Human-centric digital transformation: the key to success

Success requires harmonizing different pieces, from technology to measurement, from culture to leadership. The puzzle of digital transformation can only be solved by people.

Investing in digital technologies has become a "must have". In fact, modern infrastructure and a clear path to digital transformation determine business success. However, this is easier said than done, because technology is just one piece of the “transformation puzzle”. Fortunately, many of our customers have successfully deployed digital solutions, achieving the expected benefits: analyzing all these success stories, we can draw meaningful conclusions and hereby share insights.

?Measurement

If results are not measured, it’s impossible to determine if an investment in digital transformation has paid off. An essential element of success is setting the right KPIs, based on appropriate data analytics and reports. Although this is a logical pre-requirement, many organizations are unable to track results.

At Dell, we have?researched this thoroughly ?across various industries, measuring results on specific key performance indicators. For example, in?healthcare , a customer runs analytics to drastically reduce the time to identify the proper use of pharmaceuticals. In?fintech , we have helped a company reduce network latency and provide clients with a much more robust experience within their private banking solution. In?retail , we can put new systems in place that will significantly accelerate transactions and reduce payment processing. Other customer case studies reveal impressive acceleration of?R&D ?efforts by streamlining the testing phase resulting in a much faster time to market.?

?Technology

We all operate in an ever-evolving global environment, where new challenges arise, and disruptions alter the rules of the "game" continuously. Hence, successful transformation needs holistic and powerful IT solutions, provided by a trusted vendor.

?For example, data management helps companies streamline their workflows and build their intelligence. Of course, faster and more accurate data analytics is one side of the coin. But, when you go down to the factory floor, you see the synergy of different technologies and how intelligent integration enables more efficient production.

?Updated tech can lead to drastically reduced energy resources, directly and indirectly. You don't save valuable energy just by installing systems with lower power consumption. You can use better and more efficient backup systems to reduce the time it takes to restore critical data for your production. This is extremely important in industries like?food processing , when the slightest delay in systems backup and maintenance can halt the process of sensitive food and ruin entire batches of valuable produce.?

?In another instance, we observe how the introduction of automation and robotics significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces energy costs. These outstanding results are not only achieved via automation and modernized tools but from the orchestration provided by a?modern cloud and edge solution

?Technology is relevant regardless of the industry. For example, how about?farming ? Can we address the global food crisis without leveraging the benefits of digital technology to create innovative agricultural production? At Dell, we have repeatedly shown that we can implement modernized edge strategies to manage and act upon increasing amounts of real-time data to get more and better crops from smaller farms with reduced greenhouse emissions. AI solutions and data driven insights can improve the overall yields.?

?Of course, technology must be secured. Security is of paramount importance for anything we do. By the term security, both cybersecurity and the layer of physical security are included. Unfortunately, many companies still maintain inadequate surveillance and physical security systems. Dell works closely with leading global providers of physical security solutions, aiming to minimize the unknown for customers. We do that through a series of ready-to-deploy security solutions. You may explore this?case ?that demonstrates the implementation of a next-generation security center.

?Organizational culture and leadership

All of the above help organizations, but the puzzle of digital transformation is incomplete without people i.e., the organizational culture and leadership. ?

By investing in modern technology, companies enjoy the advantages of the performance they need on their workflows and make their employees more productive and satisfied with better work experience and a deep sense of accomplishment.?

?People have to internalize this philosophy in a company culture that fits their vision of transformation, giving them more chances to succeed and grow. While many things contribute to company culture, it's the role of the leader to create an environment where people will realize their full potential, bring their best, and share a sense of true belonging in an environment where they can grow and get better and better.?

?It is very telling that according to our?Breakthrough Report , 60% of the interviewed business leaders stated that their organizational culture restricts employees' ability to innovate. Your people may have the best skills, talent, and credentials, but what is their relation to technology? What can you do to address their concerns and use their feedback to eliminate friction between people and tech??

??People’s attitudes towards technology can be expressed in 4 "Ss" – Sprint, Steady, Slow and Still. Only 10% of companies are Sprinters and trailblazers who are ready to chase after innovation and be one step ahead of the competition. They can take risks but successfully mitigate their failures and turn them into valuable lessons for their next bold steps. People with "Steady" attitude are still optimistic and open to new tech but walk more cautiously. It's up to the leader to convince "Slow" and "Still" people with sufficient encouragement and autonomy, so that they can adopt Steady or Sprinter characteristics.?

?A good leader can turn data into valuable information and build actionable plans. A leader can accelerate transformation by setting in motion the workflow that enables different tech building blocks to create innovative systems that will boost production, reduce times to market, increase the quality of products and services and minimize carbon footprint and energy resources.

?A good leader must know how to be empathetic, respect the needs of their people, take care of their well-being, and find ways to create a positive and encouraging environment, always trying to improve the synergy between people and tech. That's what we are trying to do at Dell Technologies, and that's why we have managed to stay relevant, innovative, and always able to drive technological progress, helping our partners and customers succeed.

??People are the most critical element. Always.

Only people can solve the digital transformation puzzle: technology is vital, but the same solution can bring different outcomes, depending on how people make the most out of it.