2020 has been a year full of change and turmoil. What does this mean for the future of digital transformation in 2021 and beyond? This video explains.
These are the technology-agnostic predictions and trends that you need to be ready for as you navigate your ERP, HCM, CRM, supply chain management, or digital transformation journey.
#10: Remote workforce will become normal
Eric Kimberling, CEO and founder of Third Stage Consulting, says having a remote workforce is going to become somewhat normal in 2021. He expects this to continue for part of 2021.
“What we learn is that many organizations are able to operate, function and thrive with remote workforce,” he added.
#9: Acceleration of cloud adoption
With more remote workers, globally dispersed supply chains, and data distributed among multiple systems, cloud ERP systems are becoming a necessity.
#8: Cybersecurity will become more important
Organizations will need to tighten the security of their systems and data in order to effectively manage remote workforces and teams of the future.
#7: Flexibility will become key
Rigid and inflexible systems of the past won’t cut it in 2021 and beyond, so be sure to implement digital transformation solutions and organizational competencies that provide the flexibility to change your business model as it evolves.
#6: Program management will be a high-demand skill
The most effective organizations will be the ones that can manage entire transformations well, whether those initiatives involve massive organizational changes, operating model enhancements, and/or new technologies.
#5: System integrator challenges will continue
Be sure to hedge your bets by building internal competencies and considering alternatives to the traditional systems integrators.
#4: Organizations will become more decisive and will take more ownership of their transformations
Firms that deploy independent transformation quality assurance programs will excel over counterparts that operate with outdated and ineffective governance models.
#3: Risk mitigation will become a hot commodity
Rather than asking the fox to guard the henhouse by having your technical implementers self-assess their own risk, more forward-thinking organizations are finding new ways to identify and mitigate risk.
#2: Digital transformation strategy will be a differentiator
A good digital strategy should clearly define the people, process, and technology aspects of change. Rather than myopically focusing on selecting and implementing a single enterprise technology (such as one of the top ERP systems or CRM systems), more effective digital strategies provide a clear roadmap for broader transformation.
#1: Change management will be more important than ever
Transformations of today are more likely to result in more material operational and organizational changes, which underscores the importance of organizational change management.
Important in 2021
“If there are two words to describe the state of transformation in 2021, they are change and flexibility. Achieving these two goals will require relentless focus and unwavering control of your transformation initiatives,” concluded Kimberling.
