They say one should dig the well before water is needed. It couldn't be more true in today's environment. In order for businesses to stay competitive in today's digital age, it is essential that they have a strong digital infrastructure. This means having the right systems and tools in place to support your organization's digital transformation. Beyond that, it means that all systems are talking to each other, eliminating silos and enabling visibility across departments. This will give you a 360-degree view of your customers and enable better decision-making across departments.

But how do businesses get there? Where do you even start?

Here are five ways business leaders can improve their organization's digital infrastructure today, regardless of their size and scope.

1. Monitor and measure the performance of your digital systems.

This will help you identify areas where improvements can be made. Digital transformation is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing journey that requires constant attention and optimization. By monitoring and measuring the performance of the components of your digital systems, you can identify areas where improvements can be made. This data will also be invaluable as you move forward with your digital transformation initiatives.

There are a number of ways to do this, but some key metrics to track include:

• Conversion rates
• Customer satisfaction scores
• Lead times
• Cross-departmental communication and collaboration

To get started, choose one or two digital channels to focus on and set up tracking for those channels. Once you have a solid understanding of how those channels and servers are performing, you can expand your monitoring to include other channels.

2. Consider which processes and technologies need TLC.

Any digital transformation initiative starts with an assessment of the current state. This includes taking a close look at your processes and technologies to identify areas where improvements can be made. These might include aspects like cloud computing, cloud storage, software defined storage and more.

Once you've done that, you can start to prioritize which process and technology changes will have the biggest impact on your business. Some factors to consider when prioritizing include:

• How critical the process or technology is to your business operations
• How much pain it currently cause your team
• How easy it will be to make the change

If you're not sure where to start, consider conducting a survey of your employees. Ask them about their biggest pain points and what changes would make their jobs easier. This feedback will give you valuable insights into where you should focus your digital transformation efforts.

3. Invest in the right tools and systems.

In order for businesses to compete in today's digital age, they need to have access to the right tools and systems in place. This includes everything from enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to project management tools and communication platforms.

The specific tools, hardware and systems you need will depend on the nature of your business, but there are a few must-haves that all businesses should invest in:

• An ERP system to help you manage your finances, inventory, and other core business functions
• A CRM system to track your customers and sales pipeline
• A project management tool to help you plan, execute,

4. Train your employees on how to use the new systems and tools.

This will help them be more productive and efficient in their roles. A strong organizational change management strategy needs to be in place in all organizations in order to drive user adoption and minimize resistance to change. Part of this strategy should include training employees on how to use the new tools and operating systems.

There are a few different ways you can train employees, but some popular methods include:

• In-person training sessions
• Web-based tutorials
• Video demonstrations
• One-on-one coaching
• User manuals or help documentation

The best approach will depend on the nature of your business and the type of change you're implementing. However, it's important to remember that employee training is an essential part of any digital transformation initiative. Without it, your team will be less productive and your organization will be at a competitive disadvantage.

5. Implement security protocols and authentication measures to improve data security

This is critical in today's environment where cyber risks and data breaches are becoming more common. Make sure you have the proper security protocols and authentication measures in place to protect your data. This includes things like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and two-factor authentication.

Data storage and network security should be a top priority for any business leader looking to improve their organization's digital infrastructure. By taking steps to protect your data, you can avoid costly breaches and keep your business operations running smoothly.

Digital transformation is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing journey that requires continuous investment in computer systems, data centers, and other IT infrastructure. However, by taking these steps today, you can set your organization up for success in the digital age. Implementing even just one of these changes can make a big difference in your company's overall performance and give you an unmatched competitive advantage. So why wait? Start

Digital transformation is not something that can be done overnight. It's a journey that requires planning, but all it takes is taking the first step. If you think there is an opportunity for your organization to streamline and automate processes, then don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can also download the 2023 Digital Transformation Report that outlines the top systems and data center strategies you can leverage for your organization.