Digital transformation: it’s not new!

Everyone has experienced numerous digital transformations in recent years, and today, digital transformation has become a hot topic in the business world.

However, it would be interesting to view digital transformation differently. Couldn’t we think of this process in terms of “the evolution of professions supported by information technologies”?

Why this thought?

Because “transformation” suggests a shift from the old to the new, whereas in reality, it is more about continuous evolution. Furthermore, the term “digital” emphasises the means rather than the objective, which is the improvement of our organisations, our offerings, and our business models through technology.

Digital transformation is constant and not new

Let’s take three examples to illustrate this evolutionary process.

In the financial sector

A common example is the need to shorten the time required to obtain consolidated financial reports. This new requirement, after analysis, might lead to the deployment of an ERP (allowing the integration of your accounting with all your transactions) or an EPM (to automate your consolidation)…

In the supply chain sector

Another example we have known since the beginning of computing is the optimisation of inventory management. Forty years ago, we wanted just-in-time flow… It was MRP (Material Requirements Planning), then we wanted to calculate taking capacities into account… it was MRP II…

The professions then wanted stronger and real-time traceability. IoT (Internet of Things) allowed us to geolocate or measure temperature in real-time. Today, following COVID and supply disruptions, new algorithms including “buffer stocks” have emerged to mitigate any supply chain disruptions with DDMRP (Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning)… Once again, we find them in our IT tools.

In the administrative sector

A final example: a few years ago, we had secretaries to type our meeting minutes. Then, everyone wanted and could type their notes in a word processor. Now, we have systems that record dialogue and others that perform speech recognition and transcription.

Finally, AI helps us create a summary or even an action plan… If we add a bit of automation to all this – at the end of the meeting, the minutes are ready, the task list is too, for review and validation!

These examples highlight an essential point: we have all been part of this continuous evolution for over 50 years, using IT to help us with our daily tasks.

Acceleration yes, novelty no!

In this sense, talking about “digital transformation” means talking about an acceleration of evolution, not a novelty. Indeed, what has changed in recent years is the speed of technological innovations. 

IT has taken a new leap in the last 10 years with, among other things:

– The arrival of new data collection methods via the Internet of Things (IoT), for example,

– Significant computing and storage power that continues to grow,

– New applications from AI or virtual reality, allowing contextual rendering more easily,

Our current challenge is to have an open dialogue between what the professions desire – what IT knows or can do in its processes, today and tomorrow. This implies knowing how new processes will fit into what will likely become a new organisation.

Digital transformation must be led by the professions, for the professions, with the help of IT tools.

The success of digital transformation relies primarily on the clear definition of needs, which must be done before determining the tools and technologies that will enable it!

Ad Valoris : your partner for digital transformation

At Ad Valoris, we adopt a simple and pragmatic approach, putting the means at the service of the pursued goal.

We help you clearly express your needs and desires for change. With our expertise, we then assist you in finding the best solutions for your new processes.

Are you ready to start your own evolution? Contact us today.

4 characteristics of digital transformation

1. Perspective on digital transformation
   Digital transformation, often perceived as a novelty, is in reality a continuous evolution of professions supported by information technologies. The term “transformation” suggests a radical change, but it is more about constant progression.
2. Historical illustrations
   The article provides three concrete examples of this evolution in the fields of finance, supply chain, and administration. These examples show how IT has been used to improve and optimise business processes for over 50 years.
3. Technological acceleration
   What has changed recently is the speed of technological innovations, particularly with the advent of IoT, increased computing power, and the emergence of AI and virtual reality. These innovations have led to an acceleration of evolution but not a radically new transformation.
4. Role of professions and importance of defining needs
   The success of digital transformation relies on a good definition of business needs. It must be led by the professions, for the professions, with the support of IT tools. Technology must serve business objectives and not the other way around.