Anyone who knows me knows that I love mountain biking. It’s my number one hobby; something I strive to make time for at least a few times a week. I’m lucky enough to live in southern Utah where riding is a year-round affair. I never tire of the scenery and countless trails there are to explore. To me, nothing beats getting out into the desert for a ride, whether by myself or with friends.
To say a lot has changed since I started riding bikes in the 90s would be a massive understatement. At its core, mountain biking hasn’t changed – it’s still about getting outside, experiencing nature, exercising, connecting with others, and having fun! The benefits are also the same, such as the physical and mental health benefits as well as the camaraderie built through the sport. Some of my best friends are those I’ve met through mountain biking. The lessons learned through persistent practice, as in any sport, also hold true – learning and practicing new skills and seeing yourself steadily improve is very rewarding.
So, what’s changed? As a professional in the field of digital transformation, my primary responsibility is to assist organizations in embracing new technologies and managing change effectively. As a result, I’ve often considered the impacts of digital transformation on my favorite sport. Today, I will explore these areas and look at how the same principles can apply to an organization considering their next steps in their digital transformation.
Table of Contents
How Digital Transformation Revolutionized Mountain Biking
Mountain biking and digital transformation may seem unrelated at first glance, but there are potential connections, especially when considering how technology can impact outdoor activities and sports. Here are some ways they are related and how each area might also relate to the digital transformation process:
Measuring Progress:
Digital transformation has led to the development of smart equipment and wearables for mountain biking. These devices can track various metrics such as speed, distance, elevation, and heart rate. Riders can use this data to analyze and improve their performance.
In your DX journey it’s important to measure progress along the way. Without measuring and understanding where you’ve been it’s nearly impossible to plan for meaningful change in the future.
Mapping and Navigation:
Technology has transformed navigation for mountain bikers. Digital maps and navigation apps help riders discover new trails, plan routes, and navigate challenging terrains. This enhances the overall experience and safety of mountain biking. I often find myself checking out the heat map on Strava to see where other riders are spending their time.
On your DX journey having both a project plan and charter are imperative to success. Having a clear goal or destination and understanding exactly how to get there as well as knowing what obstacles you will encounter are important as you plan and prepare for the journey.
Online Communities and Social Platforms:
Digital transformation has connected mountain biking enthusiasts through online communities and social platforms. Riders can share their experiences, tips, and trail recommendations. This creates a virtual community that enhances the sense of belonging among mountain bikers.
With countless resources available to connect with and learn from online you certainly aren’t left to figure things out on your own. Learning from others who have been in a similar situation can be invaluable!
Training and Coaching Apps:
Digital platforms offer training and coaching apps specifically designed for mountain bikers. These apps provide personalized training plans, technique tutorials, and performance analysis, contributing to skill improvement and overall fitness.
There are consultants and experts specializing in your area of business who are eager to help you be successful. Enlist an expert who knows the territory, will hold you accountable, and provide all the tips and tricks you need to ensure success.
As you can see, a gradual digital transformation has done a lot to enhance a sport that, at its core, is still fundamentally the same. These notable similarities to important aspects of a successful digital transformation journey can teach us important lessons.
Integrating Innovation: Emerging Technologies in ERP Transformations
Like cycling, the core business fundamentals and values should generally remain unchanged. Digital transformation is about looking at where you are now, defining the vision for where you want to be, and employing technology to help bring that to life. Here are four examples of how businesses might look to digitally transform their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems:
1. Cloud Adoption
Migration to Cloud ERP: Businesses are increasingly moving away from on-premises ERP systems to cloud-based solutions. Cloud ERP offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, allowing organizations to access real-time data from anywhere. This shift reduces the need for extensive IT infrastructure and enables more efficient updates and maintenance.
SaaS (Software as a Service): Many businesses are adopting ERP solutions offered as SaaS, where the software is hosted and maintained by a third-party provider. This reduces the burden on internal IT teams, lowers costs, and ensures that the ERP system is always up to date.
2. Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence
Data-driven Decision Making: Businesses are leveraging advanced analytics and business intelligence tools integrated into ERP systems. This involves using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large volumes of data for actionable insights. This enables better decision-making, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Predictive Analytics: ERP systems are being enhanced with predictive analytics capabilities to forecast trends, identify potential issues, and optimize various processes. This allows businesses to proactively address challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
3. Mobile Accessibility
Mobile ERP Solutions: The digital transformation of ERP involves making data and functionality accessible through mobile devices. This enables employees to access critical information, approve workflows, and perform various tasks while on the go. Mobile ERP enhances collaboration and efficiency, especially for businesses with remote or mobile workforce.
Responsive Design: ERP systems are being designed with responsive interfaces to ensure a seamless experience across different devices and screen sizes. This accommodates the diverse ways employees interact with the system, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones.
4. Integration with Emerging Technologies
IoT Integration: Businesses are integrating ERP systems with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to collect real-time data from physical objects and processes. This data can be used to optimize operations, improve supply chain visibility, and enhance overall efficiency.
Blockchain Integration: Some businesses are exploring the integration of blockchain technology into ERP systems to enhance transparency, traceability, and security in supply chain management, finance, and other critical business processes.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automation, including RPA, is being incorporated into ERP to streamline repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and improve overall process efficiency.
These four areas represent key trends in the digital transformation of ERP systems, helping businesses stay competitive in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
Change Doesn’t Come Easy: Managing Resistance
Digital transformation ultimately means change. The definition of transform is to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of. Meaningful change never comes easy. Humans, it seems, are hard-wired to resist change and stick with only what’s comfortable and familiar. Take any one of the transformation areas in mountain biking I listed, and you’ll find plenty of naysayers who resisted and thought the way it was perfectly fine, that there were no benefits of change and even argue that the change is hurting the sport in some way.
This resistance is just as true when looking to optimize your business processes. When it’s time to initiate change and work on digital transformation you are sure to face many challenges, more of which have to do with people than they do with technology. The important thing to remember is that these challenges can be overcome with the proper planning and project oversight. For a deep dive on change management best practices, read my article: What is Change Management?
Digital Transformation: Enhancing Identity while Fueling Growth
Digital transformation has enhanced and changed mountain biking throughout the years, while allowing the sport to maintain its original purpose of camaraderie, athleticism, and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Similarly, organizations do not have to fear that digital transformation will strip away what makes them fundamentally unique and purposeful. Instead, these changes can even enhance the very things that they pride themselves in, while helping them to adapt and grow into the future.
Every organization’s journey will look different and have unique goals and initiatives, but the fundamentals of meaningful digital transformation are the same regardless of the type of organization. This is where our team here at Victoria Fide can help set you up for lasting positive change and walk with you on the path of success. Where most organizations may have only undertaken a transformational initiative once or twice in the past decade, we live and breathe digital transformation. Our proven Process for Transformational Change equips our clients to experience success in their transformative efforts, enabling them to preserve their uniqueness while adapting to the modern world.
Reach out for a free consultation today to find out how we can help you Make Change Positive.
Transformation is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Take control of your project’s success today and schedule a free 30-minute consultation to find out how Victoria Fide can equip you for transformational success.
About the Author
Skylar Stubbs is Project Manager at Victoria Fide and has been leading projects for over 6 years across multiple industries. Skylar is passionate about utilizing technology to enhance work and facilitate more streamlined processes that benefit everyone across an organization. His favorite part of the client journey is being able to help others find better ways to solve business problems and ultimately make lasting, positive organizational change.