New digitisation project? Here are 6 things you need to think about

#1 — Ensure proper anchoring

Before you kick off, it is crucial that the project is well rooted in all relevant sections, such as the management team, the board of directors or internal key users. In advance, you need to clarify

• who has responsibility for what
• how much time which is set by
• Frames and how flexible they are
• what target their is
• where the level of ambition situated

Having all this in place ensures that everyone going in the same direction, that Decisions are made quickly and that you Make what you're actually going to make.

#2 — Define goals and target audience

It is difficult to create a hit-proof solution without having a target dial. The first question you need to ask yourself is why This project should be started at all. It may seem trite, but a defined answer will create a far better starting point for further work.

Next, you need to find out whom you want to reach. In short: Who are — or should be — the users of the solution? The more insights you bring in here, the better. What are users' pain points? What are they happy with?

Once you have defined the target audience, you need to figure out what you actually want to achieve. Are you going to increase customer satisfaction? Do you want to get more leads — or maybe increase brand awareness? After you have chosen an overall goal, and communicated it clearly, you should set specific, measurable KPIs.

#3 — Find out which systems need to talk

Now we dive a little deeper into “the nitty gritty”, but it's a huge advantage if you've thought this through beforehand. In the long run, it can save you both time and money. Because, perhaps, not all the systems you use today are strictly necessary. Maybe you're not particularly happy with them either. Therefore, take some time and find out

• What systems do you have today, and which ones are missing?
• which systems are must-have, should-have and could-have
• What systems are you considering replacing
• Who among you knows the systems best

Then it will be easier for your digital partner to stitch together an optimal solution. Also remember that the more you can automate, the more time you free up to spend on more value-added work.

#4 — Set a level of ambition

Determining a level of ambition is important not only to be able to estimate the scope and framework, but also to ensure a common understanding of which functioning The solution should have. Should it be the engine of your core business — or should it primarily be a support function for other processes or tools?

Think about whether this should be a time-limited or long-term work — and to what extent the solution must be complete at launch. Where is your company today, and what function do you see the solution will fill in the future? Also, make up some thoughts about what you can do yourself — and what you need from a partner.

#5 — Don't underestimate chemistry

If you have big ambitions for your project, it's not just finding a “supplier”. The best solutions create you together with other digital heads. That's why we talk about the importance of correct collaborator. Whoever you are going for will play you good guys.

You need to know that these are the people you really want to work with. Remember that you need someone who challenger you guys. Which asks the hard questions, but at the same time creates room for the “stupid” ones.

Once you have reached the stage of choosing a partner, it also quickly becomes obvious why it was so important to define both goals and ambitions. Here, some will catche their mission differently. Choose them as understand where you want.

#6 — Bonus tip: Dip your toes in

It's generally a bad idea to move in with someone after just a date or two. Therefore, we always recommend test the collaboration with a potential partner. You can do this through, for example, a preliminary project or an idea workshop.

Is the chemistry still there? Knock! If not, it would have been good to have discovered it so early. At worst, you're left with useful insights you can use when you knock on the next door.

Watch the full series “How to start your digitization project” on Youtube.

We wish you good luck with your digitization project!