Digital transformation is different from previous information technology projects in that it involves all activities of the enterprise, all levels of management and employees, not an independent project like the way businesses invest. investment in information technology projects, the planning and implementation can be solely the responsibility of the IT department and the beneficiary.

A veteran expert once commented: “Too many people consider DX to be all about IT and infrastructure, that’s not it, if you don’t approach DX from a business perspective and a customer point of view, you’re certain. failure”.

Because of the complexity and overall impact of DX on the entire organization, setting an appropriate implementation roadmap is the best way to minimize risks in digital transformation implementation  . The article will introduce a 6-step DX roadmap as follows for the business executive team:

1. Conduct research and appraisal

Form the DX project team at this step. The team begins the process by collecting data to understand how the business operates, including the resources it uses – for example, people, processes, technology, and facilities. The team should review the company’s existing strategic plans, IT strategic plans, policy and procedure documents, organizational charts, and any other documents that describe how the business is run. . Next, the team should interview key personnel who have a high understanding of the business and how it works, e.g. senior executives, division leaders, department heads, and industry experts. theme. The data from this step is used to initiate the activities in step 2.

2. Prepare DX strategy, and summarize for senior management and employees to understand

A  digital transformation strategy  should describe the end result the DX project is aiming for and how it will be achieved. This includes the technologies used, how the transformation will take place, parallel activities – e.g. staff training and technological infrastructure modifications – required, and associated activities. is different. Once that has been determined, the next step is to inform senior management and staff about the key attributes of the DX program. Adjust strategy and support activities as needed based on input from senior management and staff.

3. Identify technology options and secure senior management approval and funding

As part of the strategy development process, the project team must secure senior management approval for the digital transformation project and funding authorization. In preparation for approval, the project team must research and identify the systems and technologies, network resources, and migration activities required for successful implementation. They must identify all costs associated with DX execution, including new technology, upgrades to existing systems, new applications, and specialized systems – for example, using AI – combining expertise inside and out, modifying facilities to accommodate new components, and more. Once this information has been collected, reviewed, and approved by the appropriate managers, the team can present its findings and recommendations to senior management for approval.

4. Approve the project plan, and launch the project

In this step, all resources are in place, vendors are scheduled to start their work, IT teams are ready to begin their operations, and employees are about to begin. transition from their current process to the new process performed by the DX program. This step is one of the most important in the roadmap as it brings all the players together and pushes the program forward.

5. Perform transitions and transitions

During the implementation of DX, many activities will take place, including the following:

  • Install and test new hardware and software, and make adjustments and improvements based on experience.
  • Pilot new technology to familiarize employees with systems and applications and how to use them properly. The pilot will help develop policies, procedures, and performance metrics for using new technologies. It can also be used to update HR policies as needed.
  • Training programs for all employees on the new system, especially those who will use them.
  • Regular review of system spending against budget, with adjustments as needed.
  • Regular senior management briefings on overall program progress.
  • Pilot testing cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to see how their capabilities can best be used to analyze data generated by new systems.
  • Test outputs from new systems to ensure they match company requirements and make adjustments as needed.
  • Sessions with frontline staff who will interact with customers, e.g. in pilot programs, to ensure they are comfortable with new technology and can deliver enhanced CX.
  • Measures to protect new systems and technologies, for example, remedial plans are put in place, documented and tested.
  • The procedure for backing up data and obtaining spare parts for the new system is documented.
  • Programs ensure that employees using new technology have the right equipment and the right workspace, whether they work on-site or remotely.
  • A plan for closing and handing over the project, including handover dates with fallback dates and how to go-live.
  • Marketing, website and other promotional activities to promote the project and encourage current and future customers to use the new system.

6. Start updating business operations and performance management

Once the new DX-based systems and applications are up and running, program management activities begin. Among these are human resource management, performance appraisals based on new metrics, management reviews, change management operations, technology reviews and updates, financial assessments, impact analysis. new system.

Source: Techtarget