News

Digital transformation is not a business strategy

 

 

Business leaders would do well to understand that digitisation is an operational approach and tactic that can help improve or develop their strategy; it is not a strategy in and of itself, says Andrew Cruise, Managing Director of Routed, a local VMware Cloud Verified provider and VMware Principal Partner.

 

The rapid pace of technology development has seen organisations across multiple industries racing to implement what they refer to as their ‘digital transformation strategy’.

 

This is often driven by a misalignment at a high level, whereby strategy is mistaken for tactics. Digital transformation is not a strategy, and never will be; it’s simply a new business tactic.

 

According to Cruise, it’s an operational approach, a new or improved way of delivering things operationally – so while it may help to direct your strategy, it is not a strategy itself.

 

“Many providers like to tell the digital transformation story as if it’s the only one in town, suggesting that it will be absolutely transformative for a business, or that it is some kind of revolution that will suddenly make them much more profitable. Or perhaps that, once this is done, they will be better at doing their job than their competitors,” he notes.

 

“The trouble with believing and buying into this hype is that, if everybody undertakes digitisation, then how do you use this approach to actually differentiate your organisation?”

 

He points out that tactically, digital transformation has much to offer, in that it delivers a new or alternative operating model, adds flexibility, and allows you to change the way that your business operates for the better. “Everyone knows about the improved efficiencies or scalability it offers and the possibility of faster time to market or faster response times. For example, a digital portal can reduce the onboarding process from 3-5 days, to under three hours.”

 

However, he adds, while there is an acceleration of certain functions and tasks, essentially, it is not a destination, but a journey. And it’s time-consuming, and requires huge investment, while not necessarily delivering the kinds of improvements and efficiencies that your organisation may be looking for.

 

“I think that an increasing number of organisations now acknowledge that you can’t just press the big digital transformation button and suddenly everything changes to being better, more efficient, and more profitable,” suggests Cruise.

 

“People have begun to recognise how unrealistic this is, and are beginning to accept that the real digital transformation story is one of ongoing progression, rather than some overnight digital revolution,” he adds.

 

Digital transformation is having an impact on the world, and is certainly worth investigating for those that have not begun the journey. But while it might improve your efficiency or your time to market, or your scalability and efficiency, Cruise cautions that it will not be the step change in business terms that some overstate.

 

“It is for this reason that I believe businesses should never try selling ‘digital transformation’ as a business differentiator. A differentiator is something that you use to appeal to customers as a means of persuading them away from your competitors, and to your brand. But today, almost every organisation is undertaking some form of digitisation – so how can it be a differentiator?”

 

“In fact, I am of the opinion that a company should never lead its pitch with digital transformation. Instead, it should lead with its strategy, and then explain how digitisation will help the business improve, develop or change this strategy for the better. Ultimately, executives need to stop speaking of digital transformation in hushed tones of awe, when it is simply another tool to leverage to deliver their business strategy better,” concludes Cruise.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Culture Economy

NEC Urges States To Patronize NASENI’s Technological Innovations

post-image

 

In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization, the National Economic Council (NEC), has urged state governments to patronize technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this during the 146th NEC meeting which he chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja following a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, which detailed a strategic roadmap by the Agency for Nigeria’s industrialization.

Mr. Halilu in his presentation titled “NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation”, detailed the Agency’s focus in critical sectors such as Renewable Energy & Sustainability, Health & Biotechnology,  Agriculture & Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation & Mobility, Digital Technology, Construction & Smart City, Defense & Aerospace.

The Agency sought NEC support to establish manufacturing industries in states, access local natural raw materials, streamline processes related to land and seaport facilitation, sought guidance or…

Read More
Business Economy Security Society Software

Zetamind Consulting Limited: Pioneering Excellence in Business Transformation

post-image

 

Zetamind Consulting Limited stands at the forefront of business innovation, revolutionizing the manufacturing sector with cutting-edge solutions powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365. A leader in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions, Zetamind is dedicated to empowering businesses, especially manufacturers and distributors, to achieve unprecedented growth and operational efficiency.

Empowering Business Excellence with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency is key, and Zetamind Consulting is committed to helping manufacturers optimize every aspect of their operations. By harnessing the transformative capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, we enable businesses to streamline their processes, from shop floor operations to top-level management, ensuring seamless coordination and decision-making at every level.Zetamind Consulting Limited | LinkedIn

Transforming Manufacturing with Tailored ERP Solutions

At Zetamind, we understand that each business is unique, with specific challenges and opportunities. That’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Our approach is deeply…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Society Software

Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd. Celebrates a Defining Moment at Zenith Bank Plc Tech Fair (Future Forward 4.0)

post-image

 

Ethnos IT Solutions Ltd., a prominent cybersecurity firm based in Victoria Island, Lagos, has shared its pride in being a key participant at the highly anticipated Zenith Bank Plc Tech Fair (Future Forward 4.0). In an official statement, the firm emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, “There are moments in life that hold special significance for many people. For us, being prominently represented at the Zenith Bank Plc Tech Fair (Future Forward 4.0) was one of those defining moments—a time of relevance and purpose.”

