The myths about "Digitalization" and "Digital Transformation"

1. The myths about
„Digitalization“ vs. „Digital Transformation“
A short description of the REAL world… and a less “theoretical point of
view” by
NINO MESSAOUD

2. Definitions
• Already existing processes are going to be
digitalized
• Eg. Receipt of invoices, quoting, offer
tracking etc.
• The digitalization could be a very first step
in the roadmap to a successful  digital
transformation to catch the „low hanging
fruits“
• The DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION contains in
general the development & implementation
of NEW digital business models
• Eg. To collect & digitalize employee &
product knowledge and to provide the
digital knowledge as a paid value-add
services to your customers

3. MYTH 1 – The „right“
technology is the deal maker
• „Digitalization“ as well as the „Digital
Transformation“ is in the first run NOT a
technology discussion. It‘s not important which
technologies & applications you have today in use!

4. MYTH 2 – Your existing IT
is far to old
• You don‘t have to rebuild your entire IT. It‘s far
more important to define, what you want to
achieve when & how. We always talk & think
about processes…not about technologies !!!

5. MYTH 3 – the “Experts”
• Lots of people call themselves “Expert” in
„Digitalization“ etc. Ask your expert, in how many
industries / companies he/she has implemented a
real IT-based change with lasting positive business
KPIs?

6. MYTH 4 – Just to start…
• WHERE shall be your organization in a period of x months,
years etc. ?
HOW will your market change (increase / decrease) in the
future?
WHAT differs your organization from your competitors today &
tomorrow ?
WHY should your customers stay?

7. MYTHOS 5 – You can’t ask your
customers…
• If you have no ideas about your future business…ask your
customers! Change your customers to become  supporters
without trying to sell them something. Ask your customers what do
they REALLY expect from you (collaboration, products, services
etc.) and don’t let your sales-teams ask them. If it’s not sales, you’ll
get different answers… you bet….

8. Conclusion…
• “Digitalization” or “Digital Transformation” is fundamental and without
alternatives.
• The right question is: What will happen if you don’t change anything and
you continue as you did for the last years / decades? Expecting that
markets – and the world – is not changing at all!
• Lots of companies & Entrepreneurs do believe to know, what their
customers really want. But how to know that in detail? I can strongly
recommend to talk to your customers, suppliers directly about their real
expectations (you will be surprised…it will not end-up in a typical “price
discussion”). This will lead your organization out of the typical price
discussions, because together with your customers & suppliers, you are
able to deliver real value-add services to all involved parties.

9. NO MYTH !!