Here are four tips to help your company master a digital transformation and stay on the cutting edge.
1. Transparency is encouraged so quick adjustments can be made.
In the ever-evolving world of digital information, things can change surprisingly quickly. Helping your company become as transparent as possible, at least internally, will enable IT specialists and digital transformation workers to get the information they need as fast as they need it so they can best respond to any changes in the business’s circumstances. Getting the information within the company to flow in real time is the ultimate goal, and this requires effective communication as well as broad sharing of knowledge. The digital age will be a much more open one, and companies must be prepared to keep their eyes, minds, and hands open to transparent work.
2. Look at new purchases as ongoing investments.
One of the legacy approaches to buying new tools or applications is the “one buy, one time” deal. While this worked with some older machines, the information age demands a closer follow-up with new technologies. Because all of these new technologies tend to revolve around data, data security is a must, and it is not free; part of the new age is understanding how ongoing costs such as data security and software and/or hardware upgrades will affect company revenues. For all of these new processes to go smoothly, it is also imperative to maintain and update knowledge of existing business practices so the company moves in a seamless flow.
3. Always review and revamp the company’s collective technical skills.
In order for the digital transformation to run as smoothly as possible, technical know-how is a must. This means that the core technical skills required by any company must be updated frequently. As soon as possible, the company’s technical skills should be broadened so the workforce becomes experts in the company’s technology. This sounds incredibly taxing, but a deep understanding of the digital age and its evolving technologies is crucial to the success of any company that wishes to remain afloat as things advance. Knowledge of the cloud, apps, and online marketplaces is most likely only the beginning; companies will need to stay aware of technological changes and shift smoothly with them.
4. Don’t forget to enhance the company’s collective business skills.
While the technological advances are probably the most exciting and risky aspects of a digital transformation, the everyday hustle and bustle of business should never be forgotten as companies move forward. A deep and meaningful understanding of a given company’s business practices is crucial to that company’s success, so workers from interns to managers and C-level bosses must keep their business-savviness as sharp as they can. This means that digital transformation demands a delicate balance. Business practices must remain focused while technological advances must remain sharp in the minds of the company’s workers. If a company can successfully hold onto its legacy business practices while mastering the nuances of new technology, digital transformation will more than likely be a success.
Bill McCabe has been applauded and lauded as the Top #IIOT Influencer in the world by Right Relevance / June 17 as well as the #6 #IOT Influencer by Onalytica /May 17 and #9 on the Top Big Data and AI Influencers. He has spoken at numerous conferences including IOT Emerge, IBM Interconnect and Internet of Things World on topics relating to recruiting/hiring and staffing for the internet of things space.
This post originally appeared on LinkedIn.