How to successfully deliver a digital transformation programme?

The digital revolution, disruptive technologies and changing customer demands have forced organisations to rethink their customer engagement approach and business models. As a result forward-thinking organisations are actively exploring opportunities and potential solutions to take advantage of the latest information and communications technologies.

This is a lot more than simply upgrading technology or completing a change management exercise. It includes aligning the latest technology solutions with innovative business models that transform the way businesses operate and engage with customers. That’s what constitutes digital transformation; transforming the way an organisation operates, engages with customers and develops its business model.

We are increasingly seeing digital transformation get higher on the CIO agenda and this is also getting discussed in the press.

In our opinion, two factors play a vital role in delivering successful digital transformation programmes.

The first factor is to establish wider stakeholder engagement across the whole organisation to facilitate connected thinking around improving the customer experience and to establish a commitment to the technology, people and process changes required. This involves analysis of the customer journey and all the touch points with the organisation.

The second factor is to adopt a disruptive and innovative approach to network and IT transformation, as that will strongly influence the successful delivery of the digital transformation programme. In that context cloud, enterprise mobility, big data analytics, and social & collaborative working are all essential elements to be enabled by the digital network. The digital network plays a key role to support today’s digital agenda and provides a platform for the growing future network demands of the organisation. With the increasing trend towards ‘real time’ information from customers, organisations need to become smarter and more responsive in delivering information to the customer channel in the format required. This is all part of the digital transformation.

We have been involved in delivering major transformation programmes for clients across industry sectors. One of the biggest challenges organisations struggle with is to identify the most appropriate digital network/technology solution to support their emerging and innovative business models. What our clients value most is our experience of working across different industries and market knowledge of working with variety of solutions and vendors. This experience and technical knowledge adds value in decision-making on critical transformation issues and helps inform the transformation and sourcing strategy.

Conclusion

Measures have to be taken by organisations to innovate through digital transformation and extend their competitive advantage. These projects are massive strategic and commercial undertakings. To drive real innovation, costs savings and agility through digital transformation programmes, implementing the right network and technology solutions with an effective business model is a pre-requisite.