Why Digital Transformation is Essential for the Future of Your Business

Ah, digital transformation. It’s like turning your business into a robot. Okay, not really, but hear me out.

In today’s world, technology is changing faster than you can say “artificial intelligence.” And if you’re not on board, you’re going to get left behind. That’s why digital transformation is essential for the future of your business.

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to change the way a business operates. It can involve anything from adopting new software to completely overhauling the way a business interacts with its customers. And almost everything it involves also involves changes for end users, the people who will be expected to use the new technologies. It’s one thing to implement new technology. It’s an entirely different thing to achieve high levels of user adoption and maximum ROI from the investment.

So what are the benefits of digital transformation?

Digital transformation can help you streamline your operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Plus, it can help you stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Customers expect a seamless digital experience, whether it’s online ordering for groceries or mobile payment options for big-box retailers. And if you’re not providing it, they’ll go elsewhere. It’s like trying to sell flip phones in a world of smartphones. And for the Millennials out there, I know collecting artifacts from the age of us Gen Xers is a hot thing right now, but trust me, texting is easier on a smartphone.

Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Digital transformation also has personal benefits for employees (if they’re made aware and properly trained. But that’s another article.) Digital transformation can help you, as an end user, be more productive and efficient in your own work. No more spending hours on paperwork, manual data entry, or old clunky software. You can automate many tasks leaving more time to focus on those that require more human engagement. And nope, AI isn’t there yet!

Digital transformation can also help you keep up with industry trends, employee wants and needs, and customer demands, helping your business to remain innovative and seen as a leader in your industry. It’s like having a personal assistant, but without the attitude (usually) or desire to steal your CRM list.

A few tips on how can you achieve improved results in your digital transformation:

Start with a clear vision. What do you want to achieve with digital transformation? Once you have a clear vision, then you can start to develop a plan.

Get buy-in from leadership. Digital transformation is a major undertaking, and a business needs the support of leadership, and continued engagement and commitment, to be successful. Early, often, and throughout.

Create a culture of innovation. Digital transformation is all about innovation. If you expect employees to adapt and adopt new technologies then you need to create a culture where employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. Create a culture of learning and support. Create a culture of trust and safety where employees feel free to share ideas and concerns.

Invest in the right technology. The right technology can make a big difference in your digital transformation efforts. A thorough current systems analysis and inventory should be done prior to selecting technology and a system integrator. Make sure you invest in the right tools and platforms. Your digital transformation technologies should support new ways of doing things and not duplicate the work of systems that may already exist.

Partner with experts. If you don’t have the expertise in-house, don’t be afraid to partner with experts. There are many companies that can help you with your digital transformation journey. I’ve worked with big ones and small ones. And make sure you bring on change management and technology adoption expertise. As I often say, if users don’t adopt the new technology it’s just wasted time, effort, and money. Your ROI tanks.

In conclusion, digital transformation is not robots taking over. It’s not the Jetsons. However, it is essential for the future of your business to remain competitive and meet increased employee and customer demands. It can help you streamline operations, improve the customer and employee experience, and increase productivity. If, implemented successfully.

But before you start, set yourself up for success. You can read more about tips and an approach in my edition of TD Magazine: Create Successful Organizational Change. Short version…chose the right technologies for your business, get buy-in from your team which should include employees and customers, take a holistic approach, prioritize cybersecurity, be prepared for a learning curve, and bring on the needed expertise to support adoption. Or if you want, go ahead and turn your business into a robot. Maybe it’ll be the coolest kid on the block.

About Scott Span, MSOD, CSM, ACC: is CEO at Tolero Solutions. As a people strategist, leadership coach, and change and transformation specialist, his work is focused on people. Through his consulting and training work he supports clients to survive and thrive through change and transition and create people-focused cultures and a great employee experience. Through his coaching work, he supports people willing to dig deeper to identify and overcome what’s holding them back, change behaviors, accelerate performance and achieve their goals.

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