Adaptability and resilience are business advantages even in the best of times. When things get tough, they can mean the difference between thriving, surviving or struggling. The recent crisis proves that digital transformation is foundational to success in a changing world. It has enabled organisations to:
- Keep people connected to the tools they use to get work done from almost anywhere.
- Adapt to changing capacity needs, such as moving sales online or managing 10 times as many customer service calls.
- Support productivity and engagement despite uncertainty.
- Rapidly implement and scale new capabilities as customer needs and market opportunities evolve.
Lead with purpose – Clarity through complexity
A mountain climber must leave everything inessential behind on her quest for the summit. In the same way, challenging business conditions make it necessary to return to first principles. Why does the business exist? What is its purpose? What does it do best? Why do people work there and not somewhere else? How can it change customers’ lives for the better? Companies that animate digital transformation with this clear sense of purpose succeed because their true goals stay front and centre. They can experiment and learn without losing focus. They can measure progress toward defined outcomes and invest in technology that delivers results.Keep people at the centre – The power of human potential
Digitally transforming your business only matters if it helps your people achieve more, using their talent, intellect and imagination to the fullest.
With people at the centre, digital transformation builds trust and engagement. For example, hybrid and remote work are probably here to stay, but voice and video meetings are merely functional requirements. People-centric transformation means going beyond function, with tools that support morale, wellbeing and cultural cohesion.
Build better experiences – Seek customer breakthroughs
Whether it’s expanded hours, new digital services, delivery and kerbside pickup or virtual medical care, organisations have adapted to customer needs with lightning speed. Those customers aren’t going to give up new conveniences.
The same digital technologies that organisations used to respond in a crisis can also help them recover the stability to look forward strategically – and to reimagine how they can outperform expectations tomorrow.
Unify business and technology – Toward a common goal
Even today, many organisations treat technology, data and business as separate activities that only come together when they have to. This inhibits digital transformation, which brings all three elements together.
On a deeper level, it requires that technology and business decisions become one. Every new initiative or project seeks to solve challenges with digital innovation. Every technology decision relates to a business goal. Breaking down silos between these aspects of the business strengthens the business as a whole.
Put your data estate in order – Digital means data
Data is everywhere. What you can do with it depends on how easy it is to access and explore. Traditionally, data was tightly woven into the application it served. Using it anywhere else was tough and you were limited to the tools in the app.
Cloud databases now make it a lot easier to move data around or copy it to a secure central location. Smart business intelligence tools query data from several systems in one view. You can ask questions in everyday language to get new answers and fresh insights.
None of this exploration affects the original application. By starting with small experiments, you can figure out which data matters most to your goals (or discover new ones) and invest to push further in the right direction.
Get agile – Iterate toward success
Transformation sounds big, but the most successful efforts start small and build. It’s no longer necessary to ‘finish’ a technology initiative before getting value from it. In fact, the earlier customers and employees can get their hands on a digital innovation, the better.
Expect first attempts to fall short. Start with a hypothesis, test it and learn from the results. Value will accrue much faster when real people are providing feedback on real experiences, compared to a process that emphasises perfecting the digital solution behind the scenes.
Partner creatively – When walls become doors
AI, the cloud and big data have the potential to redefine boundaries in many ways. An open-source mindset takes hold. Organisations that once competed become partners. APIs turn one company’s data by-products into another’s business gold. Companies in formerly unrelated industries unite to create entirely new endeavours.
Competition isn’t going away. But it also shouldn’t get in the way. Why settle for the zero-sum game when you can go for a win-win instead? As with most dimensions of digital transformation, it’s as much about the mindset as the technology. The idea of defending corporate borders at all costs is giving way to openness, transparency and cooperation.
Aim for the triple bottom line – Sustainability, social good and profitability
Consumers are increasingly choosing companies that align to their values as much as their budgets and tastes. If you can do all of the above, so much the better. Purpose-driven digital transformation supports positive business, social and environmental outcomes.
For example, predictive maintenance can reduce emissions and waste, cut costs and deliver better customer experiences. Cloud technology uses less energy than traditional data centres and can provide secure, open access to data around the world. It’s possible to do well and do good at the same time.
We’re here for your entire journey
The resilience afforded by digital transformation can help companies weather change, recover quickly and move forward with confidence. The easiest way to make it real is to learn from those who have gone before. However, technology is only one part of the picture. Purpose, people, culture and mindset matter just as much. With an iterative approach, an orientation to partnership and a commitment to ethics and sustainability, you can achieve dramatic results with minimal risk.
MAPiTek is here to support your journey with our experience, tools and platforms.
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