Companies today are under constant pressure to change and adapt to an ever-changing market, both in terms of demand and in terms of technology, economics and supply. To be successful, they must be able to cope with change, according to what has been called resilience in recent years. Digital transformation can help the evolution into a resilient enterprise by providing the tools and technologies needed to adapt quickly and efficiently. In addition, digital transition can help companies improve their customer experience and increase their competitive advantage.
Resilient enterprise: a layered approach
When it comes to implementing the principles of the resilient enterprise, a multi-level approach can be taken. First, one can focus on creating technological resilience. This means having systems and processes in place that can withstand events related strictly to technical aspects, for example, data loss, failures and service interruptions. This first, seemingly obvious step is necessary to create a solid foundation on which to build an enterprise that can withstand both unforeseen events and the change intended on a global scale that is taking place in an increasingly frenetic manner. Adaptability and agility, in fact, are viable only if the company’s basal metabolism is efficient, functional and leaves room for broader strategies. Then, by following a well-defined strategy, it is possible to create the true resilient enterprise, with actions on the strategic and managerial levels. This involves having responsiveness to events, including market events, and ensuring that the company can continue to operate in the face of adversity. In all these steps, Digital plays a key role, both from an infrastructure perspective and, for example, from that of global visibility into the company’s performance, which is essential for making data-driven and timely decisions.
The first level of resilience: preparing robust and reliable systems and platforms
As digital transformation reshapes industries, companies must adapt their underlying IT platforms to remain competitive. For example, a properly configured cloud platform can provide the agility and flexibility needed to respond quickly to new opportunities, while a blockchain applied to document management can provide a secure and tamper-proof foundation for critical digital interactions. These are two simple examples, but they make it clear that the first step in creating a resilient enterprise must be to build a solid foundation on which to support the higher levels of strategy.
The second level of resilience: preparing for a future increasingly marked by change
We have mentioned, and it is a common experience for all entrepreneurs, how changes are increasingly sudden. The future for companies that want to ensure their survival in the market is mainly through resilience gained through agility, flexibility and timely decision-making. For example, servitization, the transformation of product-based activities into service-based activities, is one way to achieve this. The ability to make data-driven decisions is also critical to creating a resilient business. By preparing for change, companies can ensure their survival in a changing environment. This second phase is undoubtedly more impactful, also and especially on the business mindset: this is precisely why the adoption of advanced technology solutions is not enough: it is also necessary to work on change management, the management of change at all levels of the company.
Transforming the company into a resilient enterprise: a holistic approach
Companies, especially manufacturing companies, are under pressure to become more agile and data driven to meet changing market demands. To survive and thrive in the digital age, manufacturers must embrace digital transformation, not just, as we have seen, in terms of technologies and solutions.
A holistic approach to digital transformation can help manufacturers become more resilient companies. By adopting a culture of data and investing in production systems that are able to use information as an asset, manufacturers can improve their ability to respond to changes in the market and customer needs.
Digital transformation can be challenging, but it is essential for manufacturers who want to remain competitive in the digital age. By adopting a holistic approach, it is possible to address this change with a good success rate, orchestrating innovation and acceptance of change as indispensable requirements to stay in the market.
The 21st century has seen a considerable increase in the frequency and severity of events with repercussions on a global scale, as everyone has also witnessed in recent years. No company is immune from the effects of these events, both in the contingency and in the long term. To survive and thrive in this new era of uncertainty, companies must become more resilient.
The servitization, for example, is one way in which companies can become more resilient. Also known as data-driven digital manufacturing, servitization is the process of using data to improve the efficiency and quality of products and services. Using digital technologies, manufacturers can obtain real-time data on processes, enabling them to adapt quickly to changes in demand or supply.
The benefits of servitization go beyond increased resilience. Digital manufacturing also enables companies to customize their products and services to meet the specific needs of their customers.
Why digital transformation is necessary for resilient enterprises
In conclusion, digital transformation is a necessary step for companies to become more resilient. It enables them to be more agile and adapt more quickly to changing environments. In addition, digital transformation can help businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency, creating new revenue streams and increasing growth and competitiveness.
What benefits can digitization bring to your business? Contact us to receive a free consultation and learn more about the opportunities of Digital Transformation.
