3 reasons enterprises fail at digital adoption (and how you can succeed)

Believe it or not, numerous enterprises still operations - internal or external – in essentially the Paleolithic era. While we do understand the initial inertia such companies may face when it comes to transforming digitally, research has shown that the top benefits of digital transformation (from transitioning your data to the cloud to creating an app) are improved operational efficiency, faster time to market and the ability to meet customer expectations.

According to Tech Pro Research Survey 2018:

·         56% of CEOs say digital improvements have led to increased revenue.

·         Digitally mature companies are 23% more profitable than their less mature peers.

·         Digital-first companies are 64% more likely to achieve their business goals than their peers.

·         Digital transformation and a focus on customer experience can generate a 20-30% increase in customer satisfaction and economic gains of 20-50%.

We can tell you from our own experience of transforming hundreds of businesses year after year that if there is, in fact, a shortcut to success, then digital adoption is definitely a part of it. If you are an enterprise that is struggling to cope with the evolving business landscape, but could use some convincing, then download our newest free eBook called the State of Mobile in 2020. You’ll thank us later.

Let’s now talk about another type of enterprise; the one that may be in the process of digitally transforming, but losing hope and momentum fast. According to Forbes, up to 84% of companies fail at digital transformation! So, if you are in this category, then we understand your frustration better than anyone else. Let’s delve a little deeper into 3 reasons why enterprises fail at digital adoption and how you can succeed.

The three biggest reasons enterprises could fail at digital adoption

# 1.  Not letting go of legacy systems and processes

Don’t get us wrong; we are all about legacies. But sometimes legacies that helped your business thrive in the past become outdated. The world is evolving faster than ever and in order to stay in the game, you will need to reflect and evaluate every now and then, if your legacy becomes a burden instead of being an asset. Getting out from under your legacy system at the right time is essential to building yourself up in our digital world and staying relevant. This digital transformation ends up requiring not just innovation and perseverance, but in most cases, a lot of money, time and resources.

# 2. Transforming in a silo

A few years ago, American car company, Ford, attempted to digitally transform by creating a new segment called Ford Smart Mobility. The goal was to build digitally enabled cars with enhanced mobility. Unfortunately, this new segment wasn’t integrated into the rest of the company and lacked cohesion with other units. The brand lost too much money and its stock price took a dive. Not long after, the CEO (at the time) stepped down.

Truth be told, most companies that do manage to digitally transform, tend to overlook one of the most crucial elements of success that is employee training and 360-degree integration, which leads to an overwhelming need for IT support, wasted resources, user frustration, stress and low productivity.

# 3. Transforming for the sake of change

Any transformative efforts undertaken by an enterprise must focus on how it will provide meaningful value for your employees and customers. Most enterprises make the mistake of focusing on quantity instead of quality. They start out with a focus, but end up digressing significantly during the software development process, ending up with technology that is either too complicated or too scattered to yield much benefit. Others struggle to navigate the software, capital and technology required. They end up fearing the failure of their idea, their business and their ability to maintain profitability. This cycle of fear is followed by inertia that leads to wasted human potential on an epic scale.

Here’s how your enterprise can succeed at digital transformation

Let go of legacies that don’t serve you anymore, integrate digital transformation efforts with the rest of the company, and most importantly, choose the right transformation partner.

Four years ago, we started out with a dream to be the connection between every great idea and a fully realized product. The mission was - and still is - to empower everyone to build their ideas. This is because only a few people ever manage to successfully take their idea to a live software product. 

Why? Software development has always meant innumerable other challenges, such as delivering on time, creating flawless products, deciding on fair pricing and safeguarding the idea. Many people with a software idea get overwhelmed by the tech knowledge and money needed to build it. In a majority of the cases, the idea stops there. Most of the time, entrepreneurs rely on word of mouth or Google for the best vendors and, with no or little knowledge in coding, the fear of getting fleeced can linger.

Builder.ai was built keeping in mind every single one of the challenges we’ve talked about today, that faced by start-ups and enterprises alike during digital transformation and are proud to have delivered some phenomenal products since. Check out some of our most proud projects here.

Our Builder promise to you is we’ll stick with you that no matter what to create and pivot your businesses towards success. We, at Builder.ai, make software development as easy as ordering pizza for individuals and enterprises alike. We don’t just do app development, either! With our other products including Builder Cloud and Builder Care, we help thousands of businesses build, run and scale successful ideas. Want to learn more?

Sign up to our innovative Builder Live virtual event weekly on Wednesdays here in case you’d like a free virtual demo from our expert team and kickstart your digital transformation.

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