Digital transformation is more than just “digitising” operations in a business. It requires talent, coordination, cooperation and a team dedicated to driving change. But not just any change – a shift in the company in a way that the future of the organisation sees real long-term benefits.
The digital transformation in a company happens across all different departments but it occurs in four different domains or elements within each department. The right strategy takes each domain and makes small, powerful changes to align the different domains and the changes happening.
The four Digital Transformation Domains are:
Technology
Understanding technology and the immense benefits it can bring takes insight and knowledge. Aspects of new tech, such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, and AI, are still complex to many and the implementation of it requires careful consideration.
However, when technology is adapted correctly into a business, it can contribute significant transformational opportunities which can lead to better systems, smoother operations and a better allocation of human resources.
For technology to help drive digital transformation, it’s important for the relevant department – such as the IT team – to have the time and resources to work on helping implement the right tools. If the IT department is tasked with making sure urgent operations to keep systems running and don’t break, digital transformation will be a long arduous process. However, if they’re awarded the time to work on improving operations through new tech, the future of the company will enjoy the longer-term benefits.
Data
Possibly unsurprisingly – most companies today aren’t able to say with confidence that their data standards are up to scratch. This is mainly because of a lack of priorities in the field. With basic quality, security and analytics, data maintenance can be a breeze. Digital transformation in this domain requires placing individuals into the proper roles with carefully considered responsibilities.
With focus, the digital transformation of data can become qualitative and reduce the resources needed to work through it. It means ensuring that there’s a team with a combination of both broad and deep knowledge in the field to set up the right practices that the whole company can work with.
Process
All transformation, whether digital or others, requires a shift in thinking and practices. It means looking at what you want to achieve and working back to how that can happen as seamlessly as possible. If an overhaul is necessary, it might be worthwhile dismantling systems to rebuild them to go forward with the objectives in mind.
Setting up the right processes means looking at how all systems work together and fitting in a shift aligned with the end-goal.
Organisational change
Digital transformation – a successful one at least – requires the buy-in from the individuals in the organisation. People don’t often like change – especially if they don’t understand it. So careful navigation of this is crucial.
Organisation change in digital transformation means looking at the culture of the company and how a digital transformation might affect this or how it might need to shift. This domain requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and a quality change management strategy.
Setting up the systems and developing the skillset
To have the best digital transformation or chances at setting up changes in your company, give yourself the best chance. Through research, online learning about digital transformation, and investigation of how best to implement change, you are more likely to see success!
