Transformation is the process of undergoing change, resulting in a shift in the nature or form of something. It can involve a complete reconfiguration of an entity or system, which will lead to a new state that is fundamentally different from its previous state. We all know that transformation can take place in various contexts, including personal, organisational, societal, or technological.
Similarly, digital transformation refers to the emergence of something new out of the old. In its most basic form, digital transformation means getting computers to do things for which humans were previously responsible and continually enhance that capability. Fundamentally, digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, resulting in changes to how businesses operate and deliver value to customers. Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about using technology to enable new business models, improve customer experience, and create operational efficiencies. This is not a new thing. We have adopted word processors in favour of typewriters decades ago. Today we can use computers to capture transactions from forms and pictures to eliminate reliance on human hands and eyes to do work more accurately and much faster.
The digital age has brought unprecedented changes to the business landscape. Customer expectations are higher than ever before, and businesses that fail to meet those expectations risk becoming irrelevant. Meanwhile, disruptive startups and established tech giants are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. For businesses to remain competitive, they must embrace digital transformation.
So, where should you begin? The first step is to understand your business goals and identify the areas where digital technology can help you achieve those goals. Do you want to improve customer experience? Increase operational efficiency? Expand into new markets? Once you’ve identified your goals, you can then start to explore the technology solutions that can help you achieve them.
At Mavco, we use our experience in Process Management to help our clients understand their business processes with intelligent Business Process Management tools that transcend the traditional pictures of activities in swim lanes. This allows us to understand work responsibilities, handovers, costs, governance, process pathology and a host of other metadata. As a result, a digital transformation project can be based on a firm foundation of understanding and analysis. Simulation tools can then be used to craft a new process model for each initiative, thereby quantifying the success criteria and business outcomes.
Digital transformation is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every business is unique and requires a tailored approach. It’s crucial to involve all stakeholders in the transformation process, from employees to customers to partners. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is invested in the process and that the end result is a result that meets the needs of all participants.
One common misconception about digital transformation is that it’s a one-time event. In reality, digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. Just like technology is constantly evolving, so too must your business processes and systems. This is an important point, because automation is infused with artificial intelligence at an exponential rate. For example, a few hours ago, OpenAI released GPT4 for beta testing to developers. This is a mere four months after the release of ChatGPT took the world by storm.
It is important to remember that all these AI technologies are entirely dependent on the execution of a business process. Deviations from a predictable process will cause exceptions which require human intervention. Therefore – the better the process, the better the automation results.
In conclusion, digital transformation is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about using technology to continually transform how your business operates and delivers value to customers. It is a journey that eliminates our addiction to paper and data capturing towards a cleaner more efficient way of work. It’s a journey that requires investment, patience, and perseverance, but the end result is a business that is better equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By starting with clear goals and involving all stakeholders, we can help you map a clear trajectory for your digital transformation journey.