Achieving Success in Digital Transformation Initiatives
Achieving Success in Digital Transformation Initiatives
Digital transformation is an overused term.
The concept of digital transformation is increasingly prevalent in today's business landscape. The term digital transformation is widely used often, yet not always completely understood, leading to its overuse in various contexts. It encompasses a broad spectrum of organizational initiatives that almost any project could qualify as a digital transformation endeavor. After all, it's hard to find a project that doesn't use digital assets in some form. Any change to people, processes, policy, or infrastructure can be transformative. The digitalization of data and files dates back to the 1950s, and every software application ever built uses computers and digital files, thus, every application leads to digital transformation.
Digital transformation is an overused term.
The concept of digital transformation is increasingly prevalent in today's business landscape. The term digital transformation is widely used often, yet not always completely understood, leading to its overuse in various contexts. It encompasses a broad spectrum of organizational initiatives that almost any project could qualify as a digital transformation endeavor. After all, it's hard to find a project that doesn't use digital assets in some form. Any change to people, processes, policy, or infrastructure can be transformative. The digitalization of data and files dates back to the 1950s, and every software application ever built uses computers and digital files, thus, every application leads to digital transformation.
In this blog, we will explore:
In this blog, we will explore:
What exactly is digital transformation?
McKinsey defines digital transformation as "an effort to enable existing business models by integrating advanced technologies," essentially allowing digital technologies to be integrated into already existing business models, changing the way you operate and deliver your product or service. From process and policy revisions to infrastructural overhauls, any change involving digital technologies can be considered transformative. As such, digital transformation has become an omnipresent aspect of organizational development, and every software application built contributes in some way to the ongoing digital transformation process.
What exactly is digital transformation?
McKinsey defines digital transformation as "an effort to enable existing business models by integrating advanced technologies," essentially allowing digital technologies to be integrated into already existing business models, changing the way you operate and deliver your product or service. From process and policy revisions to infrastructural overhauls, any change involving digital technologies can be considered transformative. As such, digital transformation has become an omnipresent aspect of organizational development, and every software application built contributes in some way to the ongoing digital transformation process.
Why It's Time for a Formal Document Management System
As companies expand, their information base also increases. With expansion comes the growing need for greater information security, faster workflow and improved productivity.
Why It's Time for a Formal Document Management System
As companies expand, their information base also increases. With expansion comes the growing need for greater information security, faster workflow and improved productivity
The current generational divide complicates digital transformation efforts
The introduction of computers and software coincided with the baby boomer generation and the subsequent advancements in digital systems and the internet. Though the introduction of digital systems was over 40 years ago, these systems didn’t take hold until the late 1990s and early 2000s with the introduction of the Internet. While later generations have grown up in a world immersed in digital technologies, the baby boomers, who are still largely in control of decision-making positions, may not fully embrace or understand the potential of digital initiatives.
The baby boomers were, and to some extent still are, in control of decision-making. Senior management holds the key to the prioritization and funding of digital initiatives. Many are uncomfortable with how technologies are used or should be used, to improve their organization. However, many individuals in leadership positions may see the opportunity but are hesitant to fully buy into the potential benefits of digital transformation. This reluctance at the top levels of organizations often results in half-hearted or non-committal approaches to digital initiatives, ultimately impeding their success.
Technology is hard and unforgiving
Systems are often unfriendly, confusing, and hard to work with. Additionally, the challenges posed by technology itself cannot be overlooked. We hear about user-friendly systems all the time. But people are people, and what is intuitive to one may be difficult to another, especially for older workers who have had to become comfortable with applications. The complexity of systems, from general bad designs to system slowness, to system hanging, to incoherent error messages, coupled with insufficient training and support, leads to negative experiences and suboptimal outcomes for many employees.
Implementing new systems, and digital transformation, is not straightforward.
