The term “digital transformation” has gained an unfair reputation for being meaningless jargon. When that happens, there are a few outcomes; the term becomes misunderstood, people ignore it altogether, and very few people benefit from it. That is unfortunate, because digital transformation is so much more than a buzzword; it represents a deep and dramatic change in the way companies do business.
If you have decided to embark on a digital transformation, it is important to separate reality from the hype. Read on to learn more about what you should know about digital transformation and how it will affect your organization.
Digital Transformation Looks Different at Different Companies
Although the principles of digital transformation are the same everywhere, it looks different at each company.
A healthcare company and a manufacturing firm could both implement EDI systems. However, they will not use them in the same ways.
Although the principles of digital transformation are the same everywhere, it looks different at each company.
The healthcare company uses its EDI system to instantly transmit invoices to insurers. There is no manual data entry, so the risk of errors is dramatically lower. In contrast, the manufacturing firm uses its EDI system to transmit purchase orders and instructions on how to pack raw materials for maximum efficiency. The order is processed faster, the manufacturer receives the goods sooner, and the vendor has a shorter inventory cycle.
A Digital Transformation Is More than a Single Solution
There is a fallacy circulating at many businesses that if you implement a single technological solution, you have undergone a digital transformation. That only holds true if the technology you implement radically improves the way you do business or your company’s reach.
It is not just the technology you choose to implement; it is what the technology can do for your company.
EDI systems offer enormous potential for corporate transformation. They automate such activities as creating and transmitting purchase orders and sharing information with trading partners. Tasks that took hours or days are now instantaneous.
Many people get stuck on the “digital” part of “digital transformation.” It is not just the technology you choose to implement; it is what the technology can do for your company.
A Digital Transformation Takes Teamwork
In order for a digital transformation to succeed, you need a dedicated team that can put your strategy into place. Without a team guiding the process, no one will know what steps to take next, what success looks like, or where to turn with questions post-transformation.
Firms implementing EDI systems sometimes face this problem. No one at the company has the requisite experience to ensure the deployment goes smoothly. Just because you lack the internal expertise does not mean you should abandon the project though. EDI consultants provide deployment planning advice, training, and follow-up support.
Without a team guiding the process, no one will know what steps to take next, what success looks like, or where to turn with questions.
Undergoing a digital transformation need not be overwhelming or challenging when you have the right team on your side. To find out more about how to leverage EDI systems for digital transformation, contact us.
