"Vision without Execution is Hallucination"

Setting Your Digital Transformation Strategy Into Motion

“Vision without execution is hallucination.” I love this quote, made famous by ThomasOrganizations that have already subscribed to Microsoft 365 have made an investment in a suite of products that can be used to push the digital transformation strategy forward. Products such as Teams, SharePoint, and the Power Platform allow companies to deploy flexible yet structured solutions to underpin existing work processes and information access. These components can work independently or together to provide the typical “Lego bricks” of most apps and information solutions: presentation, data containers, and workflow. Most products are “no-code” and “self-service” in design and a great way to mock things up.

For example, consider the process for requesting a new hire within the company. This is often initiated by completing a Microsoft Word or Excel template. While this is a step in the right direction, in lieu of using a paper form, it still falls short of what we would consider “digitally transforming.” However, if we ported that form to a PowerApp to capture the request information to SharePoint List, we could automate routing and approvals with PowerAutomate and give us the capability for reporting and analytics using PowerBI.

While the Power Platform aims to be “self-service,” this can still be a bit daunting unless you have enough experience with the tools. If you don’t have the skills or experience yourself, consider tag-teaming with a partner who  Edison, because it underscores the struggle many companies face with their digital transformation strategies.

“Digital transformation” has been a hot topic of conversation for several years now, and rapid digitization in many industries in response to COVID-19 has made the matter even more pressing for businesses to consider today. But just because it’s a higher priority now doesn’t mean a digital transformation strategy will be any simpler to pull off. Underpinning processes with technology to gain efficiencies and optimize resources is no easy feat, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. But for companies that want to remain competitive in the current landscape, it is a must.

Thinking through everything that needs to happen to make that vision a reality, however, can feel like you’re trying to “boil the ocean.” Sure, getting rid of paper-based systems or implementing processes and tools where none previously existed are objectives well-centered in the wheelhouse of many IT shops. The technical approaches and recipes are usually clear, and if you have access to a good team of resources, a one-off effort to “digitally transform” a specific aspect of your work might not be too overwhelming.

However, your vision will need more than a “one-off” solution mindset. Your digital transformation strategy needs to manifest across your organization, and a road map isn’t always available.

CTG is here to be your guide as a trusted digital transformation consultant. Our solutions platforms, when deployed across an enterprise, can help. From our experience, here are some key ways you can help us help you bring your vision to life:

1. IDENTIFY “CHAMPIONS” IN THE ORGANIZATION

Finding others who can appreciate what you are proposing can help you develop the business case and help articulate the value it will bring. The “benefits” of your vision are most likely a matter of perspective, so do be sure to speak with individuals at all levels. The CEO might easily see cost savings or potential growth, whereas the engineer may appreciate the ability to gain insights on how things are running in real-time while off-site. The champions will be able to provide the necessary business context and advocate for the endeavor.

2. ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR DECISION-MAKING

An organization’s overall strategies and objectives typically lead to the development of necessary principles to guide how organizations invest in information technology efforts and digital transformation strategies. These could be principles such as traditional “buy versus build” or “leading edge, not bleeding edge” for technology decisions. It’s always worth a bit of time on the front end to help lay some ground rules.

3. GET READY TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP

Simply put, describe your vision at the right level for your audience. Be able to describe some key drivers and benefits to build support for your vision, but also begin to formulate a bit of the road map based on the input and feedback you receive, which helps identify the obstacles, detours, and destinations of your journey. More important, it helps motivate others to join you.

4. IDENTIFY A “SHOWCASE” SOLUTION

Lastly, find a “quick win” to help build momentum and be able to highlight and demonstrate the effectiveness of your vision — digital transformation — in solving real pain points in your organization. Avoid advocating a solution that is looking for a problem, though. As you’re discussing issues and challenges with others, you’re bound to uncover potential opportunities to dive into. Find the one that others would be excited about and one with a little “sizzle” that can pave the way for follow-up efforts.

After getting a few efforts moving, “digital transformation” becomes less of a buzzword and more of just a way to get things done efficiently within an informed and empowered organization using reliable solutions. That’s where Microsoft 365 can come in.

KEEP YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ROLLING WITH MICROSOFT 365 HELP

Organizations that have already subscribed to Microsoft 365 have made an investment in a suite of products that can be used to push the digital transformation strategy forward. Products such as Teams, SharePoint, and the Power Platform allow companies to deploy flexible yet structured solutions to underpin existing work processes and information access. These components can work independently or together to provide the typical “Lego bricks” of most apps and information solutions: presentation, data containers, and workflow. Most products are “no-code” and “self-service” in design and a great way to mock things up.

For example, consider the process for requesting a new hire within the company. This is often initiated by completing a Microsoft Word or Excel template. While this is a step in the right direction, in lieu of using a paper form, it still falls short of what we would consider “digitally transforming.” However, if we ported that form to a PowerApp to capture the request information to SharePoint List, we could automate routing and approvals with PowerAutomate and give us the capability for reporting and analytics using PowerBI.

While the Power Platform aims to be “self-service,” this can still be a bit daunting unless you have enough experience with the tools. If you don’t have the skills or experience yourself, consider tag-teaming with a partner who knows those tools well and is a maestro at orchestrating them. For instance, CTG’s solutions can offer you just that kind of Microsoft 365 help.

Digital transformation strategies extend well beyond technology alone. It’s important to have the engagement and support of others throughout the journey. Whether you simply develop a proof of concept or maybe version 1.0 of the first piece of your vision, Microsoft 365 capabilities and the right partner to help you orchestrate them can accelerate digital transformation as your vision becomes reality.

To learn more about how Microsoft 365 can support your vision and how CTG can help, check out this video.