As digital transformation transpires throughout cross-industry enterprises, technology is used to innovate, disrupt, and solve traditional problems.
Digital transformation, a widespread concept used to describe the application and integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, enables an industry-forward approach to both solving issues and providing an enhanced customer experience with greater innovation and efficiency than ever before.
So, what does this mean for your business? One of the major risks associated with resistance to digital transformation, especially for medium to large-sized enterprises, is jeopardizing the customer experience. 
As the age-old saying goes, the "Customer is King," but how will you be able to ensure you meet their standards as the user experience enhances? IDC reports, a staggering 85% of key decision-makers are now dedicating a two-year timeframe to align with a complete digital transformation to avoid "falling behind their customers" and of course, financially suffering.
Whether your company has just begun its digital transformation, or is perhaps experiencing a resistance to change, we provide a lowdown on the best practices for how to embrace a digital transformation (at any stage).
Build the Right Culture
As digital transformation is a newer concept and every company will be at a unique stage, it's anticipated that not everyone in your organisation will understand what a progressive transformation actually looks like. This is why it's imperative to first implement an effective digital adoption strategy within your workplace.
By doing so, you'll be able to establish the digital tools your enterprise needs, and in turn, build and communicate your long-term strategy to your employees. This education will also help to prevent resistance within your organisation, and to ensure that each member is on-board and willing to grow as your software does.
Essentially, an enterprise striving for a complete digital transformation will work to embed a "Digital DNA," whereby organizational, human, and technological components interdependently align for one primary goal: To achieve a digital company.
Adopt the Cloud
In our previous post Cloud Accounting | 4 Reasons Why You Should Make the Shift, we discussed how cloud accounting in particular, is empowering MSPs everywhere to run their business with greater efficiency, speed, and ease. However, the cloud isn't just assisting Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Now, cloud technologies are widely-renowned for their mass potential in being the key driver for any successful digital transformation; everywhere from finance, banking and security, to retail and health. In fact, it's "impossible" to achieve a digital transformation without the cloud.
Cloud computing allows for the very business model that a fast-paced digital world requires; flexibility, infinite capacity, immense scalability to grow, and the utmost efficiency regarding time, cost, and resources. Those enterprises that adopt the cloud by way of embracing the digital transformation are better positioned to maximise their revenue, attract and engage new markets, and answer intricate user-end problems.
Agile Development Is Key
A digital transformation comprises several key components including technology, communication, IoT (Internet of things), automation, data, and networking. This means that it's imperative to have all hands on deck.
As the Manifesto for Agile Software Development explains, 'Agile Development' is an umbrella term that explains the set practices and frameworks required to achieve an agile environment. Those operating within an agile environment are conditioned to adapt, innovate and respond to change, whereby the primary focus is on the collaboration between cross-functional teams and their end users.
Typically, agile development practices include sprints, test-driven development, and stand-ups.
Enhance Your Security
As we established earlier, cloud computing is vital for digital transformation to occur. Here, one of the most significant challenges that this brings, is data security.
At the same time as enabling remarkable opportunities, cloud computing also poses risks, which is why it pays to invest in enhanced security and to safeguard your site from potential bot and cyber threats.
If you need help making the switch to cloud accounting, whether that means integrating between ConnectWise Manage or Datto Autotask PSA to Xero or QuickBooks Online, or perhaps first moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, we know exactly how to assist you - get in touch with our friendly team today, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, discover these 4 Time-Saving Tools Every MSP Can Appreciate and learn the benefits of each.
