This article originally appeared in InformationWeek, a partner publication.
Digital transformation seems to be on every IT leader’s mind, with tech companies claiming to have a wand that can magically transform business operations. Artificial or augmented intelligence, mobile devices, hybrid cloud, APIs, or machine learning? Presto! Your business has been digitally transformed!
However, this approach to digital transformation misses the mark, point blank.
Preparing a business for the future involves more than moving records and information from a piece of paper to a screen or to the cloud. It involves embracing technology to take your business processes (and the business) to the next level. The goal of digital transformation must be to reach a place where the business is connected end-to-end, from employees and stakeholders to partners, suppliers, and customers. Finding ways to leverage technology in various aspects of a business will improve efficiency, drive sales, and increase profits.
How can IT leaders embrace this type of transformation? By taking a phased approach, keeping humans at the center, and making digital transformation a way of life at the company.
Approach Transformation in Phases
Companies should break the entire digital transformation project up into phases. The first phase being financials, second phase inventory management and/or eCommerce, and third phase being manufacturing/distribution. By taking a phased approach, businesses are selecting independent chunks and bringing them live separately, which will ensure a high likelihood of success of the overall project.
Taking control of a company’s digital evolution also requires a well-structured plan of action. Digital transformation leaders can follow an eight-step plan for implementation success:
- Assemble your team and executive champion
- Define your requirements
- Develop a project plan
- Develop a data migration plan
- Develop a test plan
- Develop a training plan
- Plan for go-live
- User training and adoption
Wait, there’s more. You can read the full article here.
Jon Roskill is CEO of Acumatica.