Every transformation is done for a reason. It is to fix a problem that the organization has. No company is going to spend millions of dollars (or whatever currency be it) to fix a problem it does not have. But most businesses are built to solve problems. In case of transformations the problem the organization is facing is generally a pretty big one.

Every business story starts and ends with a customer. We are in business to sell things – a product, a service, entertainment, happiness, security, dreams and so goes the story. If we are transforming a business, one of the key aspects of it has to be related to the customer.

Like an automobile or an airplane, a business also has its engine – its business model sits at the center of that engine. The engine is what generates the power for the business to be able to move forward. If there is a problem with the engine, there will not be enough power to move the business forward. All transformations would need to at least do a review of this engine - the business model.

The entire functioning of the business is controlled by its operational model. Without the operating model functioning properly, the business’s efficiency will be severely hampered. Going back to the car analogy, this operating model transfer of the power generated by the engine to its wheels. Thus a review of the operational model cannot be overlooked during a transformation.

If there is one thing that is absolutely needed for a business to function – it is its employees.

Thus, as I see it, the following are the key aspects that any organization attempting a digital transformation needs to be keep in mind:

• Culture Shift

• Customer Enablement

• Business Model Shift

• Operational Model Shift

• Technology Scaling and Evolution

What has been stated above is obviously at a very high level. Let's look at least at one level below each of these aspects to see what essentially it entails.

Below is a more detailed list of what a digital transformation will have to at least consider:

• Culture Shift

  • Trust

  • Openness

  • Engagement

  • Ownership

  • Agility

• Customer Enablement

  • Control

  • Simplicity

  • Mobility

• Business Model

  • Subscription/Periodic

  • On Demand

  • Pay as you go

  • Customizable

• Operational Model

  • Data Driven

  • Customer Driven

  • Efficiency Driven

• Technology

  • Mobile Computing

  • Cloud Computing, Virtualization

  • Big Data, Analytics, Visualization

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Robotics

  • Advanced Transportation – Drones, Driverless Cars

  • Advanced Sensors