How to make a digital transformation plan in 5 steps

[tongfkymm44]

Today’s businesses are driven by technology, there’s no doubt about it. To achieve success, companies must respond to technological advances, taking advantage of their disruptive aspects to transform themselves into a more efficient and profitable organization. And to do this you need to have the right digital transformation strategy .

Digital transformation encompasses business products and services, operations and workflow. At Esmartia we have compiled the essential points for building a successful digital transformation strategy in 5 blocks:

1. Focus on goals and impact
The latest technological trends are often the starting point for digital transformation, and it is easy to fall into the trap of starting the transformation in response to a trend, without knowing what the end goal is. Doing so can lead to sporadic changes that become chaotic. In turn, these changes are not well integrated because there is no strategic perspective.

Maintaining customer and business value throughout digital transformation is key. Uncoordinated digital transformation can put businesses at risk of losing existing customers, eroding lucrative markets.

Another common problem is that those tasked with digital transformation often have an overall view of the organization that doesn’t match what’s happening in reality. To avoid this situation, companies must plan, design, and buy democratic donor email database list test from the perspective of operations and customers, building an understanding of where the business value lies.

Tools such as the Business Model Canvas can provide insight into where the real benefits of business transformation lie.


Additionally, you should consider Zachman's framework that helps you understand the relationships and dependencies of the enterprise through enterprise architecture mapping. In general, significant changes should not be made without fully understanding the organizational context and the enterprise architecture.

2. Provision of technological resources and financing
Digital transformation on an enterprise scale almost always involves capital and high-tech investments. It is not uncommon for promising transformation projects to be halted midway due to lack of funding, or due to technological infrastructure that cannot cope with increased demands.

Budgeting fairly at the start of a digital transformation project is essential to ensure that the scope of a project does not exceed a company’s capabilities to fund it. A realistic approach to budgeting and funding is crucial because a stagnant transformation project delivers little value.

3. Involve stakeholders
The implications of digital transformation are broad and deep, and its success depends on stakeholder buy-in, while those driving the transformation must take ownership of the project. Success depends, for example, on the involvement of team members at both the executive and board levels. Failing to do either can lead to a transformation project getting stuck in a loop of approval and adjustment.

Executive teams must involve board members throughout the engagement of all stakeholders. The motivational aspect is also key to a successful digital transformation, and this is why buy-in is so important. In large companies, digital transformation will require project champions at all levels of seniority and in every department.

4. Set milestones, draw up a roadmap
Problems can arise if digital transformation is undertaken without sufficient planning. The transformation can fail without proper planning and strategic vision, especially if the scope of the digital transformation is not clearly defined.

An ad hoc digital transformation process can be abrupt and lead to internal resistance because:

• The pace of change is too fast for the business and does not align with the organizational culture

• Changes and expectations are not sufficiently explained and managed.

• Milestones are not defined, and highly motivational quick wins are never made

The problems we have just listed are rarely intentional, but arise due to a lack of competence and insufficient planning. Steps to fix these problems include:

• Start with a plan before taking any action and include milestones, highlighting each small step along the way

• Including quick wins that can increase the motivation of everyone involved, from developers to staff and stakeholders

• Ensure everyone understands the how and why of changes across the company

5. Ensure sufficient resources and expertise
Digital transformation always requires a dedicated team. Establish a well-resourced internal executive team that has the necessary expertise and decision-making authority. While software development and integration can be outsourced to a technology partner, your internal staff must be prepared to manage and lead the project.

Experienced digital transformation partners can start by doing an overview of the enterprise architecture, leading to a context analysis that highlights pain points and areas where digital transformation can be of great benefit.

Conclusions
In short, to achieve success you need to understand that this process is a long road that requires a well-considered digital transformation strategy with clear milestones. Mature companies cannot be overhauled in an instant. It is vital to understand that companies change slowly and that embracing digital transformation in a hasty manner is vital.