Every organization realizes that embarking on the digital journey is the right course for them, yet many struggle to sail the ship and safely reach the shores.

Digital transformation has turned into a rat race, one which was fueled even more due to the COVID crisis. This haste has prompted organizations to divulge into quick-fixes, watered-down strategies disconnected from their goals.

Businesses need an integrated digital strategy that provides a clear plan and process for implementing changes. The best way is to ask the right questions before embarking on the digital transformation journey.

“In the old economy, it was all about having the answers. But in today’s dynamic, lean economy, it’s more about asking the right questions.”

                                                                                                  — Eric Ries

Here are the 10 questions to consider for a successful digital transformation initiative:

Questions about technology and future growth:

1) What technology do you need to implement for a successful digital transformation?

There are many different types of technologies that can be implemented, such as:

• Cloud computing
• Big data and analytics
• IoT
• Mobile apps
• Machine learning and AI

Each organization's needs will be different, so it's important to assess what is necessary for your specific business case. Understand what your goals are and what technologies will help you achieve them.

2) Is the technology you are using robust enough for future growth?

Digital transformation is all about leveraging technology for future growth. It's essential to ensure that the technology you are using is reliable and stable enough to keep up with the changes in your business. You should also consider scalability and how easily your system can adjust as it grows.

With digital transformation, the possibilities for future growth are practically limitless - make sure your technology is ready for it.

Questions about outcomes and decisions:

3) What are the decisions your business needs to make the moment you receive data?

Data is the foundation of digital transformation, but it needs to be applied in a meaningful way. Think about the decisions your business will need to make when receiving data.

For example, how will you interpret the data and turn it into insights? How quickly do you need to respond to changes or trends suggested by the data? What tools do you need to analyze and act on the data promptly?

Answering these questions will help ensure your digital transformation is as successful as possible.

4) What is slowing down your business from making timely decisions?

When evaluating your digital transformation, consider what factors may be slowing down the process. Are resources limited? Is there a lack of buy-in from key decision-makers? Do you need better tools or more reliable data? Identifying and addressing any issues that might be standing in the way of implementation is necessary.

5) How will your users gain value from having this capability for their decision-making?

Think about what new capabilities your users have access to and how those capabilities can improve their decision-making process. If a user's job requires them to make decisions quickly, or if they need more data to inform their decisions, then having access to the right digital tools can be a great help.

Questions about infrastructures, and KPIs:

6) What kind of infrastructure do you need?

You'll need to take a look at the technology that you already have in place and decide which components need to be upgraded or replaced. You'll also want to consider what type of hardware and software will be most effective for your needs.

This is an important step, as it will determine how smoothly and quickly the digital transformation can occur.

7) How will you measure success?

Digital transformation isn't a "one size fits all" type of endeavor. What works for one business may not work for another, so it's important to have a clear plan for how you will measure the success of your digital transformation.

Think about what KPIs you'll use, and set measurable goals that can be tracked over time. This way, you can adjust your strategy as needed and ensure that your efforts are paying off.

Questions about timelines and sustainability:

8) What security measures need to be in place to protect valuable data?

You must know exactly where data is stored, who has access to it, and what measures are in place for security.

9) What is the timeline for completion?

Digital transformation can be a lengthy process, so it's important to have a timeline in place to keep everyone focused and on track. Consider factors like budget, resources, skillset, and other commitments when making your timeline.

10) How will you ensure that the digital transformation is sustainable in the long term?

Digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort to remain effective. Think about how you can maintain the momentum of your digital transformation after its initial launch.

This may involve regularly evaluating and tweaking your strategy, as well as staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends.

Finally…

Digital transformation can fail without the support and involvement of key stakeholders. It's essential to have a plan for how to effectively engage these individuals and keep them involved throughout the process.

Think about ways in which you can provide feedback, solicit input from stakeholders, or promote collaboration between different departments.