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A helpful guide to create a digital transformation framework

by Casey Schmidt  |  December 30, 2019

3 min. read
An outline of a building.

A digital transformation framework is necessary to guide each department of a company into a new technological age. Going about a transformation without one could leave a lot of team members within a company confused. Here’s a helpful guide that explains what a framework is, how to build one and why you need one.

What is a digital transformation framework?

To understand what the framework is for, you first need to know what it’s a part of. A digital transformation is the changing of existing enterprise procedures from traditional formats into new digital technologies. It is a company change that affects each department and upgrades their physical formats into digital.

By this logic then, a digital transformation framework is an outline for how an enterprise should react and behave throughout the entire time where they are adding to or changing their current business procedures. The actual framework is used like a device by an entire company, helping each team member in the organization be in the know.

Two workers create an outline on a whiteboard.
A transformation provides a lot of benefits.

Why is a digital transformation framework necessary?

Companies are quickly adapting to new technology by implementing digital transformations. These transformations happen fast, leaving teams scrambling to keep up. Company leaders and admins are also not always transparent and forthcoming about their plans, intentions and goals concerning the new transformation.

This is what makes a transformation framework so important. Think of the framework like a detailed strategy that all members of a company have access to. It offers guidance to each department, filling everyone in on what to expect, what will change and what to do when it all happens. A digital transformation is like a plan taken one step further. It is an all-encompassing plan and guideline for an entire company to follow in order to succeed.

A sign that says 'instructions' being written by a hand.
Frameworks provide strategy to teams.

How to build a successful outline

The first thing to remember (and this is often forgotten) is to set a goal of some sort. What do you want to get out of your framework? This extends further than what you want it to do on a basic level. Instead, it should expand upon how you can create a framework that truly captures the goals and values of the company.

The next step should involve other members of the organization. Figure out how everyone will be affected and in what ways they can be included. Engage them in the discussion of the framework and its implementation. Get their feedback. Remember that each department will have members capable of great insight for the framework. Use it to your advantage.

Finally, there has to be a concrete plan in place for future transformations. Obviously, a digital transformation spans more than just a few months. It usually is never-ending, especially for companies trying to stay cutting-edge. Since this is the case, you’re going to need a framework that details further than the implementation phase. Make sure it extends into a maintenance phase of your plans and addresses future concerns. Technology is constantly changing.

Make your digital transformation smooth for all involved by laying out a solid framework. It will save time and ensure the process goes over successfully throughout each department.