Corporate digitization and Lean Digital: when Process Intelligence meets the power of technology

For companies, the imperative is no longer just "innovate," but "transform" through a corporate digitization aware. But how do you navigate this sea of opportunity without getting lost or, worse, digitizing pre-existing inefficiencies?

The answer lies in an integrated approach that combines Lean Thinking e Digital Transformation. Two seemingly separate worlds, but strongly synergistic: the former is concerned with improving processes, the latter with enhancing them through the most appropriate technologies.

Introduction to Lean Digital: simplicity and efficiency for business digitization in the service of value

Before talking about corporate digitization, it is useful to recall the basic principles of Lean Thinking. Originating in the Japanese manufacturing sector, Lean promotes value-oriented management for the customer, eliminating all forms of waste along the value chain.

Imagine a production process or service: Lean teaches us to look at it with critical eyes, identifying bottlenecks, unnecessary waits, unnecessary movements, rework-anything that lengthens time and affects costs without benefiting the end customer.

The five core principles of Lean are a valuable guide:

• Value: defining what the customer is really willing to pay, putting himself in his shoes.
• Value Stream: mapping each step, from idea to finished product, to identify waste and inefficiencies.
• Continuous Flow: to create a seamless path where the product or service moves smoothly.
• Production "Pull" (Pull): produce only when there is a real demand from the customer, avoiding overproduction and unnecessary inventory.
• Perfection: a constant commitment to improvement, never stopping.

This systems approach transforms an organization from reactive, handling problems when they arise, to preventive, able to anticipate them. But for the big leap into the digital age, an extra step is needed.

From preventive to predictive: the synergy of Lean & Digital

One of the most common pitfalls in digital transformation is to introduce advanced technologies on processes that have not yet been optimized. In such cases, there is a risk of getting a more "technological" version of the same wastes-a transformation that is only apparent.

It is therefore essential first to analyze, simplify and improve processes, and only then to introduce digital tools, which will then be able to reach their full potential.

It is like paving a road full of potholes: the result will be a more "modern" but still bumpy road.

"Without the contribution of the Lean approach, in fact, what we risk digitizing, with dangerous consequences, is waste."

From preventive to predictive: the quantum leap of enterprise digitization

When digital meets already efficient processes, a multiplier effect is triggered. Some examples of the opportunities generated:

• Integration of data throughout the value chain, in real time, improving visibility and responsiveness.
• Predictive maintenance, based on data collected from sensors, with a direct impact on efficiency and cost.
• New business models, enabled by digitization, such as smart after-sales services or integrated digital platforms.

In this perspective, digital transformation is not only technological: it is strategic and cultural.

The key role of people and culture

A key aspect, too often underestimated, is the role of the human capital. Digital transformation is not just a technological issue; it is, first and foremost, a cultural and organizational change. Statistics tell us that a significant percentage of digitization projects fail, often not because of technological limitations, but because of a failure to manage the human and organizational factor.

This is why we emphasize the importance of:

• An open and innovative culture: who sees challenges as opportunities and is not afraid to experiment.
• People involved and trained: open-minded, willing to put themselves on the line and acquire new skills. Staff retraining and continuing education are the real pillars of this revolution.
• Enlightened leadership: able to lead change, support teams, and promote collaboration.

A structured path to excellence

1. Experience in this field has allowed us to outline a structured path for the introduction of a model, we refer here to the Lean & Digital Transformation model in the company Assessment: we start with a "snapshot" of the current state, analyzing the company's digital maturity across the board (processes, organization, IT systems, skills). This makes it possible to identify gaps and the most promising areas of intervention.
2. Strategy Definition: you translate the vision into a clear digital strategy, aligning business goals with the opportunities offered by new technologies.
3. Digital Agenda: concrete projects are selected and prioritized, based on a careful assessment of feasibility, impact and return on investment (ROI).
4. Execution: the phase where projects come to life, with a constant focus on change management and people involvement to ensure that new solutions are effectively integrated throughout the value chain.

It is crucial to emphasize that, contrary to popular belief, technology is often not the most critical factor. The cost of various digital technologies has become affordable even for manufacturing SMEs. The most delicate aspect, requiring time commitment and resources, is organizational and Human Capital management. Indeed, digital transformation involves an upheaval in managerial and organizational practices, promoting more horizontal leadership and greater collaboration to To arrive at fully efficient enterprise digitization. This requires the development of new interpersonal skills, in addition to the necessary digital skills⁷. It is an extremely interesting challenge for everyone, requiring vision, courage and transparency.

The expected results: efficiency, speed and new value space

When process improvement and digital adoption proceed together, the benefits are obvious and concrete:

• Reduction of time to market
• Improved accuracy In forecasting and planning
• Cost reduction related to quality, inventory, and maintenance
• Increased productivity Through intelligent automation
• Faster decisions Through up-to-date and reliable data

In addition, a New culture of transparency and continuous learning, capable of attracting talent and generating sustainable innovation over time.

Not just transform, but rethink

La digital transformation is not a question of tools, but of vision, method and people. It is not just about "doing better" what you have always done, but about radically rethinking how you create value, how you make decisions, and how you evolve your business model.

Only those who approach this path with awareness and strategy will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities of the digital age.

If you wish to explore how these principles and methodologies of enterprise digitization can be applied to your reality and find out how it translates into concrete paths to growth and innovation, we invite you to visit our Digital transformation Services page.