How can organizations truly get value out of their technology? The answer is “tech plus.” You cannot rely on technology in isolation. There are some key areas to look at.
- First, focus on technical capabilities, like continuous integration, continuous delivery, version control, deployment automation, test automation, test data management, shifting left on security, and trunk-based development. Leveraging automation to allow for repeatability and consistency is key.
- Second, investment in good architecture, including loosely coupled architecture and empowering teams, is important. Good architecture provides a solid foundation.
- Third, include product and process capabilities, like gathering customer feedback, improving your value stream, working in small batches, and encouraging team experimentation. The process provides consistency.
- Fourth, spend time improving lean and agile processes, like limiting the change-approval process, including monitoring, having proactive monitoring, implementing work and process limits, and visualizing work.
Digital transformation seems to be at the top of every firm’s priority list these days. Firms that transform with digital technologies gain a competitive advantage over their industry peers. Understanding what digital transformation entails is a constant source of consternation. And if you’re not really clear about what you’re doing, you’re not necessarily setting yourself up for success.