The event, which is one of Nigeria’s foremost technology fairs, provided a unique platform for Ethnos IT Solutions to showcase their groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions to a global audience. Central to their exhibition were Aquila and Castellum, two cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions designed to address the evolving security challenges faced by both businesses and individuals in the digital age. These solutions exemplify the company’s commitment to providing…

Read More
Business

NDPC and NAICOM Forge Partnership to Advance Data Privacy in Nigeria

post-image

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step toward bolstering data privacy in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding data protection principles within the insurance sector and beyond.

The signing ceremony, held at the NAICOM headquarters in Abuja, was led by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of NAICOM. The MoU is designed to fortify the partnership between the two regulatory bodies, ensuring that data privacy becomes an integral part of the operations within the insurance sector.

Strengthening Collaboration

Dr. Olatunji lauded the signing of the MoU as a pivotal milestone in advancing the data protection landscape in Nigeria. Reflecting on the journey leading up to this partnership, he noted that the NDPC had already…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

Anambra Leads South East in VAT Contribution for August 2024

post-image

In a remarkable feat, Anambra State has emerged as the top contributor to the Value Added Tax (VAT) pool in the South East region for August 2024, with a contribution of ₦4.28 billion. This amount significantly surpasses the combined total VAT contributions of the other five states in the region, which amounted to ₦3.88 billion.

Breakdown of VAT Contributions in the South East:

  • Anambra: ₦4.28bn
    Anambra’s contribution stands as the highest in the region, reinforcing the state’s position as an economic powerhouse in the South East. The state’s growing industrial and commercial sectors continue to thrive, bolstered by government initiatives aimed at driving economic growth.
  • Ebonyi: ₦1.90bn
    Ebonyi State followed closely with a contribution of ₦1.90 billion, reflecting its steady economic activity and improvements in its industrial and agricultural sectors.
  • Enugu: ₦1.08bn
    Enugu State contributed ₦1.08 billion, showcasing the impact of its mining, agriculture, and commercial sectors on the state’s economic growth.
  • Abia:…
Read More
Business Culture Economy Leisure News Opinion

Roberta Edu Calls for a Shift in Women’s Role in Sustaining Patriarchy

post-image

 

Roberta Edu, the visionary CEO of Moppets Baby Food and an outspoken advocate for gender equity, is no stranger to speaking her mind. In a recent candid statement, Edu delivered a stirring critique of patriarchal systems, zeroing in on a seldom-discussed reality: the role some women play in perpetuating the cycle of oppression.

As a self-confessed feminist and a leader in Nigeria’s business landscape, Edu is well-versed in navigating both corporate and societal challenges. However, her latest comments tackle an issue that resonates far beyond boardrooms.

“I can understand patriarchal men,” she began, her tone measured yet firm. “I understand why a man would want to cling to that system. For many men, especially those who feel they’ve failed in life, patriarchy becomes a refuge. It’s their last bastion of power, the one place where they’re told they have value, even if it’s only in subjugating their wives. That, to them,…

Read More
Business Economy Environment Government International Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Nigerian Delegation Visits MTN Group Headquarters to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

post-image

 

A high-ranking delegation from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently visited the MTN Group headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. The visit highlighted the growing efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic relations between the two largest economies in Africa.

The Nigerian team was led by Rt. Hon. Wole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and included prominent figures such as Amb. Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Alexander T. Ajayi; and other senior officials.

MTN Group’s top executives welcomed the delegation, including Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas; Chief of Staff (CEO’s Office), Jerry Varachia; Executive for Network Design, Amith Maharaj; Executive for Core Mergers and Acquisitions, Annemarie Krijnauw; Executive for Internal Audit, Motselisi Molapo; and Senior Manager for Strategic Public Affairs, Dominic Khumalo.

During the meeting, discussions focused on fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Both parties acknowledged…

Read More
Business Economy Education News

Federal Government of Nigeria Introduces 15 Skill Acquisition Courses in Primary and Junior Secondary School Curriculum

post-image

 

In a significant move to empower the future workforce and enhance the employability of students, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the integration of 15 skill acquisition courses into the curriculum of Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the country. Starting from the 2025 academic year, students will be able to select one skill to study from Primary 1 through to Junior Secondary 3 (JSS3), ensuring that by the time they complete their education, they will have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in their chosen field.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to address the skills gap in Nigeria by fostering a generation of students who are not only academically inclined but also possess hands-on expertise in various trades…

Read More