How to Achieve Success with a Holistic Digital Transformation Strategy
Today’s digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented speed, and organizations need the type of transformation that goes beyond simply adopting another technology. They need a comprehensive shift in how they operate and innovate.
Successful digital transformation is not just about implementing technology – it’s about integrating technology with change readiness. It’s crucial to find a platform that helps you not only adapt but also shape and strengthen your organizational readiness while effectively managing change. For nearly twenty years, we’ve helped countless organizations walk through the transformations they’ve needed to make. Here is what we’ve learned about achieving holistic digital transformation.
Technology as the catalyst of transformation
For far too long, technology has been thought of as a transformation savior – the product or service you buy into that will, on its own, change everything. Framing technology this way is misguided, however. Technology isn’t so much a savior as it is a catalyst.
A catalyst on its own isn’t enough to induce change.
Rather than thinking that technology in and of itself will transform your business, think of technology as that all-important ingredient in your digital transformation recipe. Only when combined with the right ingredients will technology induce transformation.
The five ingredients for digital transformation
In our work with customers, we’ve narrowed down successful holistic digital transformation to a combination of five ingredients we call the 5 Ps. Organizations that are able to not just change successfully, but make that change repeatable and flexible, have:
- The right people in place
- A portfolio with true business impact
- Optimize internal and external processes
- Leverage their technology platform
- Promote their successes and unite through purpose
Including these ingredients in your digital transformation recipe ensures that all aspects of an organization are aligned and prepared for change, sustainably.
Let’s break it down a little further:
People are at the heart of any transformation. The right skills, leadership, and culture are crucial for success. Engaging and empowering employees to embrace change ensures that the entire organization moves towards a common goal.
Process centers around the methodologies and workflows that facilitate efficient and effective operations. By streamlining processes and adopting agile practices, organizations can respond swiftly to market changes and customer needs.
Portfolio involves managing the array of digital initiatives and projects to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and optimal resource allocation. This enables organizations to prioritize and focus on high-impact projects that drive real business value.
The Platform is the technological foundation that supports digital transformation initiatives.
Promotion. Change cannot thrive in a vacuum; it must be promoted to empower further growth and create connections through a shared vision.
Empowering leaders and teams
Education and continuous learning are crucial to maintaining momentum in the transformation journey, especially as organizations adopt new technologies like low-code platforms. It’s not enough to simply train a team of developers on using the tools at hand; managers and leaders must also be equipped to tackle broader challenges. These include:
- Managing tech talent costs
- Fostering fluid collaboration
- Integrating new technologies like AI and low-code across an organization’s stack
With 70% of digital transformation projects failing due to poor execution and lack of change management, upskilling staff, and building a comprehensive change management strategy are essential for success.
Holistic support for comprehensive change
Our recipe for digital transformation is about fostering a culture of continuous collaboration, improvement, and innovation. Elements like community building, stakeholder management, and internal promotion ensure organizations are engaged and aligned with their goals.
Our clients are a testament to the effectiveness of this holistic approach. Across varied industries, organizations have leveraged the Mendix platform and our comprehensive support. They have achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency and end-user satisfaction. Our focus on tangible wins and continuous delivery has helped clients maintain and achieve their long-term transformation goals.