In the world of digital transformation, the statistics are sobering. A 2021 study by McKinsey reveals that a staggering 70% of such projects fail to meet their objectives. Another McKinsey survey indicates that only 16% of digital transformations result in sustained improvements. With global spending on digital transformation reaching an astronomical $1.59 trillion in 2021, the stakes have never been higher. Against this backdrop, effective communication emerges not as a luxury, but as an imperative.
Digital transformation is not merely a technology upgrade; it’s a companywide alignment. Poor communication can derail even the most well-planned projects.
Communication Challenges In Supply Chain Digital Transformation
Here are some of the common communication challenges you’ll encounter during a digital transformation project:
1. Information Silos:
Different departments often hoard critical data and insights, hindering the free flow of information across the organization. This lack of transparency can lead to misunderstandings and inefficient decision-making.
2. Resistance To Change:
A lack of transparent communication about the objectives and benefits of the transformation can engender resistance among stakeholders, jeopardizing the initiative.
People are naturally resistant to change. When communication doesn’t adequately address the “why” and “how” of the transformation, employees may feel threatened or uncertain about their roles.
3. Technical Jargon:
The use of industry-specific jargon can alienate those not versed in the terminology; simplifying complex terms is essential for effective communication.
The Role Of Communication Leaders
As a communication professional, your skills in crafting messages, building relationships and ensuring information flows smoothly can be invaluable during supply chain transformation. You can be the linchpin for a successful transformation. Here’s how:
1. Setting The Vision:
• Collaborate with supply chain leaders to develop a straightforward and compelling vision for the change. Your role is to translate complex technical jargon into a language that everyone can understand.
• The vision statement should also highlight the benefits of the transformation, addressing concerns and answering every stakeholder’s “What’s in it for me?” question.
2. Building Cross-Functional Bridges:
• Supply chain transformation involves multiple departments and teams. Communications leaders should act as bridges between them, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Facilitate regular meetings, workshops and forums where different stakeholders can share their concerns, ideas and feedback.
3. Managing Resistance:
• Resistance to change is natural. Your role is to identify potential resistance points early and design communication strategies to address them.
• Be transparent about the challenges and risks involved in the transformation and emphasize the opportunities and solutions.
4. Training And Education:
• As new tech and processes roll out, offer easy-to-understand training materials.
• Create a culture of knowledge-sharing to help employees learn from each other.
5. Monitoring And Feedback Loops:
• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously assess the effectiveness of the transformation and communication efforts.
• Use data and analytics to measure progress and make data-driven adjustments to the communication strategy.
Conclusion
Strategic communication is not a peripheral function; it is a critical asset for achieving digital excellence in supply chains. By understanding and addressing communication barriers and employing targeted strategies, the path to digital transformation becomes not just feasible, but highly probable.
In the context of the Industrial Revolution, applying technology to operating mechanisms in each organization is extremely necessary, and is also an inevitable trend to minimize workload while still ensuring efficiency and enhance its competitive position in the market. Furthermore, applying management software into a business will also help build an organization with a clear system, promoting consistency, transparency and accuracy. Tasken eOffice, researched and built by Opus Solution – a business consultant in Vietnam – is an internal work management system as well as the management of automated, online, user-friendly approval processes, allowing businesses to operate more effectively on the path of digital transformation.
Forbes
