Have you ever thought about how manual processes are slowly killing your business? And just when you finally decided to go digital and are fully committed to automating your business, the thought of, ‘what if it fails?’ hits you, especially when about 70% of digital transformation in businesses fail – oh the horror and chills it brings to every business owner.
From choosing the incorrect software package, increasing budget costs to implementation failures, all are valid points to be scared of. Digital transformation surely sounds all too complicated, because it actually is. But it is also true that digital transformation done the right way could lead to amazing results and greater success. So would you rather run away from it or approach it the right way?
Now that Halloween is here, surely you don't want to turn your business into another horror story. So here are 6 things to remember to help you avoid digital transformation failure:
1. Quit your unrealistic expectations. (On process)
A 2016 report shows that 57% of organizations take longer than expected to implement their ERP systems, mainly because of unrealistic expectations. And to achieve digital transformation, it will require you to automate your entire business process which is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process. Considering the growth of your business when you start working with more customers, you will have more data and more resources. If you do not have a way to handle these increases, productivity, and efficiency, the quality of your service and products can suffer, which can lead to poor customer relations and a lowered business reputation, creating a domino effect.
2. Plan well to improve execution. (Preparation)
As Benjamin Franklin puts it: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Companies need to map all their business processes prior to implementation. You cannot just rely on your vendor to provide you a plan. You should create a short and long-term plan to guide your organization, your vendors and customers before implementing a system. Your digital transformation plan should be designed to make progress toward your objectives. Careful planning is required in regard to both the change management aspects and IT related technical aspects. This practical information is essential when designing and implementing a new process and system.
3. Not all that is expensive is effective. (Price)
Don’t be afraid to turn your back on big companies. Many have done it which saved them a lot of time, money and effort. However, just because it is within your budget doesn’t mean it is also the right solution for you. As they say, different strokes for different folks. If you want something that fits your system, you may have to customize it. You can’t expect a basic package to function like that of a premium product. It’s simple, standardized packages have standardized approaches. Digital transformation is not as cheap as it comes with purchasing the right tools.
4. The anticipation of a problem that is non-existent...yet (Potential Risks)
The only thing that differentiates a successful versus failed digital transformation projects is the way in which risks were anticipated, handled and mitigated. Risks today don’t only pertain to cyber-attacks and security threats. Thus, it’s important that you are able to uncover where digital risk exists within your organization. Find the gaps as the project unfolds as planned, you need to consider unwelcome surprises that can surface during the course of the project. So it is important to have an agreed working contingency plan to know what to do when these unwelcome surprises arise.
5. Nothing good ever comes out of hurry. (Project Timeline)
Having a timeline can most definitely keep you in check to ensure that everything is carried out as planned. It captures the core of what the project will accomplish, how it will be done and when. So if you are a large company, you cannot expect to automate everything at once. It will take time. On the other hand, if you are a small business owner, it will still take time. The important thing is that milestones and deliverables set are done when it is supposed to be done.
6. Digital is a mindset. (People).
In the end, it’s still about people - your most valuable asset. And in going digital, more than the technology, much of it will revolve around people - your people, your chosen vendors, and customers. Don’t be caught in between satisfying everyone’s functionality needs and the need to keep things simple enough to ensure success. People will always have their doubts, but when they understand that the change is for the better and is committed, they can make the entire digital transformation process easy and successful.
Choosing the right software solution that works, fits your business processes, within the right budget, and brings together all company stakeholders is easier said than done. Don’t let your money, resources, time and even credibility go down the drain.
Don’t fret, you can go digital the right way with Kiu Business Management Platform (BMP)!
1. On Process. KIU BMP is a system that could handle all business processes while also being a centralized solution that could be customized. KIU BMP fits any business from a shop owner who needs an easy to use Point-of-Sale system to the multinational manufacturer. KIU solution is centralized in the cloud but can also adjust the software according to your specific needs to support you start your digital transformation journey.
2. Preparation. KIU will work with your company and facilitate tests and data consistency checks –as part of the final audit of the system before commencing standard operation. KIU will support you every step of the journey to ensure success.
3. Price. KIU BMP is a platform like ERP but without the complexity and exorbitant cost. KIU BMP is designed as a "pay as you go" system - pay a subscription on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis where you can select and pay for specific features and functions you need.
4. Potential Risks. The selection of an experienced implementer that can also handle non-standard situations is important. KIU is not just an integrator but an experienced implementer.
5. Project Timeline. Our cloud-based applications for sales, service, marketing, and more don’t require IT experts to set up or manage — simply log in and start connecting to customers in a whole new way. KIU adheres to SLA, and KIU responds to requests within half an hour, regardless of when they are placed providing an exceptional turnaround time.
6. People. It is clear that the human aspect and situational complexity are of paramount importance because if people, processes, and the overall organizational structure do not support the project, it is destined to fail. KIU had all the required expertise and resources to support your company in this process.
KIU Business Management Platform (BMP) helps organizations to improve work processes, reduce work time and save more money as they take the path to digital transformation.
Connect with us at www.kiuglobal.com