You’ve identified the need for a business transformation process, so surely you should start as soon as possible? Obviously it’s not as simple as that. For the best chance of success, make sure you’ve answered these five questions first.

1. What do I want to achieve?

The answer to this isn’t ‘improve everything about my business’ – even if you think everything does genuinely need improving! Don’t try and do too much at once; focus and prioritise should be your watchwords. Make sure your business transformation is in line with your strategy and is driving that forward.

Try this: based on your business needs, you can create a target operating model (TOM) to outline your ideal future state. This will allow you to align processes, strategies, and workflows to improve efficiency or decrease risk.

Example of a top-level operating model diagram

Example of a top-level operating model diagram

Source: BusinessOptix

2. How will this benefit my business?

This is related to the first question, but takes it a step further. If you can’t clearly define the expected benefits, then you must question why you are starting a transformation process.

Try this: use scenario modelling and simulation to help identify the effects of your proposed changes. It lets you create and trial initiatives safely before deciding whether to roll them out to the wider organisation.

3. How will I measure it?

Often, people start projects without a clear idea of what they want to accomplish. You should have identified the KPIs and benchmarks at the planning stage of your transformation journey. Define what success looks like, so you can quantify it.

Try this: use transformation maps and dashboards to manage and analyse projects, and monitor and communicate progress.

4. Have I got the right resources?

A business transformation process can be costly and time consuming. Consider whether you’ve got the right resources (time, money, skills, systems) to complete the project. You may need to get other teams, like HR or finance, involved early to ensure a smooth journey.

Try this: process mining gives an accurate picture of where and how your business uses various resources.

5. Is this a sustainable transformation?

Will the transformation deliver long-term benefits for the organisation? And, have you got the leadership, skills, and resources to maintain it? Sponsorship and support from your senior team is key in driving and sustaining the effects of a business transformation.

Try this: scenario modelling is useful here, as it will show you the effects of process changes. Plus, producing clear work instructions will help your team engage with the new processes, thereby increasing the chances of success.

For support with your business transformation

As business transformation consultants, we help you ask (and answer) the right questions.

And, to deliver your transformation, we apply the capabilities of BusinessOptix. This diverse platform provides tools to map, adapt, connect and improve your organisation’s operations. For a no-obligation call or demo, contact us today.

You might also like…

Considering a business transformation project? These articles will help get you started: