Many of the conversations around digital transformation are about the structures involved: the software, equipment, and procedures that need to be modified to make the new company possible. The need to unify IT with operating technology is highly oriented, but sometimes the most significant challenge is to get workers to think differently and accept change. This article will explore three cultural considerations as you assess your digital transformation path to help increase employee engagement and speed up the time frame for transforming your company.

ARC Advisory Group held its annual industry conference earlier this year when we were all attending in-person events where this subject was discussed.

The bigger the business, the more significant the obstacle. Like too many technical silos scattered around regional areas, IT teams and activities neglect communication or coordination. Consequently, although required to do so as part of corporate digitalization programs, they appear to work inefficiently. E.g., IT may be requested to pick a new resource for use by the IT community and operations. But without sufficient cooperation, IT will face an uphill fight pursuing massive acceptance of the device.

Why is Industrial Transition Too Difficult? Provides more perspectives into digital transformation issues.

Here are three cultural considerations that could help streamline digital transformation.

1.     Establish a Common Language

Cultural transition starts with popular vocabulary. Given the amount of transition the organization will experience, it makes sense to find a different vocabulary to explain how the "fresh" company would work and be evaluated for performance.

It doesn't mean a whole new collection of words and phrases. Instead, be mindful while you address innovative projects and what the execution may mean, imagine changing standard definitions, sourcing from around the enterprise, or even introducing new ones. What's crucial to workers is that one party doesn't automatically call the shots. Instead, the business is facing a transition, impacting all. This approach can help stop territorial wars and create fresh opportunities to solve current obstacles differently.

2.     Create Cross-Functional Teams

Although it sound like hard work, creating development teams of members from around the company's divisions would go a long way to achieving approval of the results and suggestions required for evolving modern culture. Such practice will open the door of IT to locate shared ground to jargon.

From there, each will spend more time studying the intricacies of another's domain. Instead, these new collaborative teams will incorporate creativity from the community of leaders responsible for developing software and frameworks to promote digital transformation. Confidence created by a united community would be more effective in putting together the requisite degree of collaboration, beginning with breaking down any current silos. Domain information residing in each community would be exchanged to allow them to collaborate more successfully to address the organization's market and organizational challenges.

3.     Set New Expectations

Lingering is not usual with previous misunderstandings, leading to misperceptions about a "parent" community over time. -- side perceives how "other" divisions work. It may contribute to a loss of confidence in their acts. This may go as far as they have no understanding of whether the other operates in the modern environment, what it means, or the technology and disciplines involved.

Above all, OT 's world is extraordinary in several respects. This performs well when installing mobile applications in the organization does not have specific applicability on the factory floor product roll-out. Therefore, every group must be prepared to take the time to learn how things function around the table. Before reaching shared awareness, any conclusions made will be questioned. These beliefs may well lay behind earlier breakdowns as IT / OT meetings fall through recriminations and fingerprints.

Given the recent demand slowdown, now marks a significant moment for pursuing digital transformation projects. Now is a time to carry cultural dissonance to the surface – we must resolve a new social obstacle. There's nothing about a mutual adversary forming unexpected partnerships.

This is a perfect opportunity to start putting together IT and OT to address and overcome gaps in strategy, technologies, and terminology. Education and technology projects that will set the way for even smoother digital transition as resources are back in position to allow applications and software that is an important part of the modern business can be launched.