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Tech alone doesn't drive digital transformation

Kgaogelo Letsebe
By Kgaogelo Letsebe, Portals journalist
Johannesburg, 18 Oct 2017
Syed Mohiuddin, CEO, MD and chief architect of BITS Consultancy Services.
Syed Mohiuddin, CEO, MD and chief architect of BITS Consultancy Services.

The process of digital transformation for business is multifaceted and to ensure success, companies need to have digital strategies that include technology, customer experience, business culture and people change management.

This is according to Syed Mohiuddin, CEO, MD and chief architect of BITS Consultancy Services, speaking today at ITWeb Industry Tech Update 2017, in Johannesburg.

"Despite the hype around digital transformation, most companies still have a long way to go in their digital transformation journeys.

"According to various global studies, most companies are not ready to undertake the transformation journey that will ensure continued success and growth, as many are still facing significant challenges to operate in a digital economy. Unfortunately, this means the gap between those companies that have embarked on a transformation strategy and those yet to get their act together is widening," he said.

BITS Consultancy helps companies to strategise, design and maximise the disruptive potential offered by digital and mobile technology into their enterprises.

According to Mohiuddin, there are various factors which contribute to the lack of digital transformation: "A lack of clear communication, C-level team not being aligned and fully supportive of the journey, as well as organisational obstacles such as culture, structure, capabilities and policies not being sufficiently addressed to derive the full value of the transformation all pose a risk to a successful journey.

"We need to realise that technology alone does not drive digital transformation. Digital transformation is only truly effective when an organisation embraces it completely and reshapes the way it thinks and acts - it's part people change management."

Offering solutions, Mohiuddin advised companies to create a new digital business model, manage digital culture and mindset, as well as encourage leadership to take the lead in digital transformation.

"Digital strategy drives the transformation not the technology. Companies should also manage digital skills through training and resources. Finally, it is important to align yourself with emerging business and technologies to facilitate easier adoption."

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