A guide to Digital Transformation for busy Managers and Executives in the SME and Micro-enterprise sector.

1. How to prosper in a world
of disruptive change
a 10-minute guide to Digital Transformation for SME decision makers

2. At a glance
SMEs are major contributors to the UK economy.
But they have practical constraints in terms of time, skills and budget.
Which means that there is a real danger that many could be swept
away by the wave of transformational changes that are impacting the
world of business.
So I have written this short guide for busy managers and executives
of SMEs and micro-enterprises.
It explains in simple terms:
• How new technology is shaking up the world of business
• The steps you need to take in order to prevent your business from
becoming a casualty of disruptive change
• The potential benefits of transforming your organisation into a
digital business
• How to make a wise choice when selecting a consulting partner
Bill Harpley
Founder and
Principal Consultant
Naturally, I hope you choose Astius. We can bring the right blend of
vision, pragmatism and technological know-how to your digital
transformation project. But please read on and judge for yourself!
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd215th February 2017

3. The Fourth Industrial Revolution
The world is experiencing an
unprecedented wave of economic
and technological change.
• Do you understand the impact this
will have on your career and your
business?
• Do you have a strategy in place to
take advantage of the amazing
opportunities that will arise over
the next decade?
• Have you any idea what will happen
if you don’t have a strategy?
If you answered ‘No’ to any of the
above questions, this briefing will
help you prepare your business for
the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd315th February 2017

4. A trail of disruption
Whole industries have been impacted by a wave of disruptive players.
Are you ready for this?
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd415th February 2017

5. Are you ready for the challenge?
According to a recent study by Microsoft 1
1. 44% of business leaders who were interviewed
expected their business models to be obsolete
within 5 years
2. There is widespread expectation among
business leaders that their industry will be
disrupted within the next 2 years
3. It is thought that about half of senior managers
are unable or unwilling to make the necessary
changes to their business which would allow it to
prosper and compete in the future
(1) Digital Transformation: the Age of Innocence, Inertia or Transformation?, Microsoft, 2016
Do you recognise any of these sentiments?
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd515th February 2017

6. Your digital journey
DENIAL AWARENESS ACHIEVEMENT
“It won’t happen to me.”
“It’s all HYPE. Just ignore it!”
“We’re doing OK, so why worry?.”
“Our competitors are racing
ahead! We need to catch up.”
“What about these new technologies? ”
“We need a programme
of change. ”
“We’re pushing ahead with
our new business strategy.”
“Investment in skills and technology
is starting to pay dividends.”
“Customers are delighted
by our new range of products.”
Where are you on your journey towards digital business transformation?
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd615th February 2017

7. The keys to business survival
Invest in new
technologies
Upskill your
workforce
Place good Design
at the heart of
your business
Rethink how you
create value
Be open to new
business
partnerships
Exploit new
market
opportunities
These are the keys to
digital transformation
You can use these
six factors to
benchmark your
progress towards
becoming a truly
Digital Business
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd715th February 2017

8. Choose your strategy
START
HERE
STAGNATION
SURVIVAL
GROWTH
Deny change
Accept change
Embrace change
Risk of going bust
Create new digital
products and services
for customers
Create new digital
products and services
for customers
Leverage fresh
capabilities to enter
new markets
You’ve run
out of options
You’ve made
progress but your
options are limited
You’ve maximised
your range of
opportunities
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd815th February 2017

9. Reap the rewards of success
Increased
Revenues
Greater
Customer
Satisfaction
Highly Skilled
Workforce
Agile Business
Processes
Growth
Mindset
Improved
Decision
Outcomes
Enhanced
Business
Efficiency
Greater Brand
Value
These are just some of the glittering prizes which can arise
from successful transformation to a truly Digital Business.
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd915th February 2017

10. Failure is always an option
1. Identify beneficial technologies
2. Envision the future of your business
- Develop a new market strategy
- Design your business models
- Develop new products and services
3. Train your workforce in new skills
4. Design agile business processes
5. Implement chosen technologies
6. Integrate people, processes & technology
7. Monitor progress towards desired goals
We never said it would
be easy …
Go it alone if you want to.
• But remember that failure is
always an option!
• A skilled consultant can bring
vision, impartiality and vital
expertise to the project
But which partner to choose?
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd1015th February 2017

11. Why choose
Astius Technology
for your project?
Choose a consulting partner
Expertise in new technologies
which benefit your business
Three things to look for Three things to avoid
Visionary
thinking
Narrow focus on current
generation of technologies
Holistic approach to integrating
people, technology & processes
Clear vision of how digital technology
can transform business prospects
Evangelical zeal for technology
“solutions” and software “apps”
Lacks candour and tells you only
what they think you want to hear
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd1115th February 2017
Brilliant
technology
Design for
people
Business
focused

12. Act now to secure the future of your business
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd1215th February 2017
Get in touch
01273 906507
bill.harpley@astius.co.uk
Is your business
ready to prosper
in a world of
disruptive change?
Together, we can
make it happen.
So call us now to
discuss the future
of your business.
The child becomes the man, innocence becomes experience
and the foolish conceits of youth evolve into wisdom.
But for all this knowledge, the only certain way to predict
the future is to create it. – Bill Harpley

13. Advanced System Technologies
in Urban Spaces™
©2017 Astius Technology Systems Ltd1315th February 2017