Lessons for the Future: Insights from Our Digital Transformation

At SolidCAD, we’ve been on a transformative journey that’s turned us into leaders in digital transformation consultancy. This shift was much more than just a change—it meant fully embracing a digital-first approach that has transformed how we operate. As experts in CAD, BIM, CAM, data/asset management, and cloud-based solutions we were challenged by the global pandemic (as many others were) to adapt and excel in unexpected ways. But we’re excited to share how these changes have changed our perspective.

Why We Changed: Adapting to New Market Realities

Our evolution was driven by the shift in communication and how we engaged with our clients, and the need to adapt to these changes quickly and efficiently. Upon extensive research many studies have proven a huge shift, that continues to evolve as new technologies are introduced, like AI.

So, what does the research tell us?

1. Interactions tend to be digital over traditional: A massive 76% of B2B buyers and sellers now favor digital interactions over traditional face-to-face meetings. This isn’t just a temporary adjustment but a permanent shift towards enjoying the speed and simplicity of digital dealings​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
2. Video is taking the lead: The leap in using video to connect with businesses is staggering—there’s been a 300% increase since the start of 2020. It’s clear that video isn’t just for catching up with friends anymore; it’s a key player in professional communications too​ (Vonage Business)​.
3. Big money goes digital too: Think big transactions can’t happen over a screen? Think again. Around 70% of decision-makers are now making high-stake purchases north of $50,000 digitally, proving that trust in digital platforms is stronger than ever​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
4. Tech is your ultimate game changer: Post-pandemic, technology isn’t just supporting business; it’s defining it. Top companies are using tech not just to keep up but to stand out, viewing their digital expertise crucial to their competitive edge​ (McKinsey & Company)​.

It’s one thing to have data, but it’s another to really know what to do with it. So, how did SolidCAD turn insights into action? Let’s dive into how we adapted.

We Changed our Approach.

Our traditional focus on face-to-face interactions has always been a key part of our client relationships. But when the pandemic hit, it pushed us to rethink our approach. It was a real eye-opener, showing us the crucial need to connect digitally and serve our clients on a global scale.

As we navigated our own digital transformation, we began weaving digital solutions into all areas of our operations. This strategic shift was about setting new standards for how we engage with clients, but more importantly how we engage amongst each other. We wanted to ensure the same level and delivery of our top-notch services were always provided without the constraints of physical location. Now, whether our clients are across the street or on the other side of the country, we’re equipped to meet their needs with the same level of expertise and personal attention they’ve come to expect from us.

This adaptation is how we stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

We approached change with three key elements:

1. Embracing Change with Purpose and Apply it across the Board: The journey began in our marketing department with the adoption of digital tools, setting the stage for a company-wide transformation. This was about more than new technology; it was about cultivating a culture proactive to change. We ensured that any technology we implemented in one department, easily integrated into all other facets of our business especially into existing workflows and systems.
2. Learning Through Challenges: Our journey has been filled with its fair share of hurdles, from outdated tech to resistance to change. Each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons about resilience and the need to align our technology with our team’s workflows. Plus, it’s also worth noting the risks involved with digital transformation is extremely high. A Harvard Business Review survey revealed that 68% of tech implementations fail to meet at least one major goal—whether it’s budget, timeline, or outcomes—with 34% missing the mark on all three. This highlights the critical importance of carefully planning and executing digital changes effectively.
3. Achieving Tangible Outcomes: Our dive into digital transformation has really paid off—our operations are more flexible, customer satisfaction is up, and our team feels more unified than ever. These improvements show just how key it is to continuously aim for better and keep ourselves on track. Plus, using data-driven insights meant we could make informed decisions every step of the way, ensuring our strategies were spot-on and effectively driving us toward our overall goals.

Our Key Takeaways

We have five key takeaways we are happy to share with others that are either advancing or even beginning their transformation journey, and that is:

1. Look beyond Technology: It is not just about the technology or the tool itself, but how it is implemented into all processes of your business.
2. Holistic Approach: Successful digital transformation integrates technology with strategic vision and effective change management.
3. Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data effectively involves more than just its collection; it’s about interpreting and applying data to make informed business decisions.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative culture is vital, as transformation affects every level of the organization.
5. Choosing the Right Partners: Working with knowledgeable partners can provide customized solutions that enhance the speed and effectiveness of your transformation.

Explore Our Transformation Journey

We invite you to dive deeper into our transformation journey through our story.

Or view our infographic of what we learned down below.

View the Infographic

Interested in Transforming for the Future?

Discover how SolidCAD can assist your digital transformation by visiting our consulting. Let us help you turn challenges into opportunities and lead in the digital age.