Matt Garrett, Principal Consultant and Digital Transformation Expert at Entec Si, discusses why businesses should embrace digital transformation strategies and enhance the skill sets of their employees.
However, the seemingly sudden mainstream take-up of this technology may have caused some workers to wonder about the security of their roles.
A recent report by the UK’s Department for Education says that between 10-30% of jobs could be automated with AI. It’s therefore more important than ever for businesses to be agile and embark on a change journey to successfully implement this technology whilst simultaneously upskilling their workforce to use the new systems if they are to remain competitive.
Carefully mapping the intricacies of an organisation’s digital infrastructure is critical in ensuring adaptability in the digital age.
However, it’s important to note that digital transformation programmes are a continuous process that require full support from senior leadership teams from project start to finish; and after the main project ends.
Implementation of a new digital infrastructure
Digital infrastructure is core to promoting seamless communications, supporting productivity and enhancing the experience of customers.
Implementing a new digital infrastructure requires careful resource management as well as potentially up-skilling staff members in accordance to operating new data centers, networks and digital communication suits.
Before committing to a full digital transformation programme, it’s important to correctly identify the purpose and end goal. Is the aim to drive efficiency, cut costs or reduce task times? Or will the proposed changes increase demand or improve market share?
If the answers to these questions are no, it is worth considering whether a change programme focusing on specific elements of delivery would be better suited, rather than a full-scale transformation project. Being clear about the ongoing objectives of a digital change or transformation programme should be core to the planning process and throughout the journey.
Overcoming barriers to technology adoption
One way to ensure lasting change is by proactively checking in with employees and customers. This will help to gauge an idea of whether the transformation is needed and what value it should be delivering. Encouraging employee advocacy and user confidence in the newly introduced technology is a crucial stepping stone to overcoming barriers when adopting new digital solutions.
A cohesive system is essential for the people, process and technology elements within the change journey. For example, checking that the Wi-Fi connections in all working areas are reliable by conducting Wi-Fi surveys and upgrading the network to support the digital elements of the programme is a simple task that will have a big impact on the digital infrastructure rework.
Ensuring that no stone is left unturned prior to project start can help to alleviate employee anxieties and ensure a smooth uptake of new processes. Putting people at the heart of change programmes, whether digital or not, is also essential for longevity. Considering “who are the users?” should be the starting point for any digital change or transformation project. Typically, these are employees, customers, administrators or IT support.
Capturing the user’s journey and thinking about what they are trying to achieve throughout their daily interactions must be included throughout the design process, and is a step that is often forgotten.
However, involving the user from the earliest stages allows for essential feedback, often providing some of the best time investment for the businesses following this route.
Utilising technology
It can be easy to focus solely on technology when implementing new elements to an organisation’s digital infrastructure, rather than how and if users actually utilise the tech provided. But if new systems, networks and processes aren’t utilised to their full potential, the expected benefits of committing to a change programme could be short-lived – or even non-existent.
Experience argues that it is better to presume something may go wrong and be prepared than to underprepare and be caught out. Therefore, decision-makers should anticipate the requirement for on-the-job training and troubleshooting as a support resource for employees or customers from the start.
A service desk specifically set up to ensure the new service is running smoothly will be beneficial, as without good support and service, a digital change is more likely to fail. Support for customers and employees to adopt these new tools can additionally be implemented through direct user training, change champions and ambassadors or online help and coaching.
Implementing an entirely new digital infrastructure, or even specific elements, can be daunting for many businesses and maintaining employee buy-in is crucial to success. Fortunately, there are steps and methods which decision makers can introduce to support workers across all service areas.
By knowing what questions to ask throughout the process, ensuring change has been thoroughly planned and remaining open to feedback, decision makers can transform their business for the better.
