EDITOR’S QUESTION
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT
BARRIERS TO DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION IN
AFRICA? AND HOW CAN
CIOS OVERCOME THESE?
D
igital transformation isn’t just a
phase or a buzzword. The reality
is that digital transformation will
require some tough choices to ensure
your business isn’t dragged along
or left behind. Sabby Gill, Executive
Vice President, International at Epicor
Software, offers ten considerations
that will help companies on their digital
transformation journey.
Focusing on the right level of
change is key
Focusing on where digital
transformation can deliver the most
benefits and add the most value in your
quest for growth should be where you
begin the change process.
Just because the technology is new,
doesn’t mean it’s right for you
The right use of technology can
radically improve your business, but
the deployment of technology for
technology’s sake can be self-defeating.
Being open to the transformative
impact of new technologies is the most
important consideration for companies
around the world.
Consider where your company is on
its digital transformation journey
Growing your technology platform
doesn’t necessarily mean your business
will grow too. Sometimes it’s better to
have fewer solutions than more. Many
competing technologies profess to
drive digital transformation, however,
the utility of solutions depend on
the stage your company is at in the
transformation journey.
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Not everyone in your company
will feel comfortable with digital
transformation
There’s no single roadmap for digital
transformation and the path is different
for every company and industry.
However, there must be attempts to
get employee buy-in from the start.
This requires a commitment to digital
technology from the boardroom to all
levels of staff.
It’s no good having data if you
don’t know what it means
Firms that undergo a true digital
transformation programme put data
and information at the heart of their
technology-focused business models.
The new data landscape provides you
with unique opportunities to turn data
into insights – the fuel for any digital
transformation journey.
Embrace change as part of a
wider growth strategy with
measurable goals
In an age where innovation is driven by
rising customer expectations, growing
companies have distinct short-term
goals that embrace innovation and
business change as part of a wider
transformation journey for growth.
Digital transformation won’t
make you immune to competition
The most important factor is making
sure digital potential is translated
into competitive advantage. This
requires top executives to champion
the deployment of flexible, digital
technologies that change the way they
engage with their customers.
It takes more than just
digital technology to
encourage collaboration
When technology is heralded above all
else, there becomes an even greater
disconnect between employees and
the challenges that their business
is trying to solve. Consider how
you communicate both internally
and externally, the strengths and
weaknesses of your staff and if their
skills are fit for purpose.
Your customers don’t think about
your digital transformation, but
they do expect it to happen
The digital trends that are impacting
every part of business operations
will not slow down, and it’s the same
playing field for all of your competitors.
Your customers expect that you are
embracing digital transformation
because they are doing so, and they
need you to join them on the journey.
You can talk the talk, but make
sure you walk the walk
To make digital transformation happen,
high-growth companies don’t just
pay lip service to ideas such as new
technology and innovation – they back
them up with investment. The growth
survey Epicor conducted found that in
the coming year, 88% of high-growth
companies are planning significant
investments in technology and
innovation, while only 49% of slow-
growth companies are doing so. n
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