Transformation

Many companies and managers face the challenge of efficiently incorporating new technologies into their day-to-day work. To keep up to date in an increasingly digital world, existing business processes and old thought patterns need to be scrutinized. This not only entails internal processes, but also involves rethinking the customer experience. To achieve a sustainable digital transformation, some points have to be taken into account.

Visionary thinking as the basis of digital transformation

Changing traditional working methods demands a vision that addresses the long-term goals of the company. In the course of digitalization, the requirements of potential customers also change. To meet these, it is important to digitalize or optimize work processes. Social media, big data, and AI chatbots providing intelligent customer support are building blocks of digital transformation. With the help of a digital leader who introduces and exemplifies this vision in all areas of the company, innovative ideas and technologies such as digital platforms, new software, and digitalized production processes can be integrated into the company’s daily routine more efficiently.

Courage to transform by leveraging new business models

The opportunity to tap into new markets and target groups using modern technologies offers space for new ideas. If a company is ready to break with old structures through digitalization, questioning the old business model is crucial. To determine the future business model, the focus should be placed on customer needs and expectations. Improving or sometimes completely changing existing products, services, or work processes – in other words to depart from the original idea of the company in order to tap into new customer groups – requires courage and a suitable digital roadmap. Only then will the transformation succeed.

Digital transformation inspired by startups

Startups are regarded as digital pioneers and inspire established companies to rethink their strategy so that they don’t lose touch. Startups are typically characterized by agile structures and flexible working times, which create more freedom for creative thinking. Autonomous and diverse teams not only promote creativity and knowledge exchange within startups, but also spur employees to take risks and surpass themselves.

Agile processes and tools as the basis of transformation

The digital shift cannot be achieved by merely introducing new technical tools. It is more about making processes more dynamic and supporting them with appropriate tools. This gives rise to more flexible structures that enable companies to adapt more quickly to the current market situation as well as customer needs. New technologies support the agile work processes of virtual teams and help manage the increasing complexity with maximum transparency.

Transforming mindsets

An open corporate culture is essential for digital transformation to work. Establishing a broad mindset first and foremost means motivating employees to try new things, take risks, experiment, and where applicable learn from their mistakes. This trial-and-error approach strengthens the adaptability of the company and its potential to restructure itself if necessary.

Measuring digital changes in a targeted way using KPIs

What metrics are relevant to make valid statements about a company’s success? Both the digitalization of new procedures and the analysis of newly acquired data provide a great deal of key figures which need to be evaluated properly. Companies should therefore ask themselves the question of which goals matter the most and which KPIs map these goals the best. This will enable them to measure their performance in a targeted way.

Transformation requires patience and resoluteness

Doing away with hierarchical structures, leaving the silo mentality behind, and overhauling traditional processes – digital transformation is not something that can be achieved overnight. What’s more, this shift does not follow a linear course with a single fixed goal, but rather is shaped by twists and turns as well as trial-and-error experiences. It is therefore essential to manage change processes in an agile way and implement defined measures. Open communication that permits both “top down” and “bottom up” dialogue at all company levels is also key. Consequently, mastering a sustainable corporate transformation demands staying power and a willingness to act both resolutely and flexibly at the same time.