Four Key Stages of Digital Transformation for SMEs

https://community.alibabacloud.com/blog/four-key-stages-of-digital-transformation-for-smes_594362?spm=a2c65.11461447.0.0.1a4e51501y5aBm


Though it looks easy , it is not so.
Analyze and Assess
Creating Company Buy-In
Plan and Prioritize
Set KPIs: Evaluate and Optimize

I've learned
three steps for navigating a digital transformation that I believe can benefit
other small business owners who are considering implementing new technology:


1. Collect the data. The first step toward digital transformation involves updating paper-based processes and getting everything into the cloud.
This might seem like an arduous task, but it will be well worth the time invested.  Then, startcollecting data. Even if you are not clear about
what to do with your data today, start collecting all information pertaining to the operations of your  business. Consider what types
of customer interactions and behavior-relate data are important to your organization. Think about what kinds of metrics you
are using to define success and what types of data are available to help* easure the impacts of various business initiatives.


Try to collect*metadata as well. For example, if you have data that contains the parameters of various business*
deals, such as dates, products, amounts, etc., try to also* store additional details about that data (aka metadata). This metadata could
include the duration of processes, initiators, length of approval cycles and*more.

2. Find a secure way to store the data. * In my* experience, storing your data doesn't always have to cost a fortune, and you
can find solutions that fit your needs. For example, I've seen that many cloud-based platforms such as Onedrive for business or a cloud virtual desktop
offer the benefit of automatically backing up data. And some storage providers* offer hybrid solutions that enable users to access data offline. Research
different companies, and when you're deciding where to store your data, ensuretheir ecosystem of services and tools gives your business, no matter its size,adequate storage. There are many*storage options out there, and data security is also of paramount importance.
Ask for access to your provider’s audit of their security and reliability* protocols. I've found that many providers will make their system and
organization controls report (or SOC report) available for your review. Small*business owners should forget their usual tools such as professional emails and*adopt to the professional email service. E.g. If you`re using g suite then you*should try out G suite to Office 365 migration

3. Make thedata usable for the entire organization* One of the*primary obstacles to growth I've observed for many organizations is the fact
that data is siloed, with no ability for anyone to view it centrally. Thiscreates blind spots with teams and departments heads, in which they are
operating in a vacuum without knowing what the rest of the organization isdoing. When undertaking a digital transformation,
remember to be realistic about the*learning curve of the people working in the organization. Implementing new
digital systems and updating processes is a start, but human behaviors also*need to be changed, which doesn’t always happen automatically. In order to
smooth the transition, make sure to involve employees in the decision making,*and educate customers about how digitization will affect them. Taking the time to explain why you are investing in digital systems might take some energy*initially, but it will help to inspire your team, create enthusiasm and build
trust with all stakeholders.