Assess Infrastructure Readiness for Digital Transformation
There are many challenges for I&O when it comes to digital transformation, including:
- Legacy infrastructure technical debt
- Skills and talent in the IT team
- A culture that resists change
- Fear of job loss
These and many more will hinder your progress, which demonstrates the need to invest in modernizing your infrastructure, investing in training and hiring talent, and cultivating a culture that supports digital transformation.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
By using the framework of culture, competencies, collaboration and capabilities, organizations can create dimensions in their I&O structure in order to shift from traditional infrastructure management to becoming a strategic enabler, driving agility, innovation, and operational excellence though the effective integration of people, process, and technology.
Impact and Result
By driving a customer-centric approach, delivering a successful transformation can be tailored to the business goals and drive adoption and engagement. Refining your roadmap through data and analytics will drive this change. Use third-party expertise to guide your transformation and help build that vision of the future.
Assess Infrastructure Readiness for Digital Transformation Research & Tools
Besides the small introduction, subscribers and consulting clients within this management domain have access to:
1. Assess Infrastructure Readiness for Digital Transformation – Unlock the full potential of your infrastructure with a digital transformation strategy and clear the barriers for success.
- Assess Infrastructure Readiness for Digital Transformation Storyboard
- I&O Digital Transformation Maturity Assessment Tool
Infographic
Further reading
Assess Infrastructure Readiness for Digital Transformation
Unlock the full potential of your infrastructure with a digital transformation strategy and clear the barriers to success.
Analyst Perspective
It’s not just about the technology!
Many businesses fail in their endeavors to complete a digital transformation, but the reasons are complex, and there are many ways to fail, whether it is people, process, or technology. In fact, according to many surveys, 70% of digital transformations fail, and it’s mainly down to strategy – or the lack thereof.
A lot of organizations think of digital transformation as just an investment in technology, with no vision of what they are trying to achieve or transform. So, out of the gate, many organizations fail to undergo a meaningful transformation, change their business model, or bring about a culture of digital transformation needed to be seriously competitive in their given market.
When it comes to I&O leaders who have been given a mandate to drive digital transformation projects, they still must align to the vision and mission of the organization; they must still train and hire staff that will be experts in their field; they must still drive process improvements and align the right technology to meet the needs of a digital transformation.
John Donovan
Principal Research Director, I&O
Info-Tech Research Group
Insight summary
Overarching insight
Digital transformation requires I&O teams to shift from traditional infrastructure management to becoming a strategic enabler, driving agility, innovation, and operational excellence through effective integration of people, process, and technology.
Insight 1
Collaboration is a key component of I&O – Promote strong collaboration between I&O and other business functions. When doing a digital transformation, it is clear that this is a cross-functional effort. Business leaders and IT teams need to align their objectives, prioritize initiatives, and ensure that you are seamlessly integrating technologies with the new business functions.
Insight 2
Embrace agility and adaptability as core principles – As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is paramount that I&O leaders are agile and adaptable to changing business needs, adopting new technology and implementing new innovative solutions. The culture of continuous improvement and openness to experimentation and learning will assist the I&O leaders in their journey.
Insight 3
Future-proof your infrastructure and operations – By anticipating emerging technologies and trends, you can proactively plan and organize your team for future needs. By investing in scalable, flexible infrastructure such as cloud services, automation, AI technologies, and continuously upskilling the IT staff, you can stay relevant and forward-looking in the digital space.
Tactical insight
An IT infrastructure maturity assessment is a foundational step in the journey of digital transformation. The demand will be on performance, resilience, and scalability. IT infrastructure must be able to support innovation and rapid deployment of services.
Tactical insight
Having a clear strategy, with leadership commitment along with hiring and training the right people, monitoring and measuring your progress, and ensuring it is a business-led journey will increase your chances of success.
Executive Summary
Your ChallengeThere are a lot of challenges for I&O when it comes to digital transformation, including:
These and many more will hinder your progress, which demonstrates the need to invest in modernizing your infrastructure, investing in training and hiring talent, and cultivating a culture that supports digital transformation. |
Common ObstaclesMany obstacles to digital transformation begin with non-I&O activities, including:
By addressing these obstacles, I&O will have a better chance of a successful transformation and delivering the full potential of digital technologies. |
Info-Tech's ApproachBuilding a culture of innovation by developing clear goals and creating a vision will be key.
By completing the Info-Tech digital readiness questionnaire, you will see where you are in terms of maturity and areas you need to concentrate on. |
Info-Tech Insight
By driving a customer-centric approach, delivering a successful transformation can be tailored to the business goals and drive adoption and engagement. Refining your roadmap through data and analytics will drive this change. Use third-party expertise to guide your transformation and help build that vision of the future.
The cost of digital transformation
The challenges that stand in the way of your success, and what is needed to reverse the risk
What CIOs are saying about their challenges
26% of those CIOs surveyed cite resistance to change, with entrenched viewpoints demonstrating a real need for a cultural shift to enhance the digital transformation journey.
Source: Prophet, 2019.
70% of digital transformation projects fall short of their objectives – even when their leadership is aligned, often with serious consequences.
Source: BCG, 2020.
Having a clear strategy and commitment from leadership, hiring and training the right people, monitoring and measuring your progress, and ensuring it is a business-led journey will increase your chances of success.
Info-Tech InsightCultural change, business alignment, skills training, and setting a clear strategy with KPIs to demonstrate success are all key to being successful in your digital journey.
Small and medium-sized enterprises
What business owners and CEOs are saying about their digital transformation
57% of small business owners feel they must improve their IT infrastructure to optimize their operations.
Source: SMB Story, 2023.
64% of CEOs believe driving digital transformation at a rapid pace is critical to attracting and retaining talent and customers.
Source: KPMG, 2022.
Info-Tech Insight
An IT infrastructure maturity assessment is a foundational step in the journey of digital transformation. The demand will be on performance, resilience, and scalability. IT infrastructure must be able to support innovation and rapid deployments.