Digital transformation is not an IT issue – it’s a business issue

Everyone knows that digitalisation will change everything. Fewer know how to actually tackle the new opportunities. Despite the fact that the technology already exists, and that most management teams see digital transformation as a key to future competitiveness, many companies hesitate to take the leap.

Hard systems don’t solve soft problems

Why? Perhaps because people are still waiting for a finished, simple solution – something that can be installed and rolled out without disrupting the business. But that solution does not exist. To succeed with digital transformation requires a different approach – and it does not start with IT.

Why IT and business often speak different languages

Many consultants and IT companies talk about platforms, systems and technical implementations before they have even understood the customer's real challenges. At the same time, few customers have a clear picture of how modern technology – such as AI, automation and data analysis – can actually create business value. This creates a gap between growth goals and the potential of modern technology.

While management focuses on business results, competitiveness and efficiency, the IT team talks about systems, architecture and code. The result is that digitalisation initiatives often end up in a vacuum – with no clear connection to the business needs, without the right anchoring in the organisation, and without delivering the value one had hoped for.

Start now, with business goals as your compass

For digital transformation to create real business value, we need to turn the perspective around. Digitalisation should always start with the business challenges. Which processes can be streamlined? What competitive advantages can we create? How can we develop new revenue streams? Once these questions have been answered, we can look for the right technology – not the other way around.

It is time to stop refining strategies and waiting for ready-made solutions. Start here and now – with business goals as a compass. Identify the key challenges, understand what creates value, and then build the right digital solutions to get you there. Those who start now will gain a lead that is hard to catch up with.