How Companies Are Adapting to the Digital Age: Strategies That Drive Real Transformation

TL;DR:

To stay competitive, companies must embrace digital transformation through AI automation, cloud migration, ERP modernisation, and data-driven strategies. This article explores how sectors like retail, manufacturing, and utilities are evolving, offering practical insights into sustainable transformation.

How Companies Are Adapting to the Digital Age

How Companies Are Adapting to the Digital Age

By Richard Keenlyside, Global CIO

In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital transformation is not just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. Organisations across every sector, from manufacturing to retail and utilities, are under pressure to modernise or face obsolescence. The digital age demands agility, innovation, and a shift in mindset that places technology at the heart of business strategy.

The Digital Imperative

The shift to digital has accelerated post-pandemic, reshaping business operations. Cloud migration, AI-driven automation, and ERP modernisation are no longer optional but critical pillars of survival and growth.

From my experience as a CIO in sectors ranging from professional services to telecommunications, the most successful transformations are those aligned with clear strategic goals. Whether it’s reducing technical debt by £2 million through server consolidation or deploying RPA to save 75,000 hours annually, results speak louder than theory.

Real-World Digital Transformation: Key Lessons

1. ERP Modernisation Across Global Entities

In one global retail-to-manufacturing transformation, a unified ERP roadmap using NetSuite replaced legacy systems, cutting technical debt by £2.5 million. This enabled agility across finance, inventory, and supply chains, and improved reporting with real-time dashboards.

2. AI and RPA for Operational Efficiency

Utility providers and retailers have successfully implemented AI-driven invoice scanning and robotic process automation. The outcome? Increased compliance, a 29% reduction in late supplier payments, and thousands of man-hours reclaimed.

3. Cloud Strategy for Business Continuity

Transitioning to cloud platforms like Azure or AWS has become standard practice. In manufacturing, moving 150 servers to Azure reduced infrastructure costs, improved disaster recovery, and eliminated legacy technical debt.

4. Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable

As digital adoption rises, so do threats. A robust cybersecurity framework — penetration testing, endpoint protection, and third-party SOC — ensures business continuity and trust.

Sectors Leading the Digital Charge

Retail & eCommerce have adopted Adobe Commerce and CRM integrations, extending customer reach and increasing revenues by over £1.4 million post-COVID.

Manufacturing is leveraging MES, ERP, and AI to enhance supply chain resilience and predictive maintenance.

Utilities are investing in digital twins, data analytics, and automation to modernise legacy infrastructure while meeting regulatory requirements.

FAQs

Q1: What is the first step in digital transformation? A digital strategy that aligns with your business objectives, backed by executive sponsorship and a clear roadmap.

Q2: Which technologies are driving transformation today? AI automation, ERP modernisation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Q3: How long does a typical transformation take? Timelines vary, but foundational shifts like ERP or cloud migration can range from 12 to 24 months.

Q4: Is digital transformation only about technology? No. It's equally about culture, change management, and stakeholder alignment.

Final Thoughts

The digital age rewards the bold — those willing to embrace transformation not as a project, but as a mindset. For companies today, the path to sustainable growth is digital, data-driven, and people-powered.

By embedding best practices across strategy, operations, and IT, businesses can adapt, thrive, and lead.

Whether you're at the start of your transformation journey or midway through a strategic pivot, one truth remains clear: adapting to the digital age is the difference between relevance and redundancy.

Richard Keenlyside is the Global CIO for the LoneStar Group and a former IT Director for J Sainsbury’s PLC.

Call me on +44(0) 1642 040 268 or email richard@rjk.info.

Follow me on X https://x.com/cioinpractice & LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkeenlyside/