It is not uncommon for a company to struggle with change management, especially when implementing a transformation. Resistance to change is real and often presents as the proverbial stone wall.  An estimated 70% of entities either had a plan in place or were actively working on Digital Transformation prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are clearly seeing that the external force of the COVID-19 Pandemic has created a condition which has forced the doors of change to open wide. This is most evident in the fact that minds that were previously resistant to change are now open to variations as we all strive to make the best of what is happening.  When minds are open to change, the pace of change can be accelerated, allowing the business benefits to be achieved.

As manufacturers in our industry struggle to operate in the reality of this new world of social distancing, we must not miss the chances that are afforded us. Reaching customers to deliver goods and services inevitably increases the opportunities for digital solutions.  Areas of opportunity that perhaps did not have a business case in the past, are now ripe prospects. Remarkably, companies have already made drastic digital transformation changes in the last eight weeks out of necessity, for survival.

 Working from home, especially in the manufacturing industry, would have been thought impossible not so long ago. Yet, we have quickly adapted, and with great success, largely due to the Cloud. The Cloud enables us to access reporting, collaborate and co-edit documents, trouble-shoot shop-floor analytics, maintain our supply chain, and analyze real-time data. Many companies had not begun a digital transformation plan because they were overwhelmed by the mere thought of revamping their entire digital approach, however, overwhelmingly, it is obvious that COVID-19 has been the instigator that has put many businesses on a fast track to digital transformation.

 The end goal of digital transformation is to use technology to solve traditional issues by integrating technology into every facet of your company.  Digital transformation is also laser focused on customer centricity and improving on the provision of overall value to your customers. Digital transformation is a living process, one in which customers are the focus with a steady outlook for the future. It is important for any company in the midst of a digital transformation to adapt to changing circumstances by modifying their plan. It does not have to be overwhelming! Following are 7 keys that will assist in the expedition of future-proofing your plan for digital transformation:

1.     Customer Focus. Most companies are focused on their product, but that focus must switch to the client. Customers should be the driving force in all technology decisions with the goal of making the customers’ experience better and easier.

2.     Change Management.   Change management focuses on people while ensuring that the change becomes an organizational mindset as it is implemented thoroughly and most importantly, lastingly. Inevitably, this must start from the top with leaders that guide their employees into vision.

3.     Integration and Implementation. It is imperative that all data systems work together with precision to encompass all internal processes of the business. This takes coordination from everyone on every level.

4.     Employee Buy-in. Employees have unique insight into what works, what doesn’t, what needs improvement, and most importantly what customers are thinking. Be sure to get feedback from your employees.  This empowers them to continue performing at peak levels.

5.     Logistics and Supply Chain. This is one area we have heard a lot about during this pandemic. Digital transformation can improve both the speed and reliability of the supply chain, documenting everything from how quickly products are manufactured and produced, to the efficiency and rapidity of fulfillment and delivery of the orders. Digitization of the supply chain and its subsequent improvement is one of the most tangible benefits of Digital transformation.

6.     Data Security and Privacy. Anytime new digital solutions are introduced, there is the question and fear of a breach in data security. Planning to protect your company, data, customers, and employees can be made easier by engaging Managed IT Services, Managed Security Services, or Managed Hosting Services.

7.     Evolution of Operations. Digital transformation demands that a business change its thinking about their processes, how they deliver products and services, as well as the actual products and services themselves. Successful businesses move past what has historically or always been done to find the most innovative and advanced solutions that drive results.

While it seems counter-intuitive to place value on a financial crisis, there has been much learned and gained in the last few months. This crisis has been an accelerator for digital transformation. We are all already on the fast track, it is time to jump on the train and execute your digital transformation plan. It is an ongoing process, one that will require continuous work on the keys mentioned above. Make this crisis your silver lining, and remember, change can be very good.

For more information about how Godlan can help you with your digital transformation, please visit www.godlan.com or call us today at: 586.464.4400