How to Plan Digital Transformation in Business
Embracing new technology can be a daunting task, especially if your currently non-digitized business is running smoothly as it is. It can feel like you are taking a gamble, so the absolute bottom line is to not rush in and assess everything before proceeding.
Planning a digital transformation takes time, and you should focus your thoughts on what it is your business needs exactly to be taken to the next level. Unnecessary changes and costs can be dangerous, so a solid plan is crucial.
Predict the risks
No change in your business is without risk, so something as significant as a digital transformation comes with a few them. Predicting the risks of what adopting certain technologies could do to your business if they are not suited to you, they are too expensive, or they fail is one of the first actions to take. Being prepared for the worst means you can have contingency plans in place and can quickly revert back if necessary.
In 2019 TechRadar suggested the advent of 5G could be a significant progression but also a considerable risk, as availability and costs were still ambiguous. With more revolutionary technological advances to come, ensuring you don’t fly blindly into something that won’t work for you is essential.
Get advice on new technology
“Successful implementation of technology relies wholly on your team using those technologies effectively.”
That’s what Virgin states as a critical consideration when transforming your business digitally. Therefore, once you have identified the risks in your own business, it will be useful to seek advice from others. It may be worth your time to contact other businesses who have undergone a recent digital evolution or finding professionals who can help you with software workshops and training.
More information on getting help with Microsoft products is available at www.bytes.co.uk.
Pilot your transformation
Transforming your business into a digital force should be a carefully trodden path and one you cannot rush. To make sure your steps are calculated, it is worth considering running a pilot of your newly adopted digital strategy. This means your transformation will be more easily reversible if it doesn’t pay off first time, giving you a second and third shot at it if necessary.
Get feedback
If you are running a pilot, using focus groups can be an effective way of finding out what your customers, clients and stakeholders think of your transformation. The feedback you gain should be from people used to working with or shopping from digital businesses so that they can inform you of how you compare to more established models and where you can improve.
When implementing a second wave of transformation, or improving what you have done so far, always consider what you have been told in your feedback.
Analyze success
When you have calculated the risks, consulted experts, run a pilot and gained customer feedback, it’s time to analyze your success. Find out from your employees how they feel about working with the new system, monitor how the change has affected your leads, sales or marketing, depending on what it is you have chosen to digitize.
As you move forward into your new, modern business model, you must continue to monitor and analyze the success of your transformation. Holding weekly or monthly meetings to discuss progress will help improve communication and understanding of your new way of operating while allowing you to tinker and tailor the new system to your business’s requirements.
