A roadmap through the different phases of digitization

Mastering digitization: This article provides you with a step-by-step guide to successful digital transformation.


| 20 Min. Read time

Introduction

Digitalization has become an indispensable part of today's business world. It helps companies work more efficiently, respond faster to market changes and communicate better with their customers. We know the road to digitalization can be complex. That's why at Salesfive we focus on careful planning and implementation. This process can be divided into different areas, each with specific requirements and challenges. Below, we provide an overview of the different phases of digitization.

Planning phase

In the planning phase, the strategic vision, specific requirements and goals are formulated, and necessary tools and technologies are selected. It serves as a link between the current state developed in the analysis phase and the implementation steps of digitization.
1

A clear vision

The strategic direction of the project must be clearly defined by setting precise goals. The vision, such as seamless office and field operations, should involve all stakeholders and be in line with overall business objectives.

2

Required tools

A careful determination of the required tools and systems is carried out in order to effectively implement the set requirements. This involves analyzing which tools are already available in the company to avoid data silos and which tools or systems are still needed to achieve the desired functionality.

3

Project schedule and budgets

A detailed schedule with milestones and responsibilities as well as a clearly defined budget must be created to control the project flow and financial aspects. Would you like an example of a project plan? Contact us for a template.

Analysis phase

In the analysis phase, the primary goal is to gain a clear insight into the current state of the company. What processes already exist and how are they managed? What is the IT infrastructure like? How do the employees deal with the existing digital tools and the topic of digitization in general?

Architecture and design phase

The architecture and design phase is about developing an overall picture of the IT infrastructure that takes into account both current requirements and future needs. This also involves identifying analog processes that can be usefully digitized and implementing change management measures to ensure that the team is successfully integrated into the process.

Implementation phase

Implementation of the planned technologies and processes:

  • Installation and configuration of the selected software and hardware.

  • Integration into the existing IT infrastructure.

  • Digitization of the identified analog processes.

  • Close collaboration between departments and professionals to ensure smooth functionality.

Continuous monitoring and adjustment:

  • Adjustments and improvements in response to unexpected challenges or new insights.

  • Regular reviews, testing, and incorporation of end-user feedback.

  • Attentive and flexible attitude to ensure that the project remains effective and that the set goals are achieved.

Data migration and integration

We know that the topic often seems very complex. Therefore, you will be accompanied by our experts at every step.

In the data migration and integration phase, data and systems are organized and connected to minimize redundancy and maximize data integrity. This promotes efficient collaboration and enables end users to work more effectively.
1

Data integration and migration planning

Before data migration, it is important to gain a deep understanding of the data structure, perform careful analysis, and select appropriate tools to ensure smooth moving and integration

2

System assignment to ensure data integrity

This phase determines which system is responsible for specific data. This is done to prevent problems and duplicate information, and to ensure that the data remains reliable and intact.

3

Implementation of migration and monitoring of progress

After planning, migration takes place, with progress monitored to prevent data loss or corruption. After migration, testing is required to verify the quality and consistency of the data.

4

Continuous review and optimization

After migration and integration, continuous monitoring and adjustment is required to ensure that systems meet business requirements and function optimally.

5

Ensuring long-term stability and efficiency

Continuous maintenance and monitoring are necessary to ensure system efficiency and stability, detect issues early, and maintain end-user satisfaction and overall performance.

Trainings and empowerments

Training is a critical part of the digitization process and ensures that end users can work efficiently and effectively with the new tools and processes.

  1. Identify training needs: Understanding the specific requirements and capabilities of the end users.

  2. Creation of a training plan: Determine schedules, materials, and methods for training.

  3. Early involvement of key users: The early involvement of the customer's key users in the project not only enables them to contribute their valuable experience, but also creates a natural form of training during the project.

  4. Implementation of the trainings: Organize and deliver training sessions, with supporting materials and tools as appropriate.

  5. Evaluation and feedback: Collect feedback and analyze training results to ensure continuous improvement.

Go-Live and Go-Live Support

The go-live process marks the starting point of active use of a new system or technology in the enterprise. This transition requires care and support to ensure success.

Support and continuous improvement of the system

The phase of support and continuous improvement of the system ensures that the implemented system not only works at the beginning, but also grows and develops over time with the changing needs of the company and its users.

Continuous support

You will not be left alone, we offer continuous support!

Regular updates and maintenance

Perform regular updates to keep the system up to date and perform maintenance to fix bugs or performance issues.

System performance monitoring

Use tools and metrics to continuously monitor system performance so that any issues can be identified and addressed early.

Implementation of improvements

Identify areas where the system could be improved and implement those improvements in close consultation with the users:inside.

Feedback loops with user:inside

Communicate regularly with users to gather feedback and understand how the system can be better adapted to their needs.

Conclusion

Digitization is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. Following these phases helps ensure that the project is structured, efficient, and successful. By understanding the requirements of each phase and applying best practices, digitization can become a powerful tool for growth and innovation.

Would you like to talk to us about the phases of digitalization? Get in touch with us.

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Your contact for all inquiries relating to digitization

Florian Gehring

Managing Director & Co-Founder