Differences in generational knowledge, expectations, familiarity, and comfort with digital systems contribute to the complexity of implementing digital transformation initiatives. Systems designed by younger, software-loving designers, continual upgrades and feature stuffing, inconsistent training on systems and their use, unrealistic expectations by senior management on the effectiveness and efficiencies of new systems, and a lack of commitment from management to get systems implemented and then supported---all has led to an unusually high percentage of digital transformation efforts that have failed.
According to McKinsey, 70 percent of all digital transformation efforts fail. Associated impacts include 45 percent that are completed significantly over budget, 7 percent that are completed over schedule, and benefits that fall short by about 56 percent. These statistics, along with the inherent complexities and challenges, may lead senior managers to question the value and feasibility of embracing digital transformation initiatives.
The current generational divide complicates digital transformation efforts
The introduction of computers and software coincided with the baby boomer generation and the subsequent advancements in digital systems and the internet. Though the introduction of digital systems was over 40 years ago, these systems didn’t take hold until the late 1990s and early 2000s with the introduction of the Internet. While later generations have grown up in a world immersed in digital technologies, the baby boomers, who are still largely in control of decision-making positions, may not fully embrace or understand the potential of digital initiatives.
The baby boomers were, and to some extent still are, in control of decision-making. Senior management holds the key to the prioritization and funding of digital initiatives. Many are uncomfortable with how technologies are used or should be used, to improve their organization. However, many individuals in leadership positions may see the opportunity but are hesitant to fully buy into the potential benefits of digital transformation. This reluctance at the top levels of organizations often results in half-hearted or non-committal approaches to digital initiatives, ultimately impeding their success.
Technology is hard and unforgiving
Systems are often unfriendly, confusing, and hard to work with. Additionally, the challenges posed by technology itself cannot be overlooked. We hear about user-friendly systems all the time. But people are people, and what is intuitive to one may be difficult to another, especially for older workers who have had to become comfortable with applications. The complexity of systems, from general bad designs to system slowness, to system hanging, to incoherent error messages, coupled with insufficient training and support, leads to negative experiences and suboptimal outcomes for many employees.
Implementing new systems, and digital transformation, is not straightforward.
Differences in generational knowledge, expectations, familiarity, and comfort with digital systems contribute to the complexity of implementing digital transformation initiatives. Systems designed by younger, software-loving designers, continual upgrades and feature stuffing, inconsistent training on systems and their use, unrealistic expectations by senior management on the effectiveness and efficiencies of new systems, and a lack of commitment from management to get systems implemented and then supported---all has led to an unusually high percentage of digital transformation efforts that have failed.
According to McKinsey, 70 percent of all digital transformation efforts fail. Associated impacts include 45 percent that are completed significantly over budget, 7 percent that are completed over schedule, and benefits that fall short by about 56 percent. These statistics, along with the inherent complexities and challenges, may lead senior managers to question the value and feasibility of embracing digital transformation initiatives.
Keys to achieving digital transformation success
Setting expectations is exceptionally key
Setting expectations for a digital transformation project and implementation is key and helps everyone involved understand the potential challenges and outcomes and better prepare for potential delays or obstacles. Realistically consider the following to occur:
Keys to achieving digital transformation success
Setting expectations is exceptionally key
Setting expectations for a digital transformation project and implementation is key and helps everyone involved understand the potential challenges and outcomes and better prepare for potential delays or obstacles. Realistically consider the following to occur:
Not all project participants will likely receive exactly what they expected, and the implementation of the system is likely to impact the daily responsibilities of the project team.
Factors such as vacations, sickness, special projects, and organizational crises will likely influence implementation times
Users may not immediately embrace the system, particularly if they have only received minimal training
Users might also request changes right from the beginning and expect quick implementation
Anticipate that the IT department will raise concerns regarding the solution's security, infrastructure, maintenance, documentation, and user support.
Not all project participants will likely receive exactly what they expected, and the implementation of the system is likely to impact the daily responsibilities of the project team.
