Busted! 3 Myths Around Digital Transformation
March 1, 2018 | Technology
The hype around digital transformation continues to rise. And with everyone in the tech world talking on the subject (most without really knowing it), many misconceptions and myths around it have emerged.
IT managers and business executives, who are under constant pressure to transform their organizations, are often misled by these myths and go off the mark; consequently, investing huge amounts and putting lots of efforts in vain.
To save businesses from these unwanted losses in their pursuit of digital, here we will unveil the truth behind 3 most common myths around digital transformation.
Myth #1 It’s About Disruptive Technologies
Today, no digital transformation debate goes without the mention of a bunch of emerging technologies (AI, ML, Robotics, IOT, etc.). The hype around these technologies have made many business executives believe that without them there can be no transformation.
Truth: DX Can Also Happen with Mainstream Technologiess
Stephen Andriole, Business Technology Professor at Villanova University’s School of Business, recently said, “Marriott could have done AirBnB. But they didn’t”. Similarly, Uber, Netflix, and many other companies have brought disruption through mainstream technologies already accessible to customers – such as mobile phones, apps, and websites – by making strategic chang es in existing business models and delivery models.
Suggested: Digital Customer Experience Landscape – A Bird’s Eye View [Infographic]
Myth #2: Robots Will Steal Our Jobs
This one never gets old. A few decades ago, same was said about computers. But computers ended up creating a lots of jobs, including yours and mine. Now, everyone is skeptical that robots and automation are stealing our jobs, but the truth again is something else.
Truth: Robots Might Just Save Your Job
Professional Finishing, a California based powder and liquid coating company, added a robotic arm to its operation a few years back to stay competitive in a rather tough market. Naturally, the workforce didn’t welcome the change. But as it turned out, robots aided the human workforce in improving their productivity, learning some new skills, and in keeping the company competitive. In a recent interview to Wired, company’s co-owner said, “We would have closed in less than two years if we had not brought in the robots. Everyone here would have lost their jobs.”
Related: 3 Reasons You Should Invest in RPA Earlier than You Are Planning
Myth #3: DX Means IT Operations Upgrade
No matter how much literature is written to differentiate DX from a mere software upgrade, most executives still consider them equivalent, confirms a survey by Villanova University’s School of Business. This is a shocking revelation, which explains why majority (70-80%) of DX initiatives fail.
Truth: DX Means Organizational Upgrade
Technology upgrade definitely plays a key role, but DX projects require a more comprehensive approach. It requires a new mindset, from leadership to employees, to seek how technology can improve their business model, drive value, and connect with customers; redesigning organizational structure to align with new business objectives; building a culture of constant change and innovation; and developing processes that seamlessly connect people (employees and customers) with technology in a way to make their work and life easier.
Conclusion
Digital journey is a long and continuous one. It is inevitable that along the way you will come across many more of such misconceptions; arose either by poor understanding or by poor implementation. So, it is crucial not to get wrapped up in the hype and take decisions only after thinking and researching through the matter.
However, despite these careful measures, doing digital transformation on your own is again prone to some common mistakes (due to lack experience and expertise). So, it is essential to partner with an experienced digital solution provider that can guide you through that way towards a desirable outcome.
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