4 minutes
Why conduct an organizational assessment before embarking on a digital transformation?
Many SMEs view digital transformation as a crucial step to remain competitive in a constantly evolving market. However, embarking on such a project without a clear understanding of the current state of the business can be risky and costly.
A rigorous organizational assessment not only allows us to better understand "where" the company comes from, but above all to precisely situate "where it is at" before plotting a realistic and aligned path towards the future.
Why not just look to the future?
When leaders focus solely on the future vision, they risk underestimating the challenges hidden within their current organization. Without an accurate diagnosis, existing issues such as inefficient processes, information silos, or insufficient skills can slow down or even jeopardize transformation.
Many projects fail because they attempt to superimpose modern technological solutions onto a fragile organizational base. It would be a bit like building a modern house on cracked foundations: in the short term, everything seems in order, but structural weaknesses eventually become apparent. An organizational review acts as a check-up on these foundations, identifying areas that need strengthening before moving forward.
Understanding where we come from to know where we need to go, and how
Every organization has a unique history, marked by strategic decisions, positive experiences, and challenges overcome. These elements influence the company's current strengths and weaknesses. An organizational assessment helps document and evaluate these aspects by answering fundamental questions:
Stakeholder alignment: a key benefit
Another often underestimated benefit of an organizational review is that it fosters buy-in from internal stakeholders. By involving executives, managers, and employees in the process, the company can not only identify the real needs of each individual, but also reduce potential resistance to change.
Employees are often in the best position to point out inefficiencies and propose concrete solutions. By involving them from the start, the organization creates a sense of ownership of the project, which facilitates the transition to new tools or processes.
The organizational assessment, a strategic investment
For an SME, conducting an organizational assessment before embarking on a digital transformation isn't a waste of time, but a strategic investment. It's about ensuring the company fully understands its starting point to maximize its chances of achieving its goals. By taking the time to complete this exercise, leaders can avoid costly mistakes, align internal resources, and ensure that each stage of the project is aligned with organizational reality. In short, to go far, you must first know where you're starting from.
Written in 2025
