According to industry leaders, manufacturing companies will see CIOs leading the digital transformation efforts from the front. With said that, I would jot down 7 challenges that await IT in 2021 when it comes to planning & implementing digital transformation initiatives at their Manufacturing companies. Remember, CIOs that foresee and invest in manufacturing business transformations are becoming the future CEOs according to experts.
CIOs have a good grasp of the enterprise ecosystem better than anyone else. Even though the CEOs are decision-makers, involving IT heads will help the manufacturing decision-makers to zero in on the digital transformationinitiatives that are realistic and budget-friendly.
Only CIOs can persuade the management team with the right technology, tools, and directions for making the digital transformation program successful.
2. Stakeholder pushback/resistanceA huge challenge for CIOs is taking the new programs to the stakeholders and making it workable. Remember, most employees, customers, or even some C-level executives won’t prefer changing the way they work with a new technology or tool.
CIOs open communication channels with stakeholders frequently regarding the new programs planned and how it will enhance the existing process and benefit stakeholders.
Remember, not every company needs a digital transformation. Only the IT team can ensure which technology should be updated or reinvented. Again implementing new technology can be expensive and time-consuming.
The involvement of IT can help the management overcome the technology adoption challenges and make the operations seamless and cost-effective.
4. RoI improvementCIOs are responsible for seamless operations across the manufacturing company as this contributes to faster productivity and business RoI. So, the new technology adoption and transitions must ensure that the production process is painless and super easy.
CIOs should help management by suggesting the right technology or investments that will ease the production process and improve RoI.
Digitizing and digitalizing manufacturing processes with digital solutions help manufacturers garner a huge volume of data from different processes. With connected devices and data collected at different touchpoints, ensuring data security would be on the top of the CIOs agenda.
