The term “digital transformation” has become a buzzword in recent years. Globally, 89% of large companies are on a digital transformation journey.
Digital transformation is now a crucial factor in business growth and success. That’s why so many organizations have suddenly prioritized digitization.
But what do we really mean by digital transformation? Let’s define digital transformation and explore its key elements.
What Is Digital Transformation?
Put simply, digital transformation is the process of incorporating new digital technologies into all areas of business. Some people also use the terms “modernization” or “digitization” to mean digital transformation.
However, digital transformation goes deeper than just implementing new technologies. It’s a holistic shift from the old to the new. This involves not only upgrading legacy systems but also revamping the business’s fundamental workflows, culture, processes, and models.
The end goal is to boost business efficiency and productivity through digital maturity.
Elements of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation touches on all aspects of business, not just IT. Here’s what it takes to develop a successful digital transformation strategy.
Goals and Objectives
The first thing you need to do is define achievable goals and objectives for your transformation journey. You must have a clear vision for your modernization efforts. Some of the specific targets you can set for digital transformation include:
- Improved collaboration
- Better customer and employee experience
- Reduced operational costs
- Business process optimization
- Customer satisfaction
- Sharpened competitive edge
People
The people aspect of digital transformation includes business leaders, employees, stakeholders, and clients. Developing a digital transformation roadmap requires input from everyone involved. That’s because the choices made can have far-reaching effects across the entire organization. Also, you should appoint team leaders to spearhead the transformation and keep things on track.
Insights
Data-driven insights are essential for steering digital transformation in the right direction. For starters, you should have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done and very realistic expectations of your actions. That’s where business intelligence comes in—thorough research and data analytics.
Action
You need a solid action plan to get the ball rolling. The action plan should clearly outline the transformation scope, budget, schedule, and those involved. This is where you start upgrading systems and processes with new digital solutions.
Depending on the digitization scope, it might be necessary to break down the action plan into distinct phases. This divide-and-conquer IT strategy spreads out the execution load, ensuring that teams are not overwhelmed by too many sudden and drastic changes.
Success Metrics
You need a way to measure your digital transformation success. Success measurements can be done during and after completing a modernization project. You’ll, of course, draw success indicators from comparing the results to your initial goals and expectations.
IT Partner
A strategic IT partner is a great addition to any digital transformation project. A managed IT provider, to be specific, bridges the technical skill gaps in your efforts and helps you execute a flawless transformation. The IT provider works hand in hand with you throughout the entire journey. They will guide your decision-making and help you integrate new technologies along the way.
Given that only 35% of digital transformation journeys are successful, you’ll need all the expert help you can get. And that could mean teaming up with a knowledgeable and experienced partner in the field.
Highway 99 Technology Solutions Inc. is such a partner. We form fruitful long-term partnerships with organizations looking to grow by leveraging tech innovations. Leave all the heavy lifting to us, from drawing up a goal-oriented digitization roadmap and putting an action plan to supporting the new implementation.
Let us take you on a successful digital transformation journey.
Contact us to get started.
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