Over the past ten years, thanks to developments in the information and communication technologies sector, digital transformation has emerged as a necessity for organizations wishing to remain competitive. Thus, the majority of companies and even public bodies have initiated a digital transition which affects almost all functions of the organization: human resources, finance, management, communication, etc.
The need for the digital transformation of businesses has been felt more than ever in recent months, due to the Covid-19 crisis and the inherent containment measures. Since then, several organizations have accelerated their digital transition while others who were still hesitant have finally committed.
A process that is both simple and complex, digital transformation requires several internal reforms. What are the precautions and measures to be taken for perfect digitalization? Here are 5 steps for a successful digital transition.
What is the digital transition?
The digital transition or digital transformation is a process which consists in integrating the use of information and communication technologies in the implementation of professional activities.
So we talk about the digitalization of companies. The latter therefore place digital communication tools (computer, mobile) and digital solutions (software, internet, digital workplace, artificial intelligence) at the heart of business processes.
These technologies improve business efficiency and performance, through the automation of tasks, reduced margins of error, data security and more efficient communication.
An essential pillar of digital transformation, digital communication aims to increase the visibility of the company through digital media such as the logo, website, social networks, digital marketing, etc. Its implementation must be ensured by a web marketing specialist such as the Pixelune communications agency, which will carry out the company’s digital strategy. This is the starting point for a good digital transition.
Successful digital transition in 5 steps
1. Define the digital vision and strategy
Before embarking on a digitalisation process, it is necessary to define the digital vision of the company, a projection in time and in space which will make it possible to make consequent choices. This vision should therefore include the ambition to digitize the company, so that all future actions are consistent with the vision.
The definition of a common vision will make it possible to develop a digital strategy or to incorporate it into the company’s development strategy. It is a roadmap that begins with highlighting the needs of employees and customers and culminates in the planning of the company’s digitalisation actions and operations.
2. Engage stakeholders
The first step is to choose the service providers or experts responsible for deploying digital solutions according to specialties: finance, HR, communication, marketing, production, etc.
Another very important stakeholder, the employees. From defining the vision to implementing the solutions, employees must be highly involved in the digital transition process. As the main beneficiaries and users of the solutions, they must understand the challenges of digital transformation and fully commit to the success of the process.
3. Set up the steering team and prepare the environment
Digitization involves a set of changes that can affect a department or the entire company. For effective management of this change, but also for monitoring operations, it is necessary to set up a management team headed by a team leader who masters all the workings of the company.
The latter’s first mission will be the technical preparation of the environment and of the employees. In particular, he will have to inform and train his colleagues on the changes to come, put in place the necessary tools, ensure the adequacy of the internal infrastructure, organize the passage of technicians, report on the evolution of the process to managers, check the conformity of the achievements with the expectations and needs of the company.
4. Move on to deploying solutions
Once the company is ready to receive its digital solution, it is advisable to opt for a gradual deployment, service by service or department by department depending on the extent of digitization. Here more than elsewhere, people must be put at the center of actions. Employees must be sufficiently involved in the process of implementing digital solutions.
Regardless of the function to which it is applied, the digital solution must meet 5 essential criteria, namely :
- Ensure ease of use
- Guarantee rapid access to resources
- Foster collaboration
- Improve productivity
- Take care of and optimize the customer experience
Digital solutions must therefore be chosen with care, ensuring that they are suited to the needs of the business. They should save time and increase business performance.
5. Train employees and ensure follow-up
Digital transformation generally requires training employees to use new solutions. After deployment, company executives, notably through the steering committee, must organize training so that the personnel concerned can use and master the tool.
In addition, the integration of digital solutions into business processes sometimes induces profound changes such that it is inevitable to proceed with an overhaul of the organization. Internal reorganization, if it involves major upheavals, will then have to take place upstream of staff training.
Finally, before the company takes full control of the tool, a period of monitoring and assistance must be observed. During this period, the various functionalities will be tested, approved or readjusted according to the needs of the business.
The importance of digital technology in improving business performance is undisputed today. Digitization indeed strengthens business processes, increases productivity and optimizes the visibility of the company as well as the customer relationship thanks to digital communication. It is therefore necessary to adopt an inclusive and structured approach to succeed in your digital transformation.