Digital transformation is a term that you hear a lot. But what does it really mean? There are several definitions. It basically means adopting digital processes and digital tools to help reach your business goals.
This is not an easy process. This is not a process that individual departments do on their own. It is a complicated process with many facets. It requires your entire organization to accept a cultural shift and impact every part of your organization.
From a consumer standpoint, digital information influences the way people access news, enjoy entertainment, and make purchases. Customers expect respected businesses to have a strong digital presence that is constantly evolving. Unfortunately, many businesses have yet to adopt a strategy that puts digital-first.
What Does Digital Transformation Mean for Your Company?
When you hear that term, what resonates with you? If you are like most people, you think about the digital part first. That includes the technology, platforms, and processes used. However, you may not be thinking as much about the transformation part.
It is alluring for many organizations to think they can simply buy some technology and software and automatically see improved productivity. The digital is just one aspect. The transformation is where organizations change the way their team members work and interact with each other and not just the technology they use to get the job done.
What this transformation will look like for your organization may vary based on the characteristics of your organization. However, you can expect improved collaboration as team members are given the tools to work together at different levels and across various departments.
You should also expect a cultural shift. Including collaborative technology means that employees will have access to information that allows them to make decisions and offer new ideas. This might dismantle some hierarchies that have been in place for some time.
From your customer’s standpoint, adopting digital technologies makes it easier for them to communicate with you. Your products and services will be offered on mobile devices, so more people will have access and your web traffic and revenues will increase.
Incorporating digital processes into your business means that you will have to get accustomed to change. Technology is constantly changing, and the impact these changes have on one department may be felt across your entire organization.
Finally, don’t expect the transformation to be a one-time occurrence. This is not a project that has an end date. As technology continues to change, your organization will need to adapt to current processes. It is a continual learning and evolving process.
You Won’t Change What You Do, Just How You Do It
As you can see, a digital transformation does not change the core of who or what your organization is. What it does change is how you offer your products and services.
Adapting to digital technologies changes how your employees interact with each other as they learn to adapt to the digital transformation tools that help them reach strategic goals. Technology leads to collaboration, which improves processes and outcomes.
