Have you ever watched a company spend millions on a shiny new ERP system, only to find themselves a year later with frustrated employees, broken processes and leadership wondering where it all went wrong?
Unfortunately, this scenario plays out all too often in the business world and there is a simple reason why.
The cart before the horse problem
The hard truth is that too many digital transformations start backward. They begin with selecting a system – whether it is an ERP, CRM or the latest AI-powered platform – and then scramble to make their business fit around it.
It is like buying an expensive suit off the rack and then trying to alter your body to fit it, rather than having one tailored to your measurements.
The most successful transformations do precisely the opposite: they begin with crystal-clear strategy and vision, then select technology that supports it. This approach recognises a fundamental truth that is easy to forget in the excitement of new tech: digital tools are enablers, not solutions in themselves.
Building the right foundation
When we work with clients on transformation initiatives, we always emphasise three critical steps that must happen before any system selection:
1) Define what success looks like – with real metrics
Vague goals like "improve efficiency" or "modernise operations" aren't enough. What specific outcomes are you seeking? Reduce order processing time by 30%? Improve inventory accuracy to 99.5%? Cut month-end close from 10 days to three? These concrete targets give your transformation both direction and a way to measure progress.
2) Align your people and processes first
Even the most sophisticated system can't fix fundamentally broken or unclear processes. Take the time to map your current workflows, identify pain points and redesign processes to eliminate inefficiencies. Just as importantly, ensure your team understands and supports the changes ahead. The most elegant system implementation will fail without buy-in from the people who need to use it daily.
3) Choose technology that fits your vision, not the other way around
Once you have established clear goals and optimised processes, you are in a position to select technology that truly fits your needs. This might mean choosing a different system than you initially assumed, or it might confirm your original direction – either way, you are making an informed decision based on strategy rather than sales pitches.
It is never too late to step back
The good news? Whether you are just starting to evaluate systems or you are already mid-implementation, it is never too late to pause and reassess. Some of our most successful client engagements have involved helping organisations take a strategic step back from troubled implementations to realign with their core objectives.
Digital transformation isn't really about technology at all – it is about transforming how your business operates, serves customers and creates value. The technology is just the enabler that helps you get there. Start with the destination clearly in mind and you will be far more likely to select the right vehicle for the journey.
Remember: in digital transformation, strategy before systems isn't just a best practice – it is the difference between transformative success and expensive disappointment.