In today’s challenging techno-business milieu, “digital transformation” has become a norm. When organizations – both large enterprises and SMBs – embrace digitalization with Robotic Process Automation (RPA), cloud solutions like MS Azure, and cutting-edge enterprise software like ERP or CRM platforms, they can generate greater value, earn more profits, and gain a competitive advantage.
However, digital transformation can be a daunting prospect. It’s not easy to replace old operating models with new digital frameworks, automate operations, or build a digital-first culture. Here’s where strategic partnerships with Business Consulting or IT consulting firms can be a game-changer.
CCIT Services, a Microsoft-certified partner, harnesses world-class Microsoft Business Solutions to help smart businesses plan and executive their digital transformation effort. We support firms in diverse industries like retail, manufacturing, IT and hospitality, with strategizing, planning and implementation. We help them capitalize on new technology, leverage the power of data and insight-driven analytics, and optimize processes to fuel long-term digital growth. We also provide preset formats and templates, modernize core technology, and guide on sector-specific best practices – all so they can thrive in the digital age.
To this end, we recommend this 5-step digital transformation process.
Digital transformation initiatives often fail because organizations are unclear about the “why”.
Why do we need digital transformation?
And what are we hoping to achieve with tech-enabled transformation?
A good way to clarify this vision is to do a self-analysis to identify improvement areas that technology can address. Next, understand the resources required to make the change happen. Finally, create a roadmap to resolve these challenges with an eye on the long-term value of digital initiatives. An experienced IT consulting partner can help with all these steps and even assist in creating a “digital transformation blueprint” – often at little or no cost.
Digital transformation is about solving traditional problems with technology, but it cannot succeed without the support of people. For this, transformational leadership is critical. Executives and leaders must champion digital change, encourage people to support the initiative, and take actions to make it a success. They must explain the role each person will play in realizing the new vision. They must also provide the tools, training and other support required to adapt to change, and make required realignment possible.
Companies that understand their customers get the best results from digital transformation. This is because focusing on customers helps clarify transformation plans, tactics, strategies and priorities. To start, reshape customer journeys, identify their pain points and think about digital transformation from their perspective. E.g., how can our new Microsoft Dynamics CRM solve their problems?”
Remember that the goal of customer-centricity should be to bring new transformative experiences through new technology, not just implementing the technology itself.
Digital transformation planning, strategizing and change management are ineffective without able execution. For this, building the necessary infrastructure is critical. But this step is not just about the technology; it’s also about data and people. A streamlined data strategy can help seamlessly integrate new digital solutions, and ensure data security and privacy.
Experts who know every “brick in the wall” are also critical to success. If the CIO, CTO or CDO are not up to the task, find a trusted Business Consulting or Technology Consulting partner like CCIT Services who can help pull off this implementation with gap analysis, solution design, fitment analysis, and more.
The various technologies that support digital transformation continuously evolve, so transformation is an ongoing process. It’s also important to align digital transformation with the organization’s culture. Teams must rethink the way products are designed, services delivered, and customers served. They must create seamless integrations between physical and digital systems, and think how digital solutions can support the firm in commercializing its innovations. They must also keep re-adjusting to ensure that digital transformation continues to yield long-term value.
Visionary organizations looking to step into a confident digital future must embrace digital transformation with enthusiasm. Otherwise they will find themselves falling behind in the modern, hyper-connected world where constant change is the only constant, decisions are increasingly data-driven, and machine intelligence is the new normal.
CCIT Cloud (CocoonIT Services) is an expert Microsoft Cloud Solutions and Implementation Partner. Organisations around the globe, partner with CCIT to harness the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics, Azure Cloud and Power Platform.
