When you hear “digital transformation”, you may automatically think of software. While it’s an important part of the process, it’s not the central focus. So what is digital transformation? It is…
In other words, it is integrating new technology in all facets of a business to improve your business processes and - most importantly - to provide value to people, both customers and employees.
A digital transformation is people-centric and uses technology to enable more efficient and valuable business processes. Whether it’s leaving behind your standard paper and pen to using a software system, or implementing APIs - you must be comfortable with growing away from long-standing business practices in order to grow with the ever-changing tech-driven world to continuously provide value to your customers and employees.
People
Digital transformation is about how you provide value and engage with people, meaning customers and employees. It is vital to pay attention to the people that are interacting with your company and involved throughout your brand's journey. In order to begin building out a solution and process, you should know their needs in order to ensure you address their pain points.
A great example of providing customers value is Disney. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Disney? Movies, theme parks, Disney+... It’s a company that is focused on providing an entertaining experience. Even taking a closer look at their products, you’ll see how their digital transformation and customer experience come full circle. For example, think about the MyMagic+ wristbands. By using this technology (RFID chips to be exact), Disney guests can enter parks, access hotel rooms, and buy food or merchandise. With just one wristband, they are providing convenience and digital personalization.
Process
Now that you understand the current challenges, it’s time to focus on the process.
Your processes should all be part of one strategic initiative that is shared throughout the entire company as one vision. This does not mean just one department making changes while other processes are still in disarray and disconnected.
MIT Sloan Management Review defines operational processes as “improving internal processes by leveraging digitization and automation, enabling employees with digital tools, and collecting data to monitor performance and make more strategic business decisions”.
To summarize, the process part of a digital transformation is developing one strategy that affects and improves all parts of the business - from leveraging new technologies to internal communications to data insights, etc. Every department and every employee should be part of this strategic initiative to increase efficiency, productivity, accountability, and so on.
Partner + Technology
Last but not least, find the right technology and the right partner.
One option is to research different technologies yourself and decide on what you think would be the best fit for the company. Once you’ve decided on one, you can contact a software development team, like us here at PK, to implement it.
The 2nd option would be to contact a software development team to consult with first, and then have them implement it. This could involve speaking with them about your customers and the strategic initiative in order for them to advise you on the best technology to implement.
Starting your digital transformation can be a challenging process so don’t feel alone in this. With either option, it’s important to have the right partner that understands your challenges and company initiative. You want to be able to grow a long-standing partnership so make sure it’s one you feel comfortable and confident with.
Here at PK, our team is well-versed in a variety of platforms and integrations. We understand the importance of digital transformation and the need to continuously evolve. Our goal is to help you and your business get to where you know it needs to be.
PK Information is a FileMaker-certified development agency serving the Tampa Bay and Knoxville regions. We believe that great software can change everything. Would your database benefit from a process review? Contact us today!