More companies are adding digital technologies to their organizational mix, but in many cases, their results don’t live up to the hype.
With all the talk about digital transformation, you would think everybody’s doing it, and doing it right. The reality is that’s far from the truth.
“Research shows that 77.3% of CIOs recognize that digital transformation is important and want to improve ROI by automating the next most easily automated task – yet their efforts are frequently disappointing,” says Keith Perrin, Industry Director for Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.
In fact, using the criteria for success that reality meets expectations, research has found that 84% of companies fail at their transformation attempts. So, why is this happening and what is Hexagon doing to help?
“One of our best practices is that we engage with customers in a rather different way than most traditional solution sales teams have done. We start by articulating what should be keeping them up at night as they drive forward with solutions and processes that they need to be successful,” says Perrin. “This practice requires identifying and prioritizing the various needs behind the transformation. What problems does the customer wrestle with on a regular basis that is causing them to explore new technologies? Just as important, what obstacles might stand in the way of implementing those technologies? What is the final goal?”
“Fundamentally, we’re starting out with a customer problem and an intent, which we can then build into a solution in phases,” says Nick Baldwin, Regional Director, Hexagon Xalt Solutions. “At the end of the day, we’re connecting processes and integrating measurement and machine data from various sources to drive value, whether it’s in design and engineering, production, factory operations, quality management and even the service of the offerings themselves.”
While it’s natural to get excited about new possibilities, forging a new path often means starting small and moving forward incrementally. Solve one problem using best practices for change management and then move on to the next problem. Communicate clearly to the entire organization, so everyone understands where they fit in the overall digital transformation journey. This will smooth each transition as the entire organization transforms into a smart manufacturing enterprise.
Using one example, a customer might communicate the need to digitalize procurement, quality inspection and payroll. Hexagon can digitalize those processes one by one, and simply integrate them into existing workflows, and support customers every step of the way. Using another example, a customer might need to raise quality, reduce costs and bring transparency to connected production systems. They might begin with Q-DAS Process Control and SFx Powered by Xalt. When this is complete, they can move on to solve administrative and logistical issues, such as payroll or procurement.
The bottom line is that customers and providers need to focus on critical issues, collect the right information and choose a tailored, scalable solution to avoid the 84% trap and achieve a digital transformation that meets – and exceeds – all expectations.
Explore the many ways Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence solutions and Xalt apps can accelerate your digital transformation. Visit hexagonmi.com and hexagonxalt.com.
