New Research: Bridging the Gap Between Digital Transformation Vision and Reality

Digital Transformation is intimidating. The pace of technology, the complexities of merging IT and Operations Technology goals, the different software for different purposes—it’s hard to know where to start and how to get beyond the visionary stage. 

LNS Research, a leading research firm that identifies the business metrics and processes that effect change, has examined some of the biggest roadblocks that slow (or stop) manufacturers’ Digital Transformation. By studying the Digital Transformation of manufacturers across a variety of industries, LNS Research has identified a best practices framework for companies starting their industrial Internet of Things (IoT)-related Digital Transformation. 

Overcoming The Crisis of Communication

LNS studies show that while many manufacturers can establish a collaborative environment at the execution level, C-Suite leaders still tend to operate within their own silos. When undertaking Digital Transformation projects—which often involve stakeholders from the plant floor to IT to the executive suite—LNS found that most companies put the CIO at the helm. In turn, “CIOs, who are frequently looking for a way to show the relevance of IT to the business, embrace this charge and rush headlong into the effort, looking for projects that can leverage technology (LNS White Paper).” While this makes sense on paper, in reality it can create crucial communication gaps. Relying solely—or even mostly—on IT to lead the Digital Transformation charge reinforces the silo mentality and leads to massive gaps between the technology users and the technology on-boarders. Download the LNS white paper, “The Road to Digital Transformation Success: A Methodology to Modernize Operational Excellence” to learn the proven methodologies that manufacturers are putting to use to eliminate these silos before they begin.

Defining—and then Implementing—a Vision

From their industry research into manufacturing methodologies, LNS Research has created a proven five-element framework that can successfully guide Digital Transformation journeys. Setting the vision, building a business case and selecting vendors are where most companies start. But that's mostly preparation work; the next steps are where the real work happens—or doesn’t. LNS explains how to efficiently create a project architecture that incorporates the people, processes and technology required to turn strategic objectives into measurable activities.

“Get Out of Your Own Way”

LNS found that for most manufacturers, the biggest hurdles to Digital Transformation were in the bridge between strategy and Operational Architecture. That is, connecting the possibilities of IoT ambitions to achievable actions. Download the LNS white paper to learn how to create the proven framework that manufacturers are using to move faster, reduce costs and optimize results on their Digital Transformation journey.