Digital Transformation partner

Choosing the Right Partner

Erik Ruda

Aug 28, 2024

Digital Transformation Blog Series – Erik Ruda, CEO, Rizeware Solutions

We’ve come to the final chapter in our series on Digital Transformation, and we’ve covered a lot of ground along the way. Now we’d like to conclude with one very important question: do you believe you have the necessary resources and expertise within your organization to effectively plan and execute a successful Digital Transformation initiative?

Some of the larger organizations we’ve worked with have been well staffed to manage every step along this complex and disruptive journey – but they still wanted help. In contrast, most of the smaller and mid-size businesses we’ve engaged with have had limited resources on staff – and they also wanted help. That’s because, regardless of available internal resources, forward-looking organizations recognize the value of working with a trusted partner that understands the complexities of Digital Transformation.

So what should you look for in a Digital Transformation partner? Given the time, people, and money required for a successful transformation, you could be joined at the hip with your partner for several months, so you better choose wisely! To help you prepare for that, we’ve provided a summary of five important characteristics that you should demand from your Digital Transformation partner.

1. Expertise
Let’s start with the most obvious and important requirement. Does the partner you’re considering have the depth and breadth of expertise necessary to help you through every step of your journey? In this context, their required expertise should include everything from strategic business planning to technical configuration of network devices. The partner should offer a balance of MBA-level management skills with deep knowledge of transformative technologies, including cloud computing, AI, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IoT.
2. Resources
Having expertise is one thing, but it’s equally important that your Digital Transformation partner also has all the necessary resources readily available to support your team and address every conceivable strategic and tactical issue that may arise along the way. This is a particularly important requirement for organizations with a limited internal staff. Ideally, your partner’s resources should be available literally whenever and wherever you need them.
3. Customization
Because every organization is different, the specific requirements for successful Digital Transformation will obviously be unique for every business. So beware of a partner that advocates a rigid, standardized methodology and process. That cookie-cutter approach might sound simple, but it will likely fail – wasting your time and money in the process. And unfortunately, it happens too often. Instead, choose a partner that starts by working closely with your leadership team to clearly understand your current operations, functional limitations, and strategic growth objectives. With that foundation in place, your partner can then help you architect and implement a Digital Transformation solution that is perfectly customized to meet the needs of your organization today and tomorrow.
4. Pricing

Any competent partner you choose will likely segment your Digital Transformation initiative into three distinct phases – each with its own cost. For example, Phase 1 would typically include fees for collaborating with your leadership team on strategic project planning, agreeing on the scope and timeline of the project, and defining the measurable objectives for success. Your partner’s expertise and objectivity would be very valuable during this phase.

With that foundation in place, the partner would then deliver a Phase 2 plan, which would include assisting in change management and process optimization, as well as managing the installation and configuration of all new IT hardware, software, and services. In some cases, your partner might also be able to acquire IT tools and technologies at a discount. But regardless, the Phase 2 plan should clearly outline every step in the process, and list all costs (time, software, hardware, etc.) necessary to complete the implementation.

5. Support

Phase 3 of your Digital Transformation initiative should be focused on your partner providing continuous support, maintenance, and upgrades. Yes, there is also a cost for this – and your partner should provide your business with a clear pricing model for these services. But since your partner was involved from the beginning, there is probably no other resource better equipped to help ensure that your business stays productive and competitive in today’s global digital market.

Conclusion

Hopefully this blog series has provided some useful insights into Digital Transformation – including its costs, risks, and rewards. Regardless of any potential bumps in the road, it’s a journey that every business must ultimately take to achieve their growth objectives. When you’re ready to start your journey – even if it’s a specific transformation project – I invite you to consider Rizeware Solutions as your partner. We can start with a complimentary consultation to determine how best we can help you. And if we can’t help, we’ll tell you that too! Visit www.rizeware.com and contact us when you’re ready to learn more.

Rizeware Solutions is a global consultancy, software, and professional IT services organization that partners with enterprise customers to plan and execute successful digital transformation strategies tailored to the unique needs of their business. As a result, customers can save time, reduce costs, and accelerate the growth of their business.
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