It is indeed true that Covid has changed the dynamics of operational businesses and organizations worldwide. Though the numbers and transformations existed before the pandemic, the numbers surely multiplied during and after as the world realized the need for digitization.
The fast pace of this transformation and the necessity to keep up has led many organizations to irretrievable positions and pitfalls. The journey to digital transformation looks straightforward and has a clear vision, but the truth is far from that. It is a complicated and never-ending process, not because of the milestones but because of the ever-evolving strategies of the organization itself, its need for better and more enhanced procedural solutions, and modern technological developments. Here is a list of 5 pitfalls to avoid in your digital transformation journey:
1. Do not follow the footsteps of others
This point comes first because often the ideas for transformation either come from the need to change or from something we have seen or heard. It is common to follow in the footsteps of others who have already done this and been successful. Although it may work in some cases, each organization has its own requirements and a different path must be taken to have a successful outcome.
An approach that has been effective for them might require some alteration or a completely different approach for you to work efficiently. Therefore, it’s critical to put the requirements of your company first and come up with a digital transformation plan accordingly.
2. Prioritize the areas of necessity
A digital transformation in all departments of an organization at once seems like an impossible job as it would affect the productivity of the company and also cost a lot of expenses to make happen. It’s critically important to prioritize what departments require the transformation first to have the best productivity outcome, and which wouldn’t be affecting the productivity of the company. Remember digital transformation is to strengthen the organization, not weaken it.
3. Software as a service & not vice versa
The term is relatively self-explanatory. Digital transformation in any organization is done to aid the organization’s employees to work effectively and efficiently. Hence it’s important to digitize your organization with the requirements of your staff and employees and not vice versa.
Failure to do so can cost employees the time to get used to the process, and eventually, they might lack engagement in the work and organization. This can highly affect the organization’s productivity outcomes and also engage the organization in extra expenses and activities such as hiring people to train the employees.
4. Failing to keep the employees in the loop
Remember that all the efforts in this procedure and transformation are made for the employees. Keeping them blind and overloading them with a load of information that they do not understand or technology they have never seen can put them on the spot and in panic mode.
This can cost the company a decrease in employee retention and engagement as well, which would require a long and steady procedure to correct the mistake. As they say, “Once done, it can’t be undone”.
5. Digital transformation requires much more than just technology
A foolproof plan for adapting to the changes and organizational supervision are required to make this process happen. Digital transformation generally involves the whole organization, even if it’s only happening in a single department at the time.
It requires the necessary changes in the business plans and how things are done.
Final Words
Digital transformation is not the final fruit but the journey it takes from where you start to where you go. Most definitely not an easy process, but can be done greatly if taken the correct measures. Good planning never fails.
