Our research examines the characteristics of digital leaders to help companies make informed decisions, adapt strategies and accelerate business transformation.
“Digital transformation and adoption of the cloud may seem like technical projects, but at their core, both are complex change management efforts involving multiple stakeholders and partners, moving in concert to deliver business and technical change. When they move in unison, the effect on the organization is a game changer.”
–IT manager, manufacturing company
"We are increasingly aware of the need to harness technology to stay competitive in a fast-moving industry. We must continue to grow and lead the market through innovation. In this economic climate, we're laser focused on how we increase the amount of effort IT invests in innovation and in the long-term reduce existing operational investments."
–Vice president, retail organization
Investments in technology and business success are intrinsically linked in a digital ecosystem. Technology is no longer a differentiator. It’s an essential element of your business strategy. But simply deploying technology, without a plan, is a recipe for disaster. Companies must determine the human-based outcomes, powered by technology, that will transform their business and defend their market position. Digital leaders have clearly defined KPIs to measure how well their technology investments drive growth, attract and retain customers, and sustain profitability.
As the economic climate evolves, investment per initiative has decreased, indicating more scrutiny over spend and therefore, a more agile approach with a desire to reduce risk and increase operational efficiency. Companies are shifting their strategy from enterprise-wide, long-term initiatives to short-term, tactical projects focused on optimization and modernization of their existing infrastructure and operations. When every dollar is analyzed, the business value and expected outcomes must be clearly defined and agreed upon.
Amount of time expected for the organization to re-capture the costs from their digital investments.
Hybrid by design: Over the last three years, the definition of the workplace has been completely transformed. In 2023, nine out of ten organizations expect to have a remote or hybrid work model in place. But companies can’t simply issue mandates about required days in the office or loose policies that are indiscriminately followed. It’s critical that organizations collaborate with employees to shape hybrid work models, as well as build tools and set clear guidelines that support hybrid work.
Employees that work in hybrid environments leverage agile ways of working to be productive. They might work in different time zones, support multiple assignments, get assigned to multiple projects and in some cases take direction from multiple leaders or supervisors. Applying design thinking to create work models that address team alignment, performance management and multifunctional teams will help organizations embrace hybrid work models and create better employee experiences.
As new technologies emerge and practices evolve, the opportunities are endless. Whether optimization is on the forefront of your digital strategy or you’re embarking on a journey of transformation, the strategy should go beyond technology. It includes implementing not only digital tools but also changes to management and operations, taking a closer look at your customer reach and interactions and connecting internally with relevant stakeholders from all levels of the organization. By shifting the way you drive change and understanding the business as a whole, you will be able to minimize risk and unlock new potential.
No one should go at it alone. Engage a practiced expert outside of the organization to help navigate the digital transformation journey.