Execute - Digital Business Transformation

Digital Business Transformation – IT Transformation

I know, there are a tons of articles and points of view on all aspects of transformations; is it worth to add another one? Well – I think, having all the discussions in mind I am going through with IT leaders and business drivers – may be it is!

My intention here is to make things easy and to get a positive twist on going digital and transform – there are no threads you cannot manage or mitigate! And I am convinced too many companies are still hesitating and not moving fast enough.

So – I will put everything in asking 5 questions, which I heard when listening, and answering with easy statements reflecting my view (very short and of course leaving things out …). Happy to get thoughts and comments, of course!

What differentiates a Digital Business Transformation from an IT Transformation?

Nothing! The IT Transformation enables the (new) Digital Business. The Digital Business Transformation will set the requirements for the IT Transformation.

What is needed to drive a successful Digital Business Transformation?

• Imperative is a clear vision of the new (digital) business *1, an executable strategy of your vision and a breakdown into enabling requirements – this is what you can expect from your business drivers.
• IT leaders need to be open to execute a digital readiness analysis to understand their ability to respond. Deriving from there identifying the needs of transformation in applications, infrastructure and services is next, followed by a crisp plan to execute.

What is key for a successful IT Transformation driven by Digital Business requirements?

• Important is that the principles of building a reliable IT are not broken or gone – you still need to have excellence in organization and governance to serve your business.
• In addition you need to transform to an agile, highly responsive and risk taking service organization, where priorities are managed in a new, more speedy and dialogue orientated way.

Where are the pitfalls in the whole Transformation cycle?

Beside the usual ones, I see three top things you need to respect to avoid failure:

• I strongly recommend to structure your IT Transformation in as small packages as possible in 100% synchronization with business demand to deliver results fast and independent from huge infrastructure changes.
• Take care that your digital readiness analysis also indicates you have the right skills and resources on board (management & technical) to be prepared for new requirements and methodologies. Have the right people on board!
• Be sure to let the whole organization know what is going on, be transparent on what will happen when, and don't be afraid to scrutinise parts of your transformation in case of either weak business needs or inappropriate complex IT realization.

Is there any special point in time for a company to start going Digital?

No – just start it now! You will be surprised on the potential when you really dig into it. Just thinking and waiting will not drive innovation and success.

*1 the vision needs to include the business of course, but also all areas of digitalization, which could be virtualisation of products and services, warehouse and storage, etc.