As a transformation lead, you may feel the demand for a business transformation process is obvious. However, you must demonstrate the benefits to the wider organisation. Here, we explore why you need to build a case for business transformation and the steps to take.

Why you must build a case for a business transformation

A key part of your role is convincing your organisation that business transformation is beneficial, as well as managing the process. That applies whether you’re a more experienced transformation director or starting out.

Gaining agreement to change can be difficult; you may have to overcome resistance and strong opinions. You’re likely to need financial investment, support, or resource – probably all three – to make the transformation process happen. A well-considered and argued case is the first step in the journey.

Three steps to building your case

Your case should capture the business need for a transformation process: what’s the ultimate benefit? Will it lead to better performance and improve customer satisfaction? Or will it mean quicker processes, reduced costs or minimised risks?

1. Quantify and define the problem

Clearly quantify and define the challenge or problem you need to solve. Process mining, mapping and modelling will help you demonstrate this.

Defining processes from end to end provides a detailed understanding of how your organisation works. Extracting and analysing the data tells you a lot about where costs are, how processes are running, and how resources are being used. This accurate picture means you can highlight inefficiencies to eliminate, or best practice to follow.

2. Demonstrate gains and outline risks

Once you’ve identified the challenge, explain what the business would gain from changing the way things are done. And what it could lose by failing to act.

Target operating model design enables you to outline your ideal model based on your business needs. Highlighting quantifiable measures, like cost savings and turnover gains, will strengthen your case for a business transformation. Show how these will outweigh the cost of the change process.

3. Present your vision of the post-transformation future

Transformation maps help present solutions and show your vision of the change. They reveal how your activity can achieve the change. It’s also possible to use digital twins to create a virtual copy of your organisation and how your initiative will improve the business.

Example of a transformation map

Source: BusinessOptix

Ready to find out more?

We are a business transformation consultancy. We have the tools, people and expertise to support you through the entire business transformation process. In partnership with the BusinessOptix platform, we can help you identify process problems, define goals, model scenarios and much more. Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.

You may also like