Head of GSK Clinical Technology Solutions

It is important for companies to embrace Digital Transformation as a continuous process and build a culture of experimentation. Instead of enrolling on multitude of digital transformation initiatives, it is important to understand what essential business critical strategic outcomes and business pain-points need attention. This understanding should allow the digital transformation journey to identify the opportunities. Many companies easily embark on digital journeys, but lack of understanding of measurable outcomes, patience needed during the implementation period and required budget results into minimal or no payoffs. It is important to be selective of the digital transformation initiatives and understand dependencies of both business and technology. Organizations need to be pragmatic and build execution plans that deliver benefits in stages. It is essential to envision digital transformation as a continuous experimentation and data exploration activity to find the “known-unknowns” and “unknowns-unknowns” that can build the business a competitive edge. Digital Transformation at its best turns every task and decision into a cycle of experimentation – execute, measure, learn and iterate.
Digital Transformation prioritization criteria to get the ball rolling can be as simple as (1) Data & Technology alignment, is data readily available, can it be processed relatively easily and are all the technology components readily available. Data engineering teams equipped with business domain knowledge can become powerful driver for the digital transformation. If all the technology components are not in place, consider sourcing strategies and working on one technology platform; ensure there are minimal or no isolated processes. (2) Organizational and Culture alignment exists. This commitment and alignment are beyond mere words and can be seen within organizational structures, workflows, decision rights, empowerment, budgets, right skills and “working together” mindsets. Top-down engagement and learning in corporations is vital to invigorate the functional teams. Change management requires considerable focus in digital transformation journeys. Key contributors to positive change management requires co-developing with broader organizations while being clear on roles and responsibilities, being honest about distinguishing from regrettable and unregretted losses and lastly one team, one focus, one goal mindset. It is critical to measure change management during the phases of digital transformation of journey - mobilization, execution and sustain.(3)Defining success, is it quantifiable, actionable, and connected to the business need. It is essential to have a clear understanding and agreement on defined and measurable success.

Success if for example is an improvement in cycle time and throughput, quantifying it would be critical. If it is about increasing profits or reducing the operating expenses, quantifying the same in agreeable financial terms would be key. Delivering on value, driven by purpose increases motivation in the organizations and builds a trajectory for more value.

In summary, Digital Transformation is a continuous cycle of experiments leading to Innovation. Data is a critical enabler of digital transformation. It is crucial to understand digital transformation as a process of redesigning customer’s experience of problem solution and reflect on various applicable digital business models. Prioritizing opportunities for digital transformation success involve analyzing if the opportunities are real, worth implementing and achievable. People are organizational and cultural enablers and implications of digital transformation. Digital Transformation is not easy but also not unachievable. Best summarized as Niccolò Machiavelli on Leading Change, “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a change. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions and lukewarm defenders in those who may benefit under the new.”