Digital transformation is one of the key strategic points to drive technological innovation and the development of the business fabric. Thanks to digitization, companies can adapt more efficiently to the demands of the digital environment and take advantage of the business opportunities it offers.
And it is that companies that do not transform do not survive. The best positioned to compete are those that are capable of systematizing this transformation through proper innovation management. Now, in what we call the fourth industrial revolution, we are digitizing all production processes from customer service to the production chain itself.
But the data in Spain are not the best. According to the report “Digital Technologies in the Company” prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, in 2022 only 31.8% of companies used Cloud services, 13.9% Big Data and 11.8% AI . The percentages are expected to increase in the coming years, but much remains to be done.
In addition, planning and executing an effective digital transformation plan is not easy and mistakes are often made, such as those pointed out by the multinational IT business solutions specialized in cybersecurity, Asseco Spain, and which we summarize for you:
Failures in the definition of objectives and strategy
As in any plan that fully affects the company, it is necessary to make a prior evaluation of the situation in which the company finds itself. Carrying out an initial audit of those areas of the company in which the plan is going to be implemented is a good way to identify the digitization needs of each department. Marketing offers a multitude of tools, such as SWOT analysis. This prior exercise will help those responsible to assess the situation and know what services need to be contracted so as not to make an erroneous investment or direct resources where they are not needed.
Resistance to company change and low training
Resistance to change can hinder digital transformation. It is essential to involve employees from the beginning, explain the benefits of the change and give them the necessary support and training to adapt to new technologies. The adoption of new technologies and processes can generate fear and uncertainty in companies. It is important that the companies in charge of carrying out this digital transformation show concrete examples of how digital transformation can improve efficiency, productivity or the quality of work.
Not taking company culture into account
Digital transformation is not only about adopting new technologies, but also about changing the way you work. If the organizational culture does not support innovation, collaboration, and experimentation, the transformation plan may run into significant obstacles. A common mistake is to consider the transformation plan as something static. It is important to conduct periodic evaluations, measure the results, and adjust the plan as necessary. Digital transformation is a constantly evolving process and it is important to be willing to adapt and learn from challenges and successes.
Lack of alignment between departments
Lack of alignment and collaboration between different departments can make it difficult to implement a coherent digital transformation. Fostering communication and collaboration between teams is essential to ensure a seamless and integrated implementation. Not adequately addressing the concerns and needs of different departments within the company, as well as not providing adequate support during the change process, can negatively affect the adoption of new technologies.
Choosing the wrong technology partner
Once the digital transformation plan has been drawn up taking into account the company’s needs, choosing a technology partner that understands the company’s needs is key to making it effective. If they do not have sufficient experience or knowledge of the industry or of the company’s specific processes, they may not fully understand your particular needs and challenges. This can lead to the implementation of inappropriate solutions and, therefore, translate into poor service to customers.
