The digital revolution is reaching beyond simple ecommerce to recast business models and turn entire industries upside down. And the pace of change is only picking up. Already, business leaders are confronting the next phase of technology as robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things make their way into the mainstream.
To capitalize on digital opportunities and avoid digital threats, businesses must proceed based on knowledge — not guesswork. We help businesses assess and then act on digital opportunities in six key areas: digital strategy and transformation, digital evaluation, channel strategy, customer experience, supply chain and production (Industry 4.0) and digital ways of working.
Success in the digital age requires proper analysis and planning. Critically assessing how digital will impact your market, customers, internal organization and supply chain is the first step in developing a clear strategy and transformation roadmap. Next is understanding how digital business models may differ from traditional constructs, yield different economics, and signal different strategic priorities. Analyzing these fact bases in light of your corporate objectives, investment and risk profiles, and other factors will bring clarity to a complex set of strategic choices and reveal the priorities, investments and organizational evolution it will take to succeed.
Your digital “footprint” — is your go-to-market approach, the strength of your digital distribution and expression, and your enabling assets and capabilities. Comparing this footprint with customer expectations and your competition will give you an improved understanding of where your digital capabilities and offerings stand today and your gaps that need attention. You’ll measure the opportunities and risks, which will inform near- and longer-term digital priorities.
Developing the right channel ecosystem is complex, given the many direct and indirect digital and physical channels available. Many companies are evolving their ecosystem from legacy channel strategies and investments, which further complicates the path forward. Choosing the right channel and optimizing channel-specific strategies are essential for maximizing brand and sales reach and profitability, and for managing inherent conflicts.
A superior user experience takes into account all major touch points along the customer’s journey, delivers on core needs and ideally exceeds expectations. Doing this right can not only drive satisfaction levels up, but also create real competitive advantage that leads to customer loyalty.
The fourth industrial revolution is upon us and it is rapidly changing the way we manufacture and supply goods. The Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, and machine learning are just a few of the technology advances that are transforming the way businesses operate. Understanding both the art of the possible and the risk of value chain disruption brought about by these new capabilities is critical for a business as it considers its broader strategic choices and weighs future investment decisions.
In addition to impacting a company’s product offering and delivery model, digital innovations are having a profound effect on management practices and decision making overall. Applying a range of digital best practices can unlock new potential within the organization and enhance decision making through the smart application of data and analytical techniques.