Digitalising your business processes is a great idea, especially as we move into an increasingly technology-driven world. But to do this well, you need to take a global approach instead of rushing and risking falling short of your stated objectives. In this article, we highlight five digitalisation mistakes to avoid.
Mistake #1 - Starting without a digitalisation plan
The most common mistake is to embark on a digitalisation project without a clear methodology, without taking the time to define the exact scope of the project. To do this, it may be useful to work with an external service provider. A service provider or consulting firm will have a more objective view of your organisation’s situation and know how to challenge your assumptions.
Mistake #2 - Defining a scope that is too broad
Following on from the previous point, if you have defined a scope with too many requirements and too many needs, you risk spreading yourself too thin on one hand, and scaring off your potential future partner on the other.
Above all, your project specifications must be agile: they must be able to evolve over time and in line with the deployment of your selected digital solutions. They must allow the software publisher or integrator to challenge your needs and expectations. If these are too broad or too complex, the end result could be a solution that cannot meet your core business needs and a failed digitalisation project.
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Mistake #3 - Choosing the wrong tools for your business
Another common mistake is choosing a generic tool just because it is what other organisations use, or because it has a captivating “wow” factor. Investing in the wrong digital solution or technology is an expensive mistake to make. It is important to ensure that the chosen tool meets business needs so that it is effective and usable by employees.
Whether in terms of its functionality, sector or level of customisation, every software has its advantages and limitations. By studying the market and clarifying your needs, you will be able to choose the tool that is suited to your organisation, instead of forcing your organisation to adapt to the tool.
Mistake #4 – Aiming too high
Starting a digitisation project does not mean digitising all your business processes at once in a single sweep. Once again, it makes more sense to go step by step, tackling each set of processes, than to change everything in a hurry. This can scare off both your employees and your customers.
For example, before thinking about artificial intelligence, a first step would be to equip yourself with a CRM or ERP if you do not already have one. The goal of digitalisation should be to help a business move forward and streamline specific operations. Do not get too caught up with trendy solutions or technologies.
Mistake #5 – Not involving your teams
Digitising your business should not be just an IT project. It really involves all departments of your company: from sales and marketing to HR and logistics. Making your employees a part of the project is important to the success of a digital transformation. Who better to inform you of the problems experienced within your company than the individuals who deal with them on a daily basis? Getting this sort of feedback from team members will encourage project involvement and the use of the new digital tools and software afterwards.
It is also essential to support them and ensure they are properly trained on any new tools and solutions. Otherwise, you risk facing resistance from your employees, who will not see the point of using such solutions. Here again, you can provide this support internally or work with your partner.
The five points we have just mentioned are, in our opinion, the main mistakes that lead to the failure of a digitisation project. Of course, it also depends on the maturity of your company and its users. However, we are convinced that in the current context, technological projects are key drivers of business performance.
Captivea Odoo Gold Partner
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