4 tips for a successful Digital Transformation for your company
See the importance and benefits of digitization for your company.
By Jesús García, General Director of Ricoh Mexicana
Undoubtedly, for some years now, digital transformation has been impacting all companies due to changes in consumer habits, new mobility technologies and security, among other factors. In essence, it is about reinventing operations to get the most out of the new digital era. In general, it is not a simple process and each organization has its own strategy based on its future business objectives.
Research conducted by Ricoh1 has identified near universal agreement on the importance of digitization. 95% of medium-sized companies (50-500 employees) expect digitization to bring multiple benefits to their business.
1) Communicate your priorities clearly
All employees are aware of the value of digitalization. We found that 61% would like their leaders to use technology to leverage the impact of macroeconomic changes on their business. However, as with any initiative, communication is one of the most important skills for executives to master. In this way, employees will feel part of the effects of digital transformation. It is crucial to keep the lines of communication open and be honest with staff about progress, results and impacts.
2) Know your business and listen to your employees.
Despite the benefits of digitization, many companies still struggle to effectively transform processes. Interestingly, 91% of mid-market business leaders expect to face a difficult path to digitization.
Assuming that you could operate as a startup could be misguided, even dangerous. There has to be a balance between good corporate governance requirements and innovative thinking to enable the implementation of digitization. That said, it is important that the often rigid hierarchies of large organizations do not stifle innovation. Good ideas will often emerge from the bottom up in an organization. After all, these employees are on the front lines, working with the specific processes they are trying to change. We need to ensure that employees throughout the organization receive regular guidance throughout the transformation process.
Efficiency is a crucial goal of digital transformation and as a result of a change process, companies will be able to focus on vital business and bring added value to customers. By standardizing processes and IT infrastructure, including drastically simplifying execution, it is possible for companies to save tens of millions of dollars.
3) Bring all departments into the digital transformation process.
Digital transformation, by its nature, will be as varied and complex as the business itself. Processes can encompass a wide range of initiatives. Successful transformation will inevitably impact every element of a business. As such, every department must be effectively involved and included along the way. The HR function is one that is often overlooked in programs of this type, yet it has a crucial role to play. As mentioned, fundamental changes in the workplace often have the most lasting impact on the staff who must adapt to them. Without the support of the HR department, you risk alienating and disrupting your most valuable assets. Strong change management is one of the key ingredients for success.
4) Choose a senior project leader that the entire business can rally around.
A senior leader within the business should be identified to take responsibility for any digital transformation project. This leader's role must balance the requirements of employees, departments and stakeholders. Fundamentally, if they are to drive through real change within the company. They must be supported by other board members. Surrounding yourself with strong, innovative people is crucial to ensure the success of any project.
In conclusion, leaders and their teams agree on the importance and benefits of digitization. But for this to become a reality and generate tangible benefits in the short and long term, organizations need a leader, able to unite the entire business towards change management. Digital transformation is one of the most important and exciting evolutions for any company seeking to remain competitive in increasingly challenging markets.
