Episode 55: Clean Up Your Digital Transformation with Tips from Dyson

Richard Vine03/02/2022

In this episode of #shifthappens, we sat down with Dyson’s Richard Vine on how to streamline digital transformation within a company. He discussed various strategies to empower employees with the right tools and training to drive successful digital transformation. Read on for the key insights discussed and how businesses can empower their staff with smart tools and training.

Dyson has been a company that innovates and invests in technology to differentiate itself from competitors. The company's digital transformation journey began with the implementation of Salesforce, which has been a key factor in the company's success. Dyson's goal is to have the most accurate data, enabling them to make better decisions, and Salesforce has helped them achieve that. One important lesson from Dyson's journey is that digital transformation is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process.

Vine goes on to explain that businesses should prioritize data cleanliness before embarking on digital transformation, as it enables them to make informed decisions. Businesses should have a clear data strategy, which includes data management, data quality, and data governance. He stresses that the quality of data is as essential as the quantity of data.

Vine then shares that businesses should first assess their existing systems and processes to find pain points and areas that need improvement. He stresses that businesses should always involve their employees in the digital transformation process, as they are the ones who will be using the tools and systems. He goes on to highlight that businesses should have a roadmap that outlines their digital transformation journey and sets clear objectives.

Next, the importance of change management in digital transformation. Vine shares that change management should be an integral part of the digital transformation roadmap. Businesses should involve their employees and train them to use new tools and systems. He also stresses that businesses should not overlook the importance of cultural change, as it is essential in driving digital transformation.

Further, businesses should choose technology that aligns with their objectives and that their employees can use with ease. Vine highlights the importance of choosing a platform that is scalable, secure, and flexible. He stresses that businesses should avoid customization as much as possible and try to use the platform as is. Customizations can create a lot of technical debt, and businesses should aim to minimize it.

Then, it’s all about empowering employees with the right tools and training. Vine shares that businesses should focus on providing their employees with smart tools that can help them work more efficiently. He highlights that businesses should have a center of excellence that can provide employees with the necessary training and support. He also shares businesses should involve their employees in the decision-making process and ask for their feedback on the tools and systems they use. In short, be a “learn-it-all” instead of a “know-it-all”.

Empowering staff with smart tools and training is crucial in driving successful digital transformation. Businesses should focus on providing their employees with the necessary training and support to use new tools and systems. They should involve their employees in the decision-making process and ask for their feedback on the tools and systems they use. This approach can help businesses drive cultural change and enable their workforce.