Tech transformation is a phrase that has been used by a large number of organisations wanting to optimise processes and drive efficiencies whilst reducing their base costs.
All admirable aims and driven by a desire to make things better. I am sure there are some that envision ideas of replacing all staff with robots that can work 24/7 without breaks, but the reality is, that this will be unachievable for the majority of organisations.
The most common mistake when starting these workstreams, is to focus on the technical elements of the transformation and rush to implementation.
This is fundamentally flawed!
Step back and consider this the same way any change programme needs to be considered.
- Understand the problem you are trying to solve. This is crucial as it will provide a definition of success.
- Understand how you can measure the impacts of any change. What are the KPI’s that matter? How often will they get measured? What does a good trajectory look like? More importantly what needs to trigger alarm bells?
- Communicate, communicate, communicate, communicate and when you think this has been done, do some more. Remember that people are at the heart of any change programme and they need to be taken on the journey
- Put together a framework for managing change across different dimensions across the organisation. A simple one I have used on a number of occasions is below:
People
Any change programme is reliant on people. Identify the right people to carry the change forwards, these will be the change ambassadors for the wider organisation.
Processes
Use this as an opportunity to review the way things work, understand any limitations and question whether there are alternatives.
Platform
Are your existing platforms fit for purpose? Are they under utilised? Do you have system proliferation which streamlining plays into simplified processes?
Products
Is there a gap in the way people work through incorrect tooling. We have all heard the saying “If you only have a hammer, every problem is a nail”. Understand where it is more effective having the right products to solve the right problems.
All of these areas continue to feed into each other, clearly there are levels of detail below this but that’s where the project plans kick in.
So, the reality is that tech transformation isn’t just about the tech, bring all of these bits together and it will increase the chances of the transformation being successful.
Your main contact:
Saranjit Soor is the Chief Technology Officer responsible for technical strategy and implementation at Equivo. Working with the organisation to leverage technology best practice from other sectors to deliver a unique experience for clients and customers.
