* José Carlos Nascimento
When it appeared, the digital transformation was a buzz, which later became a trend and now, it is a reality. In the information age, the accounting sector is already dealing with the need to transfer its operations to digital solutions and to rethink the way they carry out their activities in order to offer more integrated, data-based and personalized services. It is not an isolated action - technology advances at the speed of light and, when we think we have already learned everything about a new environment or software, it is time to change again.
There are two ways to deal with this type of challenge: with fear or with a positive and resilient attitude. Certainly adopting an optimistic and positive attitude will help to go through a successful digital transformation. To do this, just take the steps that make the most business sense.
Think about people, not technology
We should definitely start with people. Digital transformation projects must not exist inside a bubble. They need to have a purpose like: solving a problem or improving a service and benefiting the employees' routines. If the company does this backwards, forcing the adoption of a new technology without taking into account the needs of those who will use it, the effect will be negative, both for the internal climate and for the customer.
With that in mind, any digital transformation project needs to start with an in-depth assessment of organizational culture. How is your company? What is important for your employees? What are your concerns? What are they willing to change and what do they want to keep? These questions help to identify gaps in software and processes and help guide change. Start with "why?" and not by “what?”.
We have all had the experience of adopting a new system without having any reference to its direct benefits. If you do not include people in the planning and find the answers to the questions I mentioned, you will have to pay the price which, in this case, is going through a long process of training to help employees update themselves and understand the value of the new technology. .
For accountants, the issue is not just limited to people inside the organization - it affects customers and their employees are the people who best understand what this audience needs. And it is on these needs that digital transformation projects need to be based - how will the new technology help to make people's lives simpler? That is the goal!
Below are three fundamental phases for an efficient cultural assessment that will help your company achieve the long-awaited digitalization.
1. Involve everyone
This means involving all sectors, including senior management, HR and teams on the front lines. When you plan with who will conduct this process, consider the broader impact of the technology that will be adopted. In an ideal scenario, your employees will be united and working towards a common goal. So don't come up with new software without thinking how it will affect other areas - will the finance company have to change the way it issues charges? What will be the impact of these new processes on the teams that deal directly with the customer?
If it is possible to gather representatives from different departments in a single room early in the process, the greater the chances of identifying the sensitive points. And that's not all. Involving different business units will help them to develop a sense of responsibility towards the project and its success. Don't just think about who is closest to the project - consider the company completely and ask for contributions from everyone.
2. What are your pressure points?
During the consultation phase, resist the temptation to enter the room with a ready proposal. Instead, ask where the problem is. Allow employees to voice their needs and concerns. What do customers expect from them and what do stakeholders always ask for? How can technology help you with these issues? It is not always possible to get what you want, however, the chances are even less if you don't ask.
The goal of this process is to get as many answers as possible, including those questions that make your team sleep or things that they don't want to change. It is these points that, in many cases, the leadership of the digital transformation process may not be aware of. Nobody gets to know all parts of the business and the only way to find out is to ask.
3. Think of a project that meets the challenges of your business
The process of understanding internal needs will only be useful if you are committed to the development of a tailor-made project. It does not help to know exactly what employees and customers want if in the end the company will implement a technology that does not have the capacity to adapt.
Another relevant point is to have an experienced partner in the final stage of the project's understanding phase so that he can support the planning and bring an outside view. Teams should not feel responsible for the whole process, from start to finish. If the consultation phase is conducted properly, everyone will be able to have a broad and detailed understanding of the company's needs.
In the end, the most important thing is to be aware that the digital transformation must be led by people, not by technology. Companies that choose this type of approach are more likely to take a less bumpy path.
* José Carlos Nascimento, human resources director at Sage Brasil
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
EN 
PT 