Factors such as vacations, sickness, special projects, and organizational crises will likely influence implementation times
Users may not immediately embrace the system, particularly if they have only received minimal training
Users might also request changes right from the beginning and expect quick implementation
Anticipate that the IT department will raise concerns regarding the solution's security, infrastructure, maintenance, documentation, and user support.
Recognize the generational divide
There is a difference in digital proficiency and comfort between boomers, millennials, and Gen Z. Consider the following for a smooth implementation process:
Recognize the generational divide
There is a difference in digital proficiency and comfort between boomers, millennials, and Gen Z. Consider the following for a smooth implementation process:
Provide users with options to choose their preferred way of using the solution, such as icons, dropdowns, or words. Offer choices for color schemes, and provide options for wording of error messages.
Millennials and Gen Z are comfortable using smartphones.
Boomers prefer clicking buttons over typing.
Tailor the report details according to the desired level of specificity.
Videos can be helpful, especially if they can be shared on social media.
Provide users with options to choose their preferred way of using the solution, such as icons, dropdowns, or words. Offer choices for color schemes, and provide options for wording of error messages.
Millennials and Gen Z are comfortable using smartphones.
Boomers prefer clicking buttons over typing.
Tailor the report details according to the desired level of specificity.
Videos can be helpful, especially if they can be shared on social media.
Selective implementation can help
When implementing new software or a solution, it can be helpful to consider selective implementation strategies. It's important to recognize that not all users may need or be ready for the full set of features or functionality initially promised. Therefore, it may be beneficial to carve out specific modules or functionality to be presented first, with the potential for additional features to be introduced later. Additionally, providing different user groups with different access and meaningful feature sets tailored to their needs can be a valuable approach.
Selective implementation can help
When implementing new software or a solution, it can be helpful to consider selective implementation strategies. It's important to recognize that not all users may need or be ready for the full set of features or functionality initially promised. Therefore, it may be beneficial to carve out specific modules or functionality to be presented first, with the potential for additional features to be introduced later. Additionally, providing different user groups with different access and meaningful feature sets tailored to their needs can be a valuable approach.
How To Simplify the Document Management System Implementation Process
An engineering document management system (EDMS) can improve productivity, reduce costs, and protect company IP. Implementing new software often can be challenging for unguided companies. But there are ways, however, to simplify the process.
How To Simplify the Document Management System Implementation Process
An engineering document management system (EDMS) can improve productivity, reduce costs, and protect company IP. Implementing new software often can be challenging for unguided companies. But there are ways, however, to simplify the process.
It's also worth considering locational rollout strategies, especially for larger organizations operating in different countries. In some cases, organizations may need to operate in a duality until users become fully comfortable with the new solution, although this may not always be feasible or may require substantial additional effort. To ease the transition, training some user groups first, particularly those with the greatest need for the solution, can be a practical approach.
It's also worth considering locational rollout strategies, especially for larger organizations operating in different countries. In some cases, organizations may need to operate in a duality until users become fully comfortable with the new solution, although this may not always be feasible or may require substantial additional effort. To ease the transition, training some user groups first, particularly those with the greatest need for the solution, can be a practical approach.
Robotic Process Automation: The Future of Engineering Document Management
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has made its way into EDMS and BIM software. RPA automates repetitive tasks for improvements in productivity and collaboration
Robotic Process Automation: The Future of Engineering Document Management
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has made its way into EDMS and BIM software. RPA automates repetitive tasks for improvements in productivity and collaboration
Exploring AI technology potential and challenges
AI technology has the potential to make various tasks easier and more efficient. This can lead to software becoming more versatile, conversant, and interactive, with faster and more efficient development. It will also allow for better incorporation of user feedback into functionality. However, AI may not address the varying comfort levels and expectations of different users. Initially, AI may attempt to perform a range of user functions, which could have different degrees of success. Additionally, as digitalization increases through automation, the proportion of fake and incorrect data among all digital assets may also grow.
