A simple digital transformation strategy in 3 steps
Een succesvolle digitale transformatie staat of valt met een goed doordachte transformatiestrategie.
A simple digital transformation strategy in 3 steps
A successful digital transformation hinges on a well-thought-out transformation strategy.
In our previous blog, we took you into the world of digital transformation: its definition, benefits, and the role low-code does plays. In this post, we dive a little deeper into the theory, especially for SME+. A successful digital transformation requires a well thought-out transformation strategy. Without a clear plan in place, achieving desired results becomes difficult. Let us show you how to put together a good transformation strategy in only three steps.
• Step 1: Where do you want to go?
• Step 2: What are you coming from?
• Step 3: What approach should you take?
What is a digital transformation strategy and why is it important?
At Grexx, we thrive on trying new things and experimenting. It allows us insight into what works and what doesn’t and it’s always nice to try small things to see if there’s any success to be had. Starting with any idea can be a fantastic catalyst for enthusiasm and inspired learning, so why not give it a try?
Because there’s more to it than that. Whilst small projects can be tremendously fun and instructive, in the grand scheme of things, they are like loose sand: they don't create a solid foundation for any organization. The key lies in consistency, in having a clear picture of what you want to achieve, your current situation, and your approach.
Don't be distracted by the allure of smaller projects.
Another important reason for creating a digital transformation strategy now is that it takes time and experience to successfully transform, so starting now can lead to faster progress when challenges arrive. If you let things run their course and postpone the process, you will limit your options in the future. Whilst a well-planned strategy is vital for business development, it certainly doesn’t have to be overly complicated.
Step 1: Where do you want to go?
What are your goals and objectives? Why do you want to achieve them? What impact will they have? In principle, these are simple questions, but answering them succinctly can be challenging. The key to developing a successful digital transformation strategy starts with getting clear on where you want to go.
This can be approached at different levels: organization-wide, department specific, or perhaps your focus on the digital transformation of a particular product or service. All levels are fine, just make sure it aligns with your overall goals and objectives.
For example, if your goal is to improve efficiency and performance in the purchasing department, how will this look and what processes do you want to address? Do you want to buy cheaper materials, reduce your margin of error, always have enough stock? How can these processes be done better, and why is that worthwhile? How does this fit into the company-wide digital transformation strategy? If you notice the last question is tough, consider broadening your strategy beyond just one department.
Ideally, the digital transformation strategy at the department or service level also aligns with the company-wide strategy. In practice, this is not always the case. That doesn't have to be a problem, for example, when your department or service is deliberately deployed as a kind of testing ground. In that case, pay extra attention to step 3.
Tip: Dare to dream
We are all inclined to think within existing frameworks. It is difficult to let go of what you already know, or think you know. This is logical because your mind doesn’t want to keep reinventing the wheel, yet this also means opportunities can be missed. That is why it is important to let go of those existing frameworks from time to time.
Sometimes we use an ambition session to achieve this. We discuss our ultimate ambition - a pipe dream, a seemingly impossible goal that would result in great success – then we think about how we would approach that goal if we could start from scratch today. Without existing frameworks, without the worries you may have when thinking about the future. This gives you a chance to let go of your fixed perspectives and think more freely about what you want to achieve. Reality will soon return.
If you need statistical justification, check out McKinsey's research shows that "60% of jobs are 30% automated”.
Step 2: Where are you coming from?
You now know where you want to go. To plot the route, you also need to know where you are coming from. What is the status quo? What does your organization, your department, your service, or product look like now? What work and processes are you dealing with? Which employees, customers, or other stakeholders are involved and how do they interact within those processes?
The more you can map out your current situation, the better prepared you will be for the journey ahead. You don't have to have every detail figured out; adjustments can often be made along the way. Just make sure you understand the big picture.
This is one reason why low-code often works so well: the people doing the work know exactly what the processes and work are like, what the exceptions are, the unwritten rules. Low-code gives them the chance to automate things themselves, without needing a technical background, purely based on domain knowledge. As so-called Citizen Developers, these people can make immediate improvements by easily automating routine work and processes by digitalizing. That gives immediate results and lowers their workload. A highly motivating outcome!
Read more here about why having software created is a thing of the past.
Step 3: What approach should you take?
You now know where you want to go, and where you are coming from, so it’s now time to map out your route. Think of it as like planning a vacation: if you want to travel from the Netherlands to Italy, you can take a route through Belgium and France or through Germany and Austria. You can go by car, but you can also choose to fly or take the train. In addition, there are other factors to consider: do you need to pack snacks for the road? How will the kids handle the non-stop drive to Rome? How much luggage should you take with you and will it fit? Who will look after the dog while you are away? And where are the passports again?
Anyone who has ever traveled with young children understands that proper planning is the only way to ensure that you arrive at your destination more relaxed.
Some practical tips for approaching and implementing your digital transformation strategy:
• Engage the right people
We can't say it often enough: digital transformation is not an IT project. While IT may play a role - although with low-code it is not necessary - digital transformation involves the entire organization. Make sure all relevant departments and colleagues are on board. Make your plans visible and apparent to everyone–this includes this you will and won’t do.
Fundamentally, people are resistant to change. So let them know why this transformation is worthwhile. Explain the reasons you are getting started, how it will benefit them, and why their involvement plays an important role in achieving success.
• Think about implementation and adoption in advance
Digitalizing and automating processes will affect your employees and colleagues and how they will work together within the organization. There will be both positive and negative consequences to consider, so pay sufficient attention as proper guidance is essential. Developing a solid adoption plan will help you with this. If you get started using Grexx platform, we will of course also assist you with this!
• Privacy, security, and compliance
Fortunately, the days when privacy and security were a catch-all issue are gone. Secure by design, private by default, is the new standard and those who take privacy and security seriously from the very beginning develop more carefully and securely. Of course, you also include governance and compliance with existing laws and regulations which ensure that you are prepared for any future-changes.
• Count on surprises
Expect the unexpected. Any time you take new steps, there will be surprises along the way. That's part of the process. If everything always goes right the first time, then you're not taking enough risk, or you're spending way too much time, and therefore money, preparing. Don't get us wrong, thorough preparation is important, but don't make it too rigid a process. Allow some flexibility in your schedule and budget for improvisation.
Just plan your trip well and don't panic if you take a wrong turn once or twice. Sometimes that detour can lead to a beautiful road, other times it may turn out to be a dead end. That's how these things go, and that's fine.
Successful digital transformation
Remember, digital transformation is not the end goal. It’s a means to achieving results. And a well thought out strategy is essential for ensuring those results.
The good news is that developing such a strategy is not nearly as complicated as you might think, and there is often a clear case for implementing digital transformation. If you approach it with knowledge and understanding, success will be within reach.
To summarize, there are three essential steps to creating a successful digital transformation strategy:
• Step 1: Determine your goal. Figure out what you want to achieve, and above all, be willing to let go of existing frameworks.
• Step 2: Assess where you are coming from. Understand your current processes, colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders you are dealing with.
• Step 3: Design an approach that fits your organization. Remember to pay adequate attention to your greatest asset: the people you work with.
Getting started!
Excited to get started? Schedule a discovery call with one of our colleagues. Our experienced specialists are happy to give you honest advice about how to digitally transform your organization and whether our low-code platform offers you what you're looking for. Completely free of obligation.
Curious about all the options?