Understanding the role of infrastructure is integral to mapping out a strategy for digital transformation. Having access to data insights requires a knowledge of the systems carrying this information. While every business has a subjective approach to their digital transformation strategy, understanding the importance of reliable connectivity across networks is an essential first step in the journey.

Identifying a long-term plan and outlining the assets required

A true digital transformation requires a cohesive and strategic company-wide plan. This means outlining and understanding anticipated goals such as cost, performance, security and management. Once these principles are defined, transformation leaders should take inventory of all current network assets. It is key that an enterprise identify whether the assets on hand will be of use in the final product of their digital transformation. Leaders need to identify which parts of their existing infrastructure can be updated or used as they are.

By distinguishing these resources, companies can then determine what they can build internally, what will need to be acquired and what can be developed through strategic partnerships to successfully update their infrastructure with minimal interruption of connectivity.

Today, many organizations have a common misconception and hesitancy around the digital transformation process, fearing it will be destructive and inconvenient. However, implementing a new infrastructure doesn’t need to be a demolition project and it doesn’t need to interrupt the daily functions within a company. To avoid any disruption in efficiency, preparation is key. By methodically going through the process step-by-step, leaders can ensure seamless changeover and minimize disorder or any issues with connectivity during this change.

Another successful strategy is to deploy connective solutions through pilots or phased roll-outs across an enterprise. This process allows leaders to slowly assess the network needs of the organization and pinpoint issues in an isolated scenario as the company changes over their infrastructure. This approach allows organizations to troubleshoot their plan on a small scale, enabling them to then roll-out the new network quickly and efficiently company-wide once ready. Methodically identifying a long-term strategy and understanding the assets needed to put it into action will ultimately facilitate a seamless transformation.

Diversifying and restructuring talent

Just as an antiquated infrastructure can cause latency in communication or slow efficiency across a business, a workforce lacking experience with these new technologies can create delays in productivity. As these changes occur across an enterprise, roles and functions within the business will inevitably shift. Companies who undergo a digital change will need to recruit workers with the skills to support their new capabilities. On-boarding experts in machine learning and data science, and educating existing staff members are essential for a smooth transition onto a new system.

Oftentimes, as staff members are trained to understand the new capabilities available to them, their roles and responsibilities will change as well. For example, new digital applications may automate certain functions that were previously handled manually. With more efficient systems in place, employees can shift their focus to different areas of need within the business – ultimately generating efficiency and developing new capacities.

A workforce that has been equipped with digital skill-sets such as machine learning and data science opens an enterprise to greater potential for change. With access to the tools, talents and understanding of these technologies, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of tomorrow’s digital landscape. Looking forward, systems will continue to adapt with the market, ultimately making every business a digital one to some extent. Staffing an enterprise with talented individuals who can identify and troubleshoot these changes, will best position the organization for long term success.

In our digital economy, being adaptive is essential for companies to keep a competitive edge on the market, and organizations require the connective capabilities to accommodate their customers’ needs. As businesses implement new infrastructures and networks, they’ll need new strategies to utilize them. Starting with a base understanding of the connective needs for data aggregation, companies who create new road maps and diversify their staff will see the greatest success as they transform into a digital enterprise.