Discover how to manage a smooth digital transformation in a complex, hybrid environment
How can the IT function support successful digital transformation when research shows that 70%* of complex, large-scale change programs don't reach their stated goals?
No longer is digital the sole preserve of the IT department - most modern companies now utilise digital across their whole organisation. However, the delivery of successful transformation projects still sits firmly within IT. And with McKinsey* research showing that 70% of complex, large-scale change programs don't reach their stated goals how can it guide the IT system change management process to guarantee a smooth digital transition?
Successful IT transformation is about understanding that this is a journey, and not just race to a destination of total digitisation. Plenty of businesses currently operate in a hybrid environment with a mixture of on-premise, outsourced and cloud-based solutions. As more organisations aim to digitise business processes, one of the key roles of the IT department is to straddle the new and old: optimising and updating current systems, while managing the modernisation of legacy IT and deployment of new technology.
Benefits are to be seen in businesses that can successfully navigate cloud and on-premise systems. They must also learn to balance the need for both paper based and digital information – using the correct process where appropriate. It’s important that the IT department create systems to make sure the workforce uses the right process at the right time. An effective strategy will also have these seemingly disparate processes smoothly connected.
As such the hybrid hurdle must be successfully cleared by an IT department that can balance multiple systems, deliver transformation, whilst still making sure the business can function. The department must make sure its IT change management system is robust enough to cope with these many pressures; and flexible enough to clear unforeseen obstacles.
As companies progress along the business transformation journey, they must prepare themselves for increasing levels of automisation – and it is imperative that the IT department can integrate legacy systems with these new technologies. Balancing a mix of new and old technologies is a tricky proposition for the IT department.
New automated processes, such as an auto-responding mailroom, can free up valuable worker time. If implemented correctly it can free workers from the drudgery of repetitive tasks allowing them to focus on more creative, rewarding tasks and ultimately helping drive business growth.
However, these new automated processes need to align with already established workflows. The IT department must work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the purpose of the new technology, and how it integrates into day to day activity.
At least 67%* of projects are either scrapped or perceived to be failures. To avoid the common pitfalls of digital transformation projects, CIOs must create a digital transformation strategy that prevents their project from becoming part of the underwhelming majority. A clear, step by step, multi-phase approach to transforming IT operations must be implemented to avoid the common pitfalls of the under prepared team.
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For 53%* of organisations creating more effective, efficient internal processes is the top driver for business transformation
*AON, 2017 (PDF)
What influence are these trends having on managing workplace information?
Searches have risen by over 30%* this year alone and show no sign of slowing down
*Google
How can a business be realistic about digital transformation, whilst avoiding disappointment?
