Digital transformation initiatives have become a familiar project type for most businesses, but that doesn’t mean today’s efforts look the same as those from a few years ago. Technology continues to advance and evolve, and so do the opportunities and risks shaping how project teams plan and execute digital solution implementations and upgrades.
The modernization journey alters some portion of nearly every business process and workflow. It also fundamentally changes how end users do their jobs and interact with colleagues and customers. Before you begin your next digital transformation project, take a moment to assess your strategy and see where your past approach may need some updates to align with emerging issues, trends, concerns, needs, and expectations.
Forward-looking digital transformation initiatives must be flexible enough to accommodate users’ dynamic access needs without creating unnecessary friction. Many firms continue to assess the benefits and pitfalls of different work arrangements, while workers, business partners, and customers are also revisiting their engagement priorities and preferences. Some groups favor in-person interactions, others prioritize remote options that leverage digital channels, and a portion have embraced a hybrid environment. Because these decisions may shift again, users will increasingly expect the ability to connect in many different ways no matter where they’re located.
The rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has the potential to create new layers of complexity when planning and executing digital transformation projects. One issue demanding heightened focus is data protection and integrity. The business may need to prepare new types of datasets for company-specific AI training. Conversely, some will want to harden data repositories to ensure they can’t be accessed by an incoming AI solution. Integrations with AI and other systems require a rigorous data management strategy that accommodates a wider range of system connections and activities while still protecting sensitive information.
Just as companies are applying AI to help accelerate workflows and remove manual tasks, cyber criminals are using those same tools to find and leverage vulnerabilities at scale. A key element in any modern digital transformation project should be enhancements to cybersecurity measures. Protective measures should emphasize support for a layered approach to security, with tools to defend against intrusion, detect suspicious activity on the network, and swiftly respond to potential bad actors. Technology initiatives must now include details on how the solution will be protected and monitored, plus how best to incorporate it into the existing backup and recovery strategy.
There’s a growing focus on user-centric design principles, which can influence not only how software is created but also how it’s secured, tested, rolled out, administered, updated, and even removed or replaced. Today’s solutions must meet the needs and expectations of digitally savvy users, offering a frictionless experience that’s easy to understand and quick to navigate across different platforms. User input is increasingly important in digital transformation initiatives and ensuring vigorous participation from this stakeholder group is key to project success.
The rapid pace of change within the business environment—more complex workflows, evolving compliance requirements, the ongoing shift away from legacy systems toward more modern solutions—makes continuous learning a high priority for technology projects. By enabling employees to build, expand, and fine tune their digital skills and competencies, your organization will gain the value of internal expertise as your technology stack matures. It’s also a great way to bolster engagement and collaboration if you offer workers a clear pathway for sharing their knowledge and viewing learning as a community exercise. Remember to empower your IT group with opportunities to upskill, too, so they can stay ahead of evolving technology trends that may affect the business.
PMAlliance, Inc uses a team of highly experienced and certified professionals to provide project management consulting, project management training and project portfolio management.
