As we continue to talk with clients and colleagues about the meaning of \u201cdigital\u201d and Centric\u2019s digital solutions<\/a>, we\u2019ve learned some interesting lessons. For one, the majority of companies today have very different views about the meaning of digital. Is digital a set of tools? A marketing tactic? More than that?<\/p>\n For me, digital is less about a specific technology or channel such as mobile or portal. Rather, it\u2019s a behavior and should now be part of a company\u2019s cultural DNA. I boil it down to three main points:<\/p>\n Digital requires a mind shift in company culture and process<\/strong>. Now that nearly everything we do is online, it\u2019s essential that companies reevaluate how employees work and how engagement with customers happens. Thinking with a digital mindset involves taking a hard look at the customer journey, building new products and services with partners, and rethinking go-to-market strategies.<\/p>\n Digital means developing a cohesive strategy for all layers of customer engagement<\/strong>. Business and IT leaders are increasingly overwhelmed by a perceived need to create a mobile strategy, cloud strategy, social media strategy, big data strategy, etc. Rather, companies need a comprehensive business strategy and operating model that is designed for a digital world.<\/p>\n Digital involves avoiding the temptation to silo it into a single function such as marketing<\/strong>. Digital is not (only) about marketing, it requires us to think deeply about all the touch points and moments of truth in the customer journey, which includes acquisition, end-to-end engagement and service to existing customers.<\/p>\n The challenges companies face in the digital world are complex. Customers expect intuitive, personalized, omnichannel experiences across multiple screens and touchpoints: mobile, web, sensors, social media and even call centers.\u00a0Partners and suppliers are adjusting their business processes. Competitors are increasingly exploiting the opportunities that digital offers. And employees are using their own digital devices and apps for work.<\/p>\n Digital is not a fad – your customers and, in some cases, your workforce, have\u00a0already embraced the digital mind shift. If your organization isn’t quite ready, it is essential to understand why investing in a digital strategy is important.\u00a0Here are just a few reasons:<\/p>\n 1. Developing a digital strategy helps to better prepare for the disruptive effects that digital is driving across multiple industries.<\/strong><\/p>\n 2. A digital strategy helps your company understand the value chain implications and operational cost savings at stake.<\/strong><\/p>\nWhy do companies need a digital strategy?<\/h2>\n
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