7 key steps for a successful digital business transformation
In order to keep up with the more and more complex needs from your clients and buyers, an increasing number of companies have opted for digital transformation of business in recent years. The reason for that is that business digitalization, which includes using technologies such as process automation, artificial intelligence, data analyses, or the Internet of things (IoT), is proven to significantly increase productivity and profitability.
Yes, digital technology is a powerful tool for achieving better business results. But, in order to get the most out of using new software solutions, much more is required than simply downloading new applications.
To achieve the best results of the digital transformation of business, you need an educated and engaged team, and a good strategy that will clearly define your path and goals. Without that ‘digital map’ that follows the company’s goals, even the most ambitious business digitalization plan can fail. Therefore, we bring you seven key steps which will help you to avoid such a scenario
Step 1 – Communication, managing changes and consistency
“Managing changes enables you to track and analyze which processes need possible improvements, or where can possible delays occur“
Regardless of the company’s size and the area of business, business digitalization is much simpler when considering these three issues – communication, managing changes, and consistency.
Namely, it is very important to openly communicate with the business team on the changes being implemented from the very beginning. Also, it is necessary to clearly define the role of every employee and to clarify to whom they can turn to for help or advice once the digital transformation begins.
Besides, this open approach to implementing changes helps in avoiding misinformation and frustrations of the business team because of not being able to adapt to these new circumstances.
Managing changes enables you to track and analyze which processes need possible improvements, i.e. where can possible delays occur. It also gives you a clear picture of what ways does the digitalization change business processes in each of the phases of the digital transformation project. That way you can also get a better understanding of the issues that bother your business team, buyers, or suppliers and how to make the process of adapting to new software solutions easier.
Finally, to successfully implement business digitalization you need patience and consistency. Each complex change in business requires a long-term vision of the anticipated goals. The short-term and quickly achievable goals give only mediocre results.
Step 2 – An objective assessment of the existing state
“Only with a clear insight into all shortcomings of business processes, you can find the right software solution that will give the best results“
Business digitalization can solve a lot of problems you face in business processes. But, in order to achieve that, it is necessary to objectively consider the actual situation and the size of the problem you want to solve.
Sometimes, that means evaluating all business processes, the company’s policies, and practice which is a part of the everyday routine of your business team. Only with a clear insight into all shortcomings of business processes, you can find the right software solution that will give the best results.
Let’s say that your goal is the implementation of a new B2B eCommerce solution and you also want to make significant savings, speed up the online buying process and offer clients unique user experience. First of all, you have to define the problems that your B2B clients have been facing so far, have there been and why have there been delays and errors in orders and what was the feedback from your clients.
When you answer all these questions honestly and objectively consider the shortcomings in former processes, only then can the implementation of a new and advanced B2B eCommerce solution yield expected results.
Step 3 – The support from the management
“If you want it to be successful, business digitalization has to be a strategic priority on the level of the whole organization and has to have the necessary budgets assured“
One of the most common problems that companies face while digitally transforming their business is that higher management doesn’t give the necessary importance to such changes. If you want it to be successful, business digitalization has to be a strategic priority on the level of the whole organization and has to have the necessary budgets assured.
Also, it would be ideal that the team assigned to implement this project has the authority to make decisions independently in each phase of its realization. That way, unnecessary delays and obstacles when implementing changes can be avoided.
Step 4 – Utilize the feedback from the business team
“Your business team plays a key role in implementing these changes-they are people that will use new software solutions, applications, and other digital tools every day“
A successful business digitalization requires support from all departments and managerial levels inside a company. So, make sure that the whole organization is timely acquainted with plans and that they understand all the advantages of digital transformation.
Your business team plays a key role in implementing these changes. Namely, they are people that will use new software solutions, applications, and other digital tools every day.
Make sure that each member of the business team has all the necessary information and clearly understands what are his/her responsibilities and tasks. Also, utilize the feedback from your business team in order to improve the decision-making process and ensure the complete success of the whole project.
Step 5 – Educate and explain the advantages of digitalization
“Higher income, entering new markets, simpler IT processes in sales or disburdening the user support and the sales team which then gets more time for actual selling“
Changes in business often cause concern for the whole business collective. So, it is not uncommon that individuals even resist implementing them. It is your responsibility to acquaint each department with the advantages of business digitalization and to explain what they actually mean for them.
Higher income, entering new markets, simpler IT processes in sales or disburdening the user support and the sales team which then gets more time for actual selling. These are all advantages that need to be clearly communicated with the business team, but also with the management, the buyers and the suppliers.
Step 6 – Plan a budget for implementing new solutions
We are not referring here to just money, but also the internal resources needed for applying new digital solutions. Internal resources also cost, and how much of them you will need depends mostly on the digital solution you are searching for and the company you choose for its implementation.
Some software solutions are more automated than others. For example, there are B2B eCommerce platforms where you still need a team of people to check orders and to input and check data. On the other hand, with the help of integrated software solutions that use data already stored in your ERP system, business digitalization becomes much simpler and faster.
Step 7 – Define and present short-term and long-term results of digitalization
As with realization of any other project, unexpected problems and delays can also occur when digitally transforming business. But they become negligible if you have a clear plan and a list of priorities.
Communicating every day openly about tasks and responsibilities of each member of the team, about project phases being conducted and the set deadlines helps not only in achieving greater engagement of the whole collective, but also in avoiding mistakes and delays in business digitalization.
You are looking for software solutions that will enable you to a successful digital transformation of business? Contact us today to be presented with the best solutions for simpler and faster business processes.
