Digital transformation refers to the process by which a company adapts and integrates technologies into its activities and work processes in order to remain competitive in a constantly changing environment. Digital transformation concerns all areas of a company, such as production, distribution, communication, customer relationship management and so on.

Digital transformation can mean implementing new technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, connected objects and more. It can also involve the adoption of new working methods such as telecommuting, online collaborative working and so on.

The digital transition meets major strategic challenges. Through it, the entire production and service chain is transformed. As a tool for accelerating innovation, it enables us to reinvent customer relations, encourage employee autonomy and break down departmental barriers. Thanks to it, the company’s operational performance and profitability are enhanced, customers are supported, benefit from personalized services and are more inclined to pay attention to the offers they receive. The figures speak for themselves: Digital Masters are on average 26% more profitable than their peers, with sales 9% higher.

Capgemini Consulting has classified companies into 4 categories according to their degree of progress in digitalization:

• Beginners (or skeptics);
• Conservatives (moderate users) ;
• Fashionistas (those who use it as a fashion statement);
• Digital Masters (those who have definitively integrated digital as a strategic transformation tool).

Digital transformation aims to :

• Improve business efficiency;
• Reduce production, distribution and communication costs, etc.
• Develop new services and new sources of revenue;
• Adapting to a changing environment ;
• Strengthen customer relations to better understand customers’ needs and expectations and offer them a quality experience;
• Access new markets, especially internationally.

Here are just a few examples of the challenges companies may face in their digital transformation:

• Competition: companies have to face up to increased competition with the arrival of new players on the market who can use digital technologies in innovative ways;
• Data protection: the company must put in place adequate protection measures to guarantee the security of this data;
• Employee training: the company must offer its employees training to enable them to adapt to new technologies rapidly;
• Investment: the company has to make substantial investments in hardware, software and training, which can be an obstacle.
• Governance: the company must put in place appropriate management mechanisms to deal with changes in governance.

Here are the three key pillars of digital transformation:

• Digital strategy: digital transformation must be anchored in an overall corporate strategy, which defines the objectives and the means to achieve them;
• Customer experience: digital transformation must enable the company to offer a consistent, seamless, quality customer experience, whatever the contact channel used by the customer;
• Corporate culture: it’s important to ensure that the corporate culture is aligned with the goals of digital transformation, and that employees are involved and supported in the transformation process.

Here are a few steps you can take to implement an effective digital transformation in your company:

• Establish a digital strategy that defines the objectives, the means to achieve these objectives and the areas to be digitized in order to evaluate the benefits and costs of this digitization;
• Choose the technologies and tools best suited to your needs and your digital transformation strategy;
• Evaluate results and adjust the plan to ensure that objectives are met effectively.
• Identify digital transformation experts: digital transformation consultants who assess your needs and implement an action plan to achieve your goals; web development agencies who develop applications and websites, and integrate them into your existing work processes; information technology (IT) companies who implement technological solutions for your business, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems or project management software; or digital transition managers who organize your company’s digital transformation as effectively as possible.

Here are a few steps to follow to find a digital transition manager:

• Define the skills and qualities you’re looking for: someone who has experience in your field, is comfortable with information technology and has strong project management skills ;
• Use professional networks and online job boards or ask your professional network if they know anyone who might be interested in the position;
• Prepare detailed job specifications, including responsibilities, tasks, skills and experience required;
• Conduct interviews to find out more about their digital transition experience and their strategy for implementing a successful digital transformation;
• Make a final selection based on candidates’ skills and experience, as well as their personality and ability to fit in with your company.