A good digital transformation strategy takes into account a company's goals and how to meaningfully move forward on a transformation mission. Companies also need to align their transformation strategy with the right programs to effectively develop the required knowledge and competencies to competently support digital leadership. In addition, employees must become more agile and embrace a culture of continuous improvement to thrive and grow amid all the new challenges this transformation brings.

Some of the leading companies in the world have successfully implemented digital transformation, often with the help of digital transformation consultants. Some examples are:

Nike
Leading sportswear company Nike wanted to get rid of its outdated traditional shopping experience. In recent years, they have shifted their focus to data analytics, updated their e-commerce strategy and designed stronger digital marketing campaigns.

Microsoft

In 2014, software giant Microsoft decided to change its strategy to keep up with current trends. His solution was to design a cloud network system company that is more forward-looking. The company is shifting its focus away from traditional software to a cloud system that is more robust and scalable for both business and personal use.

BestBuy

In recent years, multinational consumer electronics retailer Best Buy has embraced digital marketing, providing personalized consumer assistance and recommendations based on digitally collected data, improving delivery times and establishing a price matching program.

Digital transformation fundamentally changes the way companies deliver value to their customers. It can be seen as a method of using digital technologies to create new processes, cultures and customer experiences that match changing business requirements and market needs.

One of the first steps of digital transformation is identifying the best technology to update a company's infrastructure. This may include moving from manual ways of storing data (such as handwritten logs) to cloud software to collect, store and manage large amounts of data.

Once the infrastructure has been digitized, further transformation into a digital company begins with the identification of business processes that can be optimized and automated.

Both simple procedures and complex processes with many integrations benefit from automation. By prioritizing operational requirements and creating a digital strategy that meets those needs, a company can transform its processes to become more streamlined.

When a company wants to create its transformation strategy, it needs to consider how and where to start. The most important question to ask is: What are the most essential goals that a company wants to achieve with its transformation. This could be improving efficiency, improving customer service, increasing flexibility or increasing profits.

Once these goals are identified, a company can begin planning strategy from start to finish. The objectives will determine what resources are needed, what changes are needed and how new technologies are to be implemented.

Simply creating a transformation strategy is not enough to take companies to the next level in their field. There must be an effective process to execute the strategy, so you must have a digital transformation plan in place. Such a plan may include the following steps:


Identify goals and desired outcomes

A transformation is about achieving long-term goals. With a clear understanding of where a company stands today, it can begin to look to the future. Businesses need to consider their digital transformation requirements and goals and what they hope to achieve.

Align transformation with business objectives

Alignment is the most important step to a successful digital transformation and must be supported from the top down. Therefore, companies need to outline the right outcomes and ensure that they are fully aligned with the company's overall path, goals, mission and planned future.

Have a good communication plan

Creating an effective strategy requires companies to understand how to communicate all changes and the value they bring. If they fail to convince customers and internal teams, the strategy will not work. Therefore, everyone should be kept informed throughout the process and efficient training should be provided where necessary.

Creating a culture of innovation

A transformation strategy must include a culture of innovation. Internal teams and clients need to feel motivated to move forward, accept change and think creatively.

Controlling risk management

Digital Transformation is about moving fast and developing operational mindsets and scaling new technologies. However, it is precisely these characteristics that require careful design of risk management and controls around the transformation effort.

Testing and implementing effective technologies

Whether a company wants to improve customer experience, improve employee performance, analyze data or achieve innovation, there are technologies designed for every need and purpose. Some technologies that can be tested and deployed include:

Cloud Computing

Get expert advice

Companies that want to ensure they are designing a successful strategy from start to finish should enlist the help of digital transformation consultants. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to provide IT strategy consulting accurately mapping goals, resources, timelines and budgets.

Succeed with a strong digital transformation strategy

In today's fast-paced, technology-focused world, the impact of digital transformation is very clear. Established companies are being disrupted by ever-evolving and forward-thinking technologies. As a result, business owners must invest in transformation to move forward.

But for companies that didn't start out fully digital, automating and redefining processes to improve operations is often not enough. They also need to build efficient experiences for customers and employees. This usually requires companies to transform traditional structures and processes into digital processes through a strong strategy designed with the help of digital transformation consulting.