to this question is the starting point for understanding the influence digital could have on achieving your business strategy, and measuring success.
Remember that domino effect
Keeping the focus on why you’re doing this will make sure you get your priorities right. Are you transforming the whole company or just a part of it? Are you dealing with the process or customer experience? What effect will change have on the staffing needs of the organisation? Realistically, digital transformation in one part of the business will have a knock-on effect into others more often than not, so this needs to be managed and accounted for. Time and time again, it’s not taken into consideration, leaving individuals and departments feeling threatened. In a nutshell, communication is key.
Look to the future, but don’t forget about next week
Obviously, it’s vital to state the financial benefits of a programme in your business case, but that will often take some time to come to fruition. And whilst most companies claim to have an eye on the long-term strategy, there’ll also be concerns about short-term financial reporting. Overcoming this is a huge challenge unless you can tie something into a revenue-generating project.
Start at the top
Our experiences have shown us that no matter how cool the technology is, how sound the strategy is, or how inspired the design is – ultimately, it is people that will make digital transformation succeed or fail. There needs to be a senior-level sponsor, ideally on the board (and ideally the CEO), who has this on their agenda, and understands the need for digital transformation – or, at least, is willing to take the time to learn. Starting with a C-suite sponsor as the catalyst and then driving it down takes commitment to the cause and understanding all the way through.
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