Exploring AI technology potential and challenges
AI technology has the potential to make various tasks easier and more efficient. This can lead to software becoming more versatile, conversant, and interactive, with faster and more efficient development. It will also allow for better incorporation of user feedback into functionality. However, AI may not address the varying comfort levels and expectations of different users. Initially, AI may attempt to perform a range of user functions, which could have different degrees of success. Additionally, as digitalization increases through automation, the proportion of fake and incorrect data among all digital assets may also grow.
In conclusion…
Overcoming the numerous obstacles and challenges associated with digital transformation requires a concerted effort and a strong commitment from all levels of the organization. Realistic expectations, proper planning, understanding, and support play pivotal roles in increasing the chances of achieving successful digital transformation. By addressing the generational gap, garnering support from senior management, and acknowledging the inherent complexities of digital technologies, organizations can pave the way for successful digital transformation initiatives.
In conclusion…
Overcoming the numerous obstacles and challenges associated with digital transformation requires a concerted effort and a strong commitment from all levels of the organization. Realistic expectations, proper planning, understanding, and support play pivotal roles in increasing the chances of achieving successful digital transformation. By addressing the generational gap, garnering support from senior management, and acknowledging the inherent complexities of digital technologies, organizations can pave the way for successful digital transformation initiatives.
Additional EDMS Features
Our EDMS solutions
ImageSite and EngineBox are eQuorum’s robust workflow and document management solutions, created to help workers manage their essential workflows while maintaining complete control over their engineering files and documents. Not only do they provide a secure collaboration site for workers, but they also help organizations manage document distribution with third parties like vendors, contractors, and customers. Both systems are offered at a competitive price, enabling organizations to get a quick return on their investment by providing the features and functionality needed to help organizations improve efficiency, productivity, and collaboration. Companies can choose from concurrent user subscriptions or named user subscriptions, ensuring organizations have subscription options that make sense for their business.
ImageSite®
Our single source engineering workflow and document management system. Built in HTML5 so there is no software to deploy to client computers or mobile apps to download. Offered as an On-premise or Private Cloud system.
EngineBox™
EngineBox is a cloud based workflow and document management version of ImageSite that resides outside the corporate network.
Our EDMS solutions
ImageSite and EngineBox are eQuorum’s robust workflow and document management solutions, created to help workers manage their essential workflows while maintaining complete control over their engineering files and documents. Not only do they provide a secure collaboration site for workers, but they also help organizations manage document distribution with third parties like vendors, contractors, and customers. Both systems are offered at a competitive price, enabling organizations to get a quick return on their investment by providing the features and functionality needed to help organizations improve efficiency, productivity, and collaboration. Companies can choose from concurrent user subscriptions or named user subscriptions, ensuring organizations have subscription options that make sense for their business.
EngineBox™
EngineBox is a cloud based workflow and document management version of ImageSite that resides outside the corporate network.
The eQuorum Customer Promise
In 2005, eQuorum developed the first all browser-based EDMS. The system, although for on-premise use, was still created to remove client software and JAVA from user computers and allow users to have a single viewer based on the simple navigation functionality of browsers. Today, eQuorum provides that same application in a private Cloud or a SaaS Cloud option. We can do this because we are, and have always been, browser-based, understanding the enhanced speed, security, and usability of this technology.
With the abundance of document management systems on the market today, there’s no doubt that choosing the right Cloud document management software can be a difficult decision. eQuorum is here to provide a comprehensive, powerful, and most importantly – affordable Cloud document management solution. We believe in providing real value to our customers by eliminating unnecessary costs, providing industry-leading functionality, and equipping your team with the right tools using cutting edge technology to bring your products to market faster.
eQuorum®
We specialize in engineering workflow and document management. Our comprehensive, yet easy-to-use software provides the solution to manage data from design to manufacturing and production, to sales, support and administration.