Digital transformation means different things to different people. A typical digital transformation initiative in government or enterprise includes moving applications to the cloud, updating systems and processes to utilise big datasets and analytics tools, and integrating AI into workflows. Last but not least, many organisations are making a leap from static websites to DXPs or similar websites capable of creating personalised web experiences.
A company's specific initiatives will vary depending on its industry, size, and goals. But digital transformation is a complex and ongoing process, and it's not uncommon for things to go wrong. There are some key signs that your digital transformation is going awry, and it's important to be aware of them so that you can take corrective action early on.
Here are a few of the most common signs of a digital transformation project that is going wrong:
- Budget: Estimates are, by definition, wrong. But in the website and transformation business going over budget isn't a given. If you are in the red, it's a good sign that something is wrong. This could be due to poor planning, unrealistic expectations, or unexpected challenges.
- Behind schedule: If your digital transformation project is weeks or months behind schedule, it's another sign that something is wrong. This could be due to scope creep or poor communication. It also may mean the right stakeholders aren't clearing a path for implementation teams.
- Low morale: DX should be seen as a net win for the organisation and employees. But often, due to a lack of communication or workload, the team does not have a clear idea of the future state.
- Poor user adoption: If your users are not adopting your digital transformation deliverables, it's a sign that something is wrong. This could be due to poor design, a lack of training, or a lack of communication about the new system's benefits.
Taking corrective action early on is important if you're experiencing any of these signs. This could involve revisiting your budget and schedule, adjusting your expectations, communicating better with your team, or redesigning your system. Here are our tips for avoiding common pitfalls in digital transformation projects:
- Start with a clear plan: Before starting any digital transformation project, it's important to have a clear plan. This plan should include your goals, objectives, timeline, and budget.
- Get buy-in from all stakeholders: It's important to get buy-in from all stakeholders in your organisation before you start any digital transformation project. This includes your team, your users, and management.
- Communicate regularly: Communication is key to the success of any digital transformation project. Keep your team, users, and stakeholders updated on the initiative's progress and address any early concerns.
