Digital Transformation (DX)

A business is driven mainly by (among other things)

• Products
• Technology (R&D, Manufacturing, Services)
• Marketing capabilities
• Customer acceptance
• Price points
• Competition offers

To this we should add digital transformation (DX) as this is one of the catalyst for change in an organisation

I am a firm believer “DX should follow business” and not the other way round.  It should be a well-trained “dog” (may be called “smart dog”) who ensures that his master derives happiness in seeing him do things which the master would like and at the same time do not overshoot maintenance costs.

DX is definitely an enabler for growth.  DX will be expensive, calls for a paradigm shift and it involves major decisive decisions to be taken by senior management.  Once it is achieved it can bring in higher customer satisfaction, higher revenue, bigger savings in costs, improve processes, decrease times spent and more importantly brings down risk of fraud and thereby having a better internal control.

What needs to be done (Do’s) for a good DX

• Right, digital-savvy leaders
• Build capabilities for the workforce of the future
• Empower people to work in new ways (change management)
• Ensure IT processes are robust without any major issues that can cause disruptions or expensive replacements
• Ensure IT security is in place
• DX process should be reliable and sustainable.  This needs to be ensured
• Clear communication on changes across the organisation

What should be avoided (Dont’s) for a good DX

• Commencing without having a clear idea about benefits - Unclear benefits
• Excessive investments – too much than needed is burning of cash
• Unclear / lack of understanding of relevant legal issues
• Avoid areas where privacy breach possibilities are high