The digital transformation process: What does it mean, what are the benefits for organizations and how we train employees
“The Digital Transformation process must be viewed as a link in a chain of continuous change that companies are obliged to do if they want to be successful over a long period of time,” he says Andrei Ghiorghiu, CEO BlueTweak and speaker at the webinar Digital Transformation: How Do You Make Sure Your People Are Ready?. Alongside Carmen Ciulacu, Managing Partner at Digital Stack, Andrei will discuss on Thursday, March 21, from 10:00 to 11:30, about the opportunities, benefits and responsibilities that come for an organization with the Digital Transformation process. In this article we will explore some of the ideas that will also be discussed in the webinar. We recommend that you go through this article so that you can also prepare your questions for Andrei (just do not forget to save your virtual place here to be able to address them).
Let's Start At The Beginning: What Exactly Is A Digital Transformation Process?
Contrary to some potential confusion, a Digital Transformation process is not equivalent to a digitization or digitization process. Let's define each one individually:
Digitization
It is the process of converting documents and information owned by the organization in analog, physical format (documents, invoices, photographs, reports), in digital format (so that they can be accessed from a computer, phone, tablet, USB stick, etc.). It is an essential step for both digitization and digital transformation.
Digitalization
Now that we have the information in digital format, we can move on to the next step, that of digitization. This refers to the conversion of Manual processes in digital format. Digitalization cannot happen without digitization.
To be able to observe the difference between digitalization and digitization better, let's continue with a concrete example: the accounting department. If the bills were scanned and stored in the computer, but nothing more, then we are talking about digitization. For the digitalization of the accounting department, the organization should support the department in developing a database with which those in the department can, in just a few clicks, organize themselves with the invoices in question according to their needs. Digitalization will impact how people within an organization work, streamlining processes and actions.
Digital Transformation
Now that we have the documents and information converted from physical format to digital format (digitization) and that we have implemented processes that streamline the workflow in digital format (digitalization), we can talk about the Digital Transformation process. It consists of a much more complex adoption of digital technologies than the digitalization process and also involves changes related to the organizational culture of the company. We can consider it the next step of digitalization. And, one that is essential in this period in which technological change is happening at a more than accelerated pace.
By embracing digital transformation, it paves the way for an innovative redefinition of the interaction between technology, people and processes in order to evolve and diversify the organization.
What are the topics on the agenda of the Digital Transformation Webinar?
Now that we are on the same wavelength in terms of terminology, let's see what are the topics that we will cover in the webinar. You will be able to explore together with Andrei and Carmen the following aspects:
- Stages of the Digital Transformation Process — Overview
- Defining basic concepts in terms of identifying opportunities for Digital Transformation
- Minimum requirements for the Digital Transformation process
- Adjacent processes supporting the Digital Transformation process (about change management and continuous improvement)
- Examples of Common Issues in the Digital Transformation Process
- Example of a Use Case for one of the industries present at the event
At the end we will also have a Q&A session with which we will conclude the event, where you will be able to ask your questions and curiosities when it comes to Digital Transformation. All details about the event are easily accessible on Facebook or on LinkedIn.
Below, we asked Andrei to help us with more details on this topic. I asked him 3 questions related to this topic for which you can see the answer further.
What can companies that want to start a digital transformation process do to prepare their people for this process?
Before training people, companies must set goals (SMART) that are then embraced by the entire organization. Once they are understood and cascaded at the department level, the need for training will be easy to identify and will also be different depending on the role of each person in the organization.
Is A Certain Leadership Style Recommended For Companies That Want To Start A Digital Transformation Process? Can you help us with more details on this?
There are examples of success in the S&P 500 with a huge variety of leadership styles. I think a common denominator that these different styles have is the search for competitive advantage in new technologies and the appetite for investment in R&D. I would rather put digital transformation on account of this common attribute of different types of leadership which, although very varied, can prove successful.
How Can a Company Measure the Success of the Digital Transformation Process?
As long as the business goals set by the company are achieved, it can be considered that the transformation has been achieved successfully. What is worth mentioning is that the transformation is continuous and will not be a process with a deadline that has a fixed end date on which the measurement is made, so it is important that the reporting package contains KPIs that target the technological area.
How about we see you on March 21 to explore this topic in more detail? Don't forget to save your virtual place at the event: https://forms.gle/zmqFysG3XvFPNqWbA
