What is the purpose of Lean Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation refers to the process of leveraging digital technologies to fundamentally change how an organization operates, delivers value to customers, and creates competitive advantages. It involves the integration of digital technologies into all areas of a business, from operations and processes to customer experience and business models.

Our master practitioners and lean operations consultants have found that many of our clients with processes in need of transformation firstly need to assess the current flow and effectiveness of that process in advance of digitalisation.  Otherwise, there is a tendency to automate/digitise aspects of end-to-end process, where the digitalisation does not end up improving the overall performance of the process. By critiquing the whole process first and than adopting relevant technologies, organisations can streamline operations, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences, and create new business opportunities.

Lean Digital Transformation involves

Rethinking traditional business models and processes to take advantage of new digital technologies and discovering the best possible impact that digitalisation can bring to a customer centric end-to-end process. This can involve digitizing existing processes, creating new digital products or services, or transforming business models to better align with the digital age. It also requires a shift in organizational culture to embrace change and innovation.

In summary, digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally improve how organizations operate, create value, and compete in a rapidly changing digital economy. It involves leveraging the power of digital technologies to transform business models, processes, and customer experiences to gain a competitive edge in the market.

The Lean Digital Transformation Framework:

John Shook, CEO of LEI , one of the first people to bring Lean from Toyota’s factories describes the Lean Transformation Model as a house built by five core elements:

1. The Situational Approach
2. Process Improvement
3. Capability Development
4. Management Systems
5. Program and Process Ownership

Lean Framework key questions for any manager: 

• What is the purpose of the change, or the problem are we trying to solve? (Situational)
• How are we improving the actual work? (Process Improvement)
• How are we building capability? (People and Digital Capability Development)
• What leadership behaviours and management systems are required to support this new way of working? (Responsible Leadership, Management Systems)
• What mindset or assumptions comprise the existing culture and what level of process ownership can we develop to drive & support the new mindset in this lean digital transformation?

We have vast experience and proven success to guide you through your Lean Digital transformation programme, based on 5 Specific Elements:   

1. Identify the pain points, processes, people, and systems driving the need for change.
2. Use a priority matrix to shortlist the improvements that deliver the greatest impact and return.
3. Train teams in Lean thinking, tools, and techniques to build internal capability.
4. Develop leadership at all levels to support a culture of continuous improvement.
5. Establish clear end-to-end process ownership and management to sustain results.