Digital transformation calls for more than just technology. The term may bring to mind a dazzling AI-robotic future – but it’s more about technology’s ability to optimize and interconnect your business functions. While perhaps an overused expression, digital transformation refers to the opportunity to reshape your organization and modernize business processes – which will influence the way your employees work together. It can improve and expand your products and services – and establish your customer as the primary focus of everything you do. Cloud-based MIS/ERP tailored to the print industry has brought in great new affordability and flexibility, presenting a chance to make some fundamental, long-lasting improvements.

Customers have more power of choice these days. The ubiquity of the internet has given them the possibility to switch vendors with a few mere clicks. Modern customers also bring higher expectations for issues such as proactivity, transparency, speed, clarity and quality. The pressure to provide your customer a good experience is higher than ever, as any mistake or bad experience can (and likely will) be quickly shared with the public via social media and review websites.

For all companies who are putting their customers and prospects at the heart of the organization, modernizing business processes and brushing up internal mindsets is a vital move to secure a prosperous future.

A common factor in struggling or failing digital transformation projects is the transferral of old business practices, outdated reports, crude data and a rusty way of thinking from an on-premises situation to the cloud. Continuing to cling to old processes and nostalgic mindsets after embracing digital is akin to storing old wine in new bottles. Companies that devolve to this scenario generally lose time, budget, energy and momentum.

Success in digital transformation projects begins in the conference room, more than the IT department (if you even have an IT department, that is). Among the crucial elements for achieving transformational success are a clear vision, true management engagement, time and budget for organizational change and good communication. (Good communication is probably the most lamented missing aspect of ERP implementations.)

If you have the impression that digital transformation is “just another IT project,” then the time is nigh to do some research. Seek inspiration. Read books. Attend workshops. And make sure that your top management is fully involved!

After all, it is better to gain these insights before the project starts than once the project has failed.

Print-specific software is an essential part of your digital transformation toolkit

We’re always emphasizing here that the print industry is unique among manufacturers. What “digital transformation” looks like to the old copy shop on the corner will be quite different from modern packaging plant running all digital presses with JDF integration. Want to learn more about what to look for in an MIS/ERP software? There are crucial differences when it comes to the needs of the print industry. Go here to download our free PDF quick guide.

Or, perhaps you’re farther along on your buyer’s journey and ready for a free trial. Get started today!

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