How to Implement Digital Transformation? A Complete Guide for Businesses

What is Digital Transformation? Why is it Essential Now?

Digital Transformation is not as simple as implementing a system or deploying a few tools. It is a comprehensive change, encompassing process optimization, data application, business model innovation, and cultural reconstruction.

The core objectives of digital transformation are: to equip enterprises with greater flexibility, more immediate responsiveness, and more precise decision-making frameworks. Through technological means such as cloud services, automated processes, AI analysis, mobile applications, and IoT technologies, businesses can reduce response time, minimize errors, improve efficiency, and create new value.

Companies actively investing in digital transformation see profit growth rates that are more than twice those of non-transformed businesses. This demonstrates that digital transformation is no longer just a "bonus feature" but a key to business survival and growth.

The success or failure of digital transformation often depends not on technology, but on the mindset and determination of the leadership.

Three Steps to Understanding the Correct Path of Digital Transformation

Step One: Change Mindset, Leaders Transform First

Digital transformation is not an IT department issue but a management-level decision.

Common quotes from leaders that hinder transformation: "Staff are meant to handle these tasks, why else would we hire them?", "We've been doing it this way for 20 years and everything is fine, why change?", "Systems still need people to use them, so we might as well continue doing things manually."

These statements reveal: no concept of the value of investing in digital transformation, over-reliance on traditional experience, and a lack of data-driven decision-making culture. If this hurdle isn't overcome, digital transformation will only appear to be happening without actual implementation.

Step Two: Set Clear Goals and Requirements

Process changes, new systems, or automation? Clarity is essential.

You need to know:

What is the ultimate goal of this digital transformation (compliance, market, revenue, processes)?
What costs can be saved? Which efficiencies can be improved?
Who are the users? Who drives the initiative? Who is responsible for subsequent operations?

Many enterprises are unclear about their own needs, leading to perception gaps and specification mismatches after system procurement.

It's advisable to work with experienced IT consultants or development teams to conduct "requirement consolidation" interviews and assessments, reducing future risks.

Step Three: Choose the Right Implementation Method and Partners

Common options:

Implementing packaged software directly
Internal IT development or implementation
Collaborating with custom development vendors

How to choose? Consider resources, goals, and flexibility requirements.

For example:

Internal IT exists but resources are tight → Partial outsourcing is possible
No technical team at all → Outsourcing planning + development + operations is more appropriate
Want quick PoC, MVP market validation → Hybrid modules + outsourced execution

Regardless of the approach, ensure:

Clear project scope (avoid specification explosion)
Contract protection for both parties' responsibilities
Clearly defined development process and delivery acceptance

Timing Assessment for Enterprise Digital Transformation

Many companies ask "When should we start digital transformation?" The focus isn't on timing, but rather:

Whether you recognize this as a "must-do" trend.

Observable opportunities include:

Insufficient manpower, excessive rework affecting operational quality
Competitors have implemented new technologies, surpassing your efficiency
Facing industry policy and regulatory pressures (ESG, GDPR)
IPO or fundraising requirements needing institutional and data support

These are practical starting points for digital transformation; no need to wait for perfect conditions.

Which Approach Should Digital Transformation Take? Custom or Packaged Software?

A common problem in digital transformation is choosing the wrong tools, resulting in ineffective implementations.

Simple comparison:

Item	Packaged Software	Custom Development
Suitable Scenarios	Standard processes, minimal adjustments needed	Special processes, highly flexible requirements
Cost	Initially low, total cost depends on renewals and module fees	Initially higher, but more flexible long-term, overall controllable
Operations	Unified updates from original manufacturer, fixed cycles	Can be outsourced, internal, highly flexible self-control
Requirement Flexibility	Low, limited by existing features	High, adjustable according to processes and expandable
Integration	Limited by varying degrees of API openness	Can deeply integrate with internal processes and data systems

When choosing, it's recommended to evaluate from perspectives of requirements, process flexibility, operational resources, and budget expectations, implementing hybrid solutions when necessary.

Digital Transformation Strategies for Different Enterprise Scales

Enterprise Scale	Advancement Recommendations	Considerations
Startups/SMEs	Can adopt MVP strategy, small-scale systems to test waters	Limited resources, should quickly validate market and process feasibility
Medium-growth Enterprises	Introduce consultants, establish mid-to-long-term IT architecture	Must plan expansion flexibility and system integration in advance
Large Enterprises or Groups	Establish cross-departmental transformation, integrate resources and personnel	Bureaucracy and internal communication are challenges, requiring top-level support

Common Misconceptions in Digital Transformation

Treating Digital Transformation as Merely System Updates

Many companies think installing ERP or implementing CRM equals digital transformation. In reality, true digital transformation is the reconstruction of business logic, not tool upgrades.

Ignoring Human Resource and Cultural Adaptation Costs

No matter how advanced the technology, it cannot be implemented if users don't buy in. Internal training, change management, and process redesign are the most time-consuming yet critical parts of digital transformation.

Focusing on Development, Neglecting Operations and Maintenance

Digital transformation projects often suffer from "abandonment after launch." In fact, a system's value is manifested in its subsequent usage rate, operational efficiency, and continuous optimization.

Even Religion is Undergoing Digital Transformation: The Baishatun Mazu Case Analysis

Think digital transformation only happens in businesses? Look at how Baishatun Mazu does it:

Developed a dedicated APP allowing devotees to track location, interact in chat rooms, and watch live broadcasts.
Established "Baishatun TV," editing replays, connecting faith content, creating media content.
Successfully built IP: pink supercars, Mazu personality, physical merchandise—concretely implementing faith brand transformation.

These were not initiated by the temple but by devotees, gradually expanding into a systematic digital transformation project.

This is almost identical to business PoC and MVP logic: small-scale experiments first, then increased investment after effectiveness is proven.

Don't Wait for the Perfect Timing for Digital Transformation, Take the First Step Now

Start acting now; don't wait until you're ready, but get ready through action.

Whether you're in manufacturing seeking factory automation, retail integrating member data, or religious, cultural, or educational institutions aiming to create online participation experiences—digital transformation is a tool for business continuity, not an option.

Digital transformation is not a "once and done" project but a process. Rather than anxiously wondering whether to transform, start with the most bottlenecked issue, the most repetitive process, or the least efficient department. This is the starting point of digital transformation.

How to Implement Digital Transformation? A Complete Guide for Businesses | 2025 Comprehensive Guide