The benefits of shifting to a more digital environment are well known, but actually getting started on this journey can be anything but simple.

That's according to Paul Timmins, global director Microsoft, DXC Eclipse, who says it's hard to know where to start or what areas to focus on for the greatest benefits when undergoing digital transformation.

“Mapping the path to digital transformation is the most important step for success. Getting the plan and approach right can make the difference between a successful transformation project that propels the business forward, and one that costs time and money without delivering the promised benefits,” says Timmins.

The first step is to take stock of the business' current situation versus the desired state, a critical milestone in establishing a business and technology roadmap, explains Timmins.

“Without a roadmap, businesses could find themselves going down wasting time and money on solutions or approaches that don't work for the business, or, as is often the case, may work well now but can't keep up with the business's growth into the future.” 

“It is essential to have a strategic plan in place to make sure the digital journey accounts for the present and future state of the organisation, with a focus on business objectives first and foremost.

Timmins suggests three points for businesses to consider when creating their digital transformation roadmap:

Businesses today are staring down the barrel of the digital revolution, which is driving shifts in the way people work and collaborate rather than just focusing on the technology itself.

Geographic location and time zones, for example, are no longer a barrier because businesses are essentially working in a virtual environment where anything is possible.

Work isn't a destination; it's merely an activity that people expect to be able to do from anywhere.

This changes the expectations for all stakeholders including employees and customers. There is plenty of technology available to help meet these expectations.

The challenge for business leaders is to balance the demands from people and the technology from vendors, as well as the business goals, and to make all three work together.

This means only choosing technology that serves the business goals as opposed to implementing technology just because it's new or interesting.