Identifying the different viewpoints and key elements of digital transformation

The saturation of markets due to globalization has caused a need for digital evolution of organizations to generate innovative manufacturing practices to assure sustained competitive capabilities. Even though technological capabilities have the impact to generate competitive capabilities strategic implementation is a must for optimal performance. The phenomenon of digital transformation and relating strategic efforts are subject to greatly varying viewpoints which has made it challenging for manufactures to engage with digital transformation. The purpose of the thesis is to decipher the phenomenon digital transformation and to further identify the vital aspects of approaching digital transformation strategies through analysing literature and manufacturing companies. In order to fulfil the purpose of this research project two research questions was formulated: • RQ 1: Which are the crucial aspects of digital transformation? • RQ 2: How should digital transformation strategies be approached? This thesis is a part of digital transformation coordination project which include four industrial partners. The case companies were therefore set before the initiation of this thesis with including work packages. A literature review was performed to generate an understanding of the different viewpoints and to provide the case companies with an academic insight. Empirical findings were established through the gathering of data through observations during project meetings and the through the use of questionnaires. An analysis was conducted by comparing the different datasets. Establishing a frame of reference were vital in understanding the scattered phenomenon of digital transformation. Through identifying the contents of Industry 4.0 subsequent digital transformation and related strategical efforts provided the thesis with a profound theoretical support. The empirical findings provided the thesis with an understanding of how four different manufacturing companies viewed digital transformation. The different state of digital transformations was identified with additions to stating the possibilities and challenges. The crucial aspects of digital transformation were found through analysing the different views and meanings of digital transformation, presenting technology, and organizationally driven digital transformation and finally the fundamental aspects of digital transformation. A sound approach for manufacturers to strategize digital transformation was found through analysing the key factors of digital transformation strategies and the current constraints of digital transformation strategies. Furthermore, a discussion of additional themes which does not apply to the research questions were found to be the cause of digital transformation disparity throughout the case companies and the communication of digital transformation. The crucial aspects of digital transformation are found to be the identification of internal and external company objects that require a holistic, organizational changing continuous process. Which furtherutilizes the potential of novel disruptive technologies to develop novel business practices to generate value and competitive competences. A sound approach towards digital transformation strategies is suggested to be through generating a current state understanding to recognize the appropriate activities that must be performed and understanding the financial aspects of said activities and formulating them in a practical holistic way to assure adequate organizational support. Furthermore, understanding and communicating each strategical phase is vital to assure that the organizational aspects can support the digital transformation.