Digital transformation never ends – and that’s exactly the point

Many business leaders breathe a sigh of relief once their new cloud-based ERP system is up and running. “We’ve made it,” they think. But that’s a misconception. Choosing a modern cloud platform like Microsoft Dynamics 365 isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning of a new way of thinking about IT, business and collaboration.

Digital transformation is not something you complete. It’s an ongoing process that requires planning, decision-making and a proactive mindset.

Investments should no longer just be seen as expenses – they are strategic drivers of long-term competitiveness.

The tip of the iceberg and the illusion of being “done”

Many believe that moving to the cloud is the final step, that the system will now run itself and Microsoft will take care of everything. But the reality is more complex. I often compare it to an iceberg. You see the tip, but the real work lies beneath the surface.

The platform may be in place, but how do you use it effectively? How do you manage new features, releases and opportunities? This is work that may not be visible in day-to-day operations, but it is what determines whether your investment continues to deliver increasing value over time.

From big bang to everyday adoption

In the past, we launched large, revolutionary IT projects. Once implemented, they remained largely unchanged for 5–10 years, with minimal updates or shifts in capability. That made sense at the time. It was stable, but static.

Today, cloud and SaaS models make that mindset nearly obsolete. Instead, digital transformation should be treated as a continuous, daily effort. That doesn’t mean constantly switching systems but, rather, continuously evaluating new features, workflows and technologies. In other words, it’s not a big bang but a sustained and strategic push.

Digital transformation requires proactivity

One of the most common mistakes I see companies make is working reactively. If you only act when something goes wrong, you're already behind. That’s why digital transformation must be supported by governance, clearly defined roles and structured processes. Today, many organizations use AI for reactive tasks, but AI should also be used proactively. Ongoing digital transformation presents a perfect opportunity to do just that.

It’s about being ready when opportunities arise and being able to respond quickly and confidently. It's also about making change management part of everyday operations. And it is about knowing when to bring in specialists, and when your own organization can handle the task.

Managed services are a necessity, not a luxury

Very few companies can, or should, manage their entire ERP operations in-house. It’s not a question of capability. For most businesses, it’s simply inefficient to take on that responsibility alone. Modern IT operations require access to specialized expertise that rarely makes sense to maintain internally on a full-time basis.

With managed services, you get access to the right people at the right time. You only pay for what you need, and you gain a partner that works proactively to keep your systems updated, secure and aligned with your business goals.

IT and business must go hand in hand

Digital transformation isn’t a check-box on a project plan. It’s a leadership mindset and a strategic approach. And it is based on the recognition