The benefits of a digital transformation strategy are well understood by most organizations, but many implemented projects do not bring the expected benefits. Nintex’s Chris Ellis explains how using a process platform can overcome some of the most common digital implementation pitfalls.
In fact, 80% of respondents to a McKinsey & Company survey on the topic revealed that their organizations had undertaken digital transformation projects in recent years, but only 16% felt that these efforts had improved performance and enabled long-term change.
All too often, these failures occur as a result of continuous process forces created by disjointed tools and technologies spread throughout the organization. This shows that simply using the latest technology is not enough. Effective digital transformation requires a complete change in organizational thinking.
Problems also arise because, while they may include modern digital solutions, many organizations continue to rely on outdated, inflexible IT models. This mismatch makes it difficult to streamline and manage IT systems, creating additional complexities and inefficiencies.
In addition, there is the problem of fragmented IT management. Many companies suffer from the IT boom, and oversight of these systems is often ad hoc and sometimes even non-existent.
There are also issues in some organizations when it comes to process automation mismatch. This happens because too many executives lack the communication and alignment needed for long-term automation success. Without a true partnership between the C-suite and IT, businesses will fail to create automation plans that meet business priorities and have the desired impact.
The end result is that many businesses are stuck in a state of digital suspension. Without the ability to connect the various new solutions they have deployed, they are unable to make any progress. Synchronization between IT and business strategies can help an organization refocus its digital evolution plans and set it on a path to long-term success.
Use a process platform approach
Properly aligning IT strategy with business goals requires the use of a process platform. In this approach, modular IT platforms work both independently and together to automate processes, create agility and enable rapid innovation.
Each of the elements is managed by a central group called the Process Center of Excellence (CoE), which is charged with ensuring effective alignment in all areas. This allows the adoption of the so-called “fail fast” strategy popularized by large technology firms such as Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. Now, with the development of low-code and no-code tools along with drag-and-drop interfaces, businesses of all sizes and industries can adopt the same approach.
Fresh thinking
However, no single tool or technology alone will bring effective process management. Instead, you need to change your entire organizational mindset. The steps required to achieve this goal include:
- Centralization of IT governance: Start by facilitating strong communication between executives, IT teams and business units. This will help unify everyone around key goals and create corresponding modular platforms.
- Map and automate processes: All processes within the organization should be carefully mapped using intuitive tools that allow employees across departments to provide information. Identify those best suited for automation to eliminate pain points and streamline inefficient processes.
- Continuously optimize: Another important step is to use analytics and reporting mechanisms to monitor the performance of each automated process. This data can then be used to fine-tune processes and maximize results over time.
Digital transformation is not a one-off activity, but something that will continue to evolve over time. Ensure that processes and systems are regularly evaluated to ensure that they are delivering the expected benefits to the organization. Also check with employees that the processes meet their requirements.
Thanks to a proactive and hands-on approach, it is possible to take advantage of the significant value that a complex digital transformation project can bring.