What is Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is more than just upgrading systems or digitising processes – it’s an ongoing journey of evolution

It’s about continuously adapting to technological advancements, modernising operations and ensuring that digital tools are leveraged effectively. For school business managers, this means more than just implementing new software; it requires a proactive approach to keep systems dynamic rather than static.

While time constraints and budget limitations can make this seem challenging, a strategic approach allows schools to identify and implement the right opportunities. By staying proactive and adaptable, schools can navigate digital transformation effectively.

Utilise Your Audits

This process involves reviewing the effectiveness of existing digital systems, platforms and technologies to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Take a deep dive into how various departments are using these digital tools – whether it’s teachers entering attendance through an online portal or senior leadership accessing data dashboards to track student performance.

For example, a system that works well in one department, like a streamlined attendance platform, could potentially be adapted and scaled across other areas, like curriculum planning or staff scheduling. Additionally, engaging staff from across departments is essential for gaining insight into how these systems are impacting their day-to-day tasks. Teachers, administrative staff and leadership teams often have valuable feedback on what’s working well and where digital tools could be better integrated.

Understand User Experience

Once you have completed your audit, it’s important to carefully evaluate the information to identify any inefficiencies or missed opportunities within your current systems. Consider evaluating the user experience across various touchpoints – how does it feel for parents, students and staff interacting with your systems? Are there gaps where the experience could be streamlined or made more intuitive? For example, are digital systems meeting the needs of parents seeking to engage with school reports or attendance?

You may also find that you are missing key functionalities or add-ons that could make a significant difference to your operations. Similarly, your finance or HR systems may offer customisable modules to streamline payroll, expenses and budgeting processes, but these might not be in use yet. Or staff may be unfamiliar with new elements of the system.

Rather than assuming that your current system is fixed or limited, take the time to explore its full potential. Work closely with your IT team to better understand the system’s capabilities.

Assess Internal Capabilities

Digital transformation is not just about implementing new systems or technologies; it’s about evolving your school’s culture to embrace change. Once you’ve identified inefficiencies, assessed your systems and understood the areas for improvement, the next and most important step is to focus on transforming your school’s culture around digital practices.

It’s crucial to assess the digital literacy and expertise of your staff across all departments – from finance and HR to teaching and administration. By evaluating their current capabilities, you can determine whether there are gaps that need to be addressed. This cultural shift is often the most challenging aspect of digital transformation, when staff see digital transformation as an opportunity rather than a challenge, they are more likely to engage with and support the changes.

A culture of digital transformation is one where learning and adaptation are encouraged, digital tools are integrated into everyday workflows, and everyone is motivated to drive continuous improvement. By prioritising the development of your team’s skills and fostering an open mindset toward digital change, you ensure that the transition is smoother and more sustainable.