SEVENC | HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR TRANSITION TO A NEW IT COMPANY
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, provides tips on how to prepare your business for the transition to a new IT company.
Digital transformation (also known as DT or DX) is the cultural, organisational, and operational change brought about by the intelligent integration of digital technologies, processes, and capabilities inside an organisation, industry, or ecosystem. For a company’s digital transformation to be successful, it must occur in several stages and across all levels and functions.
“Although digital transformation was already on the rise, in the last two years, the number of companies integrating technological aspects into their workplaces has surged. Remote teams and digital tools may be the next standard,” says Graeme Millar, managing director of SevenC Computing.
Here are some ways to prepare your organisation for digital transformation and tips for a smoother transition.
Why should digital transformation be pursued?
Digital transformation is significantly more than simply “an IT transition”. Digital transformation is a sensible, people-focused evolution that goes beyond technological tools and industry-leading innovation. The process should centre on people, value, optimisation, and adaptation.
Companies across industries and niches are turning to digital transformation to automate their operations, increase efficiency and effectiveness, save money, drive innovation, and expand their businesses.
Digital transformation utilises technologies to:
• Develop values for diverse stakeholders
• Innovate, reflect, and advance
• Adapt to shifting conditions both within and outside the organisation
When you are ready to investigate digital transformation, consider the following techniques that can make the process simpler and more effective:
Stage 1: Modernise your business model
Since the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve observed that some companies adopt technology more rapidly than others. If your business model incorporates minimal or no technology, now is the time to explore a change.
Consider how technology might be incorporated into your processes and practises in the future.
You and your executive team should ask the following questions:
• Where will we deploy new technological tools?
• How will the digital transformation affect our business operations?
• What effect will these tools have on existing staff and new hires?
• How will our company have to modify its core functions?
• What impact will digital transformation have on our position in our industry?
• How will our customers be affected?
Adjusting your business model in preparation for digital transformation is not a simple undertaking, but it is one way to prepare your company for impending changes.
Stage 2: Assist your team in accepting change
Once you’ve considered how technology might be incorporated into your process and practices, you must prepare your team members for digital transformation. Expect some pushback as you move forward, as it is natural for people to resist significant change.
Empower your team and instil confidence in their ability to adapt to change. Do not act intimidated by the upcoming transitions. Be an example for your team and embrace change.
Stage 3: Select technological tools that align with your business’s culture
Before adopting new technological tools or automating procedures, evaluate their compatibility with your operations. Too often, technological instruments have a multitude of bells and whistles that prevent your business from achieving its objectives.
The tools you use should provide solutions for streamlining your processes to increase their efficiency and effectiveness. Refrain from succumbing to the “bright, shiny object mentality” in favour of tools that better equip your employees to do their duties and serve your clients. Also, ensure that all tools and platforms align with your business’s culture.
Stage 4: Provide opportunities for learning
Certain team members may wish to shift into new, tech-centric jobs as your company embraces digital transformation. Offer them opportunities, training, and resources to obtain new skills and develop their existing skills.
Inform your team of any changed positions and job descriptions inside your business. Before publicly posting future tech-focused job openings, inform your staff that you want to hire candidates for these positions. This will allow your current team to qualify for the positions before you begin recruiting from the outside.
Consider leveraging technology in your recruiting efforts
“The coronavirus has altered in-person hiring and recruitment. Many of my company’s clients have shifted to remote recruiting exclusively for the foreseeable future, if not longer.
With digital transformation, your business may, if necessary, handle all recruitment and hiring needs remotely and accelerate and improve the process,” adds Millar.
Listed below are a few digital recruitment and hiring strategies:
Utilise digital document signature platforms to expeditiously distribute critical documents to candidates and new hires and obtain their signatures.
Take advantage of application tracking systems and customer relationship management software to develop pools of competent candidates, identify the most suitable individuals, and track applicants throughout the interview and evaluation process.
Make use of Zoom, Google Hangouts, or comparable tools to conduct video interviews.
Request that promising candidates submit a brief introduction video. Delivering quick films of each candidate (no longer than three minutes) helps clients feel more connected to the applicants, better understand their personalities and motivations, and expedite first-round interviews. Occasionally, these videos allow the candidate to advance directly to the next stage.
Create a digital experience for onboarding and training. Engage remote new hires by making them feel connected to their team and the company’s mission.
Preparing your business for digital change is crucial. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a highly skilled IT infrastructure and network service provider for help. Your company can develop partnerships with digital transformation specialists such as SevenC, who can assist you adopt the necessary adjustments and recruit the appropriate skills for a successful transformation.