If of Digital Transformation we have been talking for years, many companies have not yet understood the meaning of this term nor, much less, have moved to update and keep up with the changing times.
The pandemic has accelerated and made evident the change that for years has been pushing towards an increasingly massive and widespread use of digital technologies. In a world that pushes more and more towards more modern technologies, it would then be essential for companies to adapt to changes, in order not to run the risk of being left behind. In the following lines we will therefore go to see what it means Digital Transformation and what businesses must do in order not to lose competitiveness on the market.
The Digital Transformation
The literal translation of Digital Transformation it is Digital Transformation, a term that suggests the passage from old technologies to more modern and digital ones. In reality, however, the concept behind the English word is much more complex and it is perhaps this ambiguity that has created confusion about its meaning.
There Digital Transformation it must not be interpreted as the simple adoption of modern digital technologies, but as a radical change in business dynamics and work processes.
In other words, Digital Transformation is not about creating a website for your company, or rather, not only. For a Digital Transformation that it is truly effective, the whole company must move in the direction of digitization. Starting from the automation of production processes, to the creation of products and services to support digital, up to the professional training of employees. Everyone has to row in the same direction.
What to do to digitize?
Ok, but how can a company put an effective plan in place Digital Transformation? The three fundamental things to change are: mentality, strategy and culture. In that order.
In fact, to make the transition to a digital company, the first thing to change is the corporate mentality, in order to take advantage of the new business opportunities that digital inevitably creates. The ability to offer innovative, precise, fast and quality services, thanks to digital, will be what will distinguish successful companies from others.
A change in corporate strategy is also closely linked to this change of mentality, which obviously must adapt to new technologies. In general, a change in the corporate culture of work is needed. This may include training staff, who must learn about the new mindset and new digital tools, and / or hiring new staff.
Examples of Digital Transformation
To better understand what it means Digital Transformation in practice, there are already numerous companies that have successfully made the switch. But not only that, just think of a phenomenon of Digital Transformation which has recently become very popular and used by a large number of companies: smart working.
To cite more specific examples, the forerunners in this sense have been the car manufacturers and their model of industry 4.0. But also retail companies, such as Ikea, which uses augmented reality to improve the user experience.
Other well-known examples are Disney, which recently inaugurated the Disney + streaming platform, or Starbucks, which has definitively replaced paper communication with e-mails.
The examples shown here all concern large companies, industry giants, but the speech is valid at any level. Even smaller businesses can take advantage of the Digital Transformation and its potential to improve its business, both operationally and commercially (in terms of sales). It is up to the company manager to understand how to put digital at their service. It all starts with a change of mentality.
Where to start
Digital Transformation is not an easy step. This is confirmed by a study by McKinsey & Company, according to which only 30% of the companies that have taken this path are satisfied with the results. Furthermore, only 16% of companies admitted to having improved their performance thanks to digitization.
There Digital Transformation it is a long, complex and expensive process but, if implemented in the right way, it is also very profitable in the long term. But what are these "right ways"? Starting from the successful models, we have identified some good practices to make the transition to digital in the best way.
The first step concerns the adoption of technological and digital solutions, which differ according to the type of business. Among these solutions we find online services, in the cloud, mobile internet, artificial intelligence, the CRM and the analysis of Big Data, the machine learning, augmented reality and the metaverse, digital manufacturing (such as 3D printing) andinternet of things. Next, you need to make sure that company executives and employees are able to understand and manage these technologies.
Now you have all the technological and professional means, but it is not enough. It now becomes essential to move according to the objectives of the company and customers. All the innovations introduced must be made functional to the activity to be carried out and to the reference customers. Technology is just the starting point, and while it provides the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing trade, you need to understand how to use it to achieve your goals.
Digife for Digital Transformation
We at Digife are always up to date on the latest news in technology, marketing and Digital Transformation. We can help you make the transition and we know how to advise you on the best technologies and ways to make your business perform at its best.
Visit our site is contact us for advice or to book an appointment with our experts.
