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A digital transformation ecosystem

ICT companies aspiring to be in the vanguard of digital change need to transform their strategy, operating models and culture. Survival and success require companies to leverage their capabilities, live digital excellence and create long-lasting competitive advantages.

19 Oct 2018

A digital transformation ecosystem

Not too long ago, digital transformation was pushed into the spotlight by new needs and requirements in an increasingly digital world. Digitization affects all aspects of our day lives and reaches into the time we spend at work as well. Digital change is ubiquitous and in the sphere of companies and organizations, leaves no stone unturned. This is particularly relevant for the telecommunications industry, as historical aspects paired with the prevalence of legacy systems and high CapEx prove fruitful ground for transformation projects. Even more than that, being able to adapt to trends and address newly arising challenges is integral to our success. Buzzwords, underlying concepts and related aspects such as Virtualization, edge computing, blockchain, network slicing, cloud computing, Automation, the threat from OTT providers and many more certainly may cause headaches in many organizations. To successfully deal with all relevant aspects, ICT companies aspiring to be in the vanguard of digital change need to transform their strategy, operating models and culture. Survival and success require companies to leverage their capabilities, live digital excellence and create long-lasting competitive advantages. To address these particular challenges and ensure these long-lasting competitive advantages, companies can apply the TM Forum Digital Maturity Assessment or an adjusted, area- or client-specific digital maturity model. The Digital Transformation Ecosystem consists of a solid framework combined with a unique approach and an open solution shaping the digital transformation. In this post, however, I would like to talk about a tailored digital transformation framework, combining proven best practices and utilizing a data-led and technology-enabled approach. In a fast-paced world and industry, digital maturity assessments constitute a great starting point for organizations to evaluate their current state of digital transformation holistically. They are characterized by their high-level structures and applicability separated into multiple lower layers. For example, these layers can consist of a strategy, operating model and cultural layer. Underlying every layer is a data layer in which continuous integration of data into this layer enables drawing efficient and rational conclusions.

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Within the different layers, key aspects are assessed and accompanied by an agile transformation approach while the data layer provides a solid foundation. The iterative nature of this approach allows for multiple assessments aligned with this framework over a specific span of time and enables decision-makers to compare improvements in relevant dimensions and layers. Within the iterations, the agile transformation is structured based on the results of the assessment and includes initiatives such as the setup of a program management to track progress and a change management to develop a clear communication strategy. Along with that, continuous improvement is fostered through a dedicated process and governance structure. Last but not least, success factors relevant for future enhancement as well as equipping the workforce with necessary future-proof skills are considered. Bringing all these elements together and aligning them seamlessly can seem tedious and tricky at first. This is where choosing the right team becomes vital. The open solution for a successful digital transformation emerges from the interaction of four integral key roles. These four roles help companies meet the requirements of a rewarding transformation and are involved in different stages and parts: 1. Cultural Advisor The cultural advisor helps in implementing a culture of transformation and facilitates change. The cultural advisor has substantial experience and knowledge in company culture design and knows how to drive transformation from within. 2. Business Advisor The business advisor readies the organization for the digital transformation and helps adapting business models. The business advisor has substantial experience in digital business transformation and agile approaches. 3. Data Scientist The data scientist analyzes the data received from other roles and gives data-driven recommendations according to analysis results. 4. Industry Body The industry body provides industry-specific knowledge serving as a benchmark for companies choosing to undergo digital transformation. As illustrated, digital transformation encompasses a wide spectrum of functions and aspects within an organization and has a profound impact on it. Businesses that are able to ride the digital wave and position themselves on the forefront of digital change can gain a competitive advantage within their respective markets and set themselves up for future success. Catch my talk at Digital Transformation Asia from November 13th to 15th in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!