As technology plays an increasingly large role in our lives, organizations across the globe are trying to keep up with the changes by digitally transforming their business. From moving into the cloud, to implementing new security measures and safeguards, or even something as simple as creating a website or introducing online payment options, adopting digital technologies hasn’t become just a “cool” thing to do, it’s become necessary for a company to survive.
We discussed the topic of digital transformation during this month’s Twitter chat, and the conversations were nothing short of impressive. Between personal anecdotes and how dangerously easy technology has made ordering pizza, there were lots of useful tips and advice from our panel of seven guest experts – plus the many more that jumped in along the way.
Take a look at some of the highlights below:
Here are the questions we discussed at the chat and some of our best responses:
Q1. How have you experienced digital transformation in your own life?
Years ago, phones were exclusively for talking, but now ordering a pizza or depositing a cheque can be done through mobile #ITWCchats
— Rachel Minicucci (@rachelminicucci) June 1, 2017
1/3 First encounter of #DigitalTransformation, flash back many years, to @GroceryGateway digitizing grocery shopping experience. #ITWCChats
— Matthew Metelsky (@telsky) June 1, 2017
Q2. In your opinion, what has been the most disruptive technology so far (whether in your own personal life, business life, etc)?
A2) I’d again say smartphones and apps have been the most disruptive. We can work anywhere, stay connected at all times, (1/2) #ITWCchats
— sean hinton (@Hinton_sg) June 1, 2017
1/6 Without a doubt, Cloud computing or, generally, "as a service (aaS)" offerings/utility computing. #ITWCChats
— Matthew Metelsky (@telsky) June 1, 2017
Q3. What is the key to successful digital transformation?
Recognizing the need to change traditional workflows & systems into processes that are better equipped for a digital world #ITWCchats
— Christina Hatz (@hatz_christina) June 1, 2017
Keys to successful digital transformation: leadership, ownership, culture and strategy. Technology is the means, not the end. #ITWCchats
— Greg Verdino (@gregverdino) June 1, 2017
Q4. To what extent are we in the fourth industrial revolution? How big of a role does digital transformation play in that?
A4 As with any industrial revolution, we are seeing a rapid advancement in
tech that is being met with a reluctance to change #ITWCchats— Christina Hatz (@hatz_christina) June 1, 2017
@itbusinessca A4) 4IR is already here, and we’re already seeing the impact it’s having on workforces across all industries. #ITWCchats
— sean hinton (@Hinton_sg) June 1, 2017
Q5. How can companies succeed at digitally transforming their business? What advice can you offer them?
A5 Go digital where it makes sense #ITWCchats @itbusinessca
— Rachel Minicucci (@rachelminicucci) June 1, 2017
A5 They should focus on CX–shorten interaction time. Provide more context & EC level governance that makes it OK to learn & grow #ITWCChats
— tfleming (@tfleming) June 1, 2017
1/4 Invest in technology that permits scale, agility and openness without complexity or need to revisit key architecture. #ITWCChats
— Matthew Metelsky (@telsky) June 1, 2017
Q6. What would you say to a legacy company that believes going digital is a waste of time, money and resources?
Prepare to go out of business. Sounds snarky but for many who think this way, it's the truth… #ITWCchats https://t.co/FEHvKAGsCP
— Greg Verdino (@gregverdino) June 1, 2017
A6) I’d say they are already behind & at risk of going extinct. It won’t be a waste if their company is still around in 10 years. #ITWCchats
— sean hinton (@Hinton_sg) June 1, 2017
A6 When your customers are demanding digital technology, it is your job to meet customer needs #ITWCchats
— Rachel Minicucci (@rachelminicucci) June 1, 2017
Q7. For those that have yet to make the digital leap, is it too late? Why or why not?
The time to make digital a priority is now – leverage the great work so many companies have already done. #ITWCChats
— Christina Hatz (@hatz_christina) June 1, 2017
A7. MyPOV: it's never too late. #digitaltransformation is a journey and it's a continuous process. Start now but don't wait. #ITWCchats
— R “Ray” Wang 王瑞光 #1A #RuleTheWorld #DigitalGiants (@rwang0) June 1, 2017
7 – No. Digital disruption has barely begun – really! EVERY legacy company is behind – really! But c'mon already, start NOW. #ITWCchats https://t.co/DKccOUz7J4
— Greg Verdino (@gregverdino) June 1, 2017
Q8. What are some of the negative consequences of digitization and how can we alleviate those as best we can?
A8. MyPOV: the negative consequence is loss of privacy. We must defend this international human right. #ITWCchats pic.twitter.com/JAAarSpEHG
— R “Ray” Wang 王瑞光 #1A #RuleTheWorld #DigitalGiants (@rwang0) June 1, 2017
1/7 Security, security, security. Or lack thereof. Digitization exposes more of your business processes to a dangerous world. #ITWCChats
— Matthew Metelsky (@telsky) June 1, 2017
8/1 Disintermediation, loss of the human touch – in both our personal lives and our business/customer relationships. #ITWCchats https://t.co/59EWCeYDST
— Greg Verdino (@gregverdino) June 1, 2017
Q9. Technology will likely continue advancing at a rapid pace. Can keep up with all the changes, or is that unreasonable?
1/4 Keeping up is possible, so long as businesses focus on their core competency, and leverage expertise of partners/providers. #ITWCChats
— Matthew Metelsky (@telsky) June 1, 2017
9 – There's no option but to keep up. Bad tech, digital process will fade in favour of optimized #CX. What is the alternative? #ITWCChats
— tfleming (@tfleming) June 1, 2017
Q10. We’ve seen the mobile-first mentality of the last few years evolve into an AI-focus recently. What’s the next big tech trend?
Automation will continue to be a focus in addition to continuing to use tech to personalize digital experiences #ITWCchats
— Christina Hatz (@hatz_christina) June 1, 2017
A 10. MyPOV: This is what's hot for 2020 #ITWCchats pic.twitter.com/2hYWDzU7cP
— R “Ray” Wang 王瑞光 #1A #RuleTheWorld #DigitalGiants (@rwang0) June 1, 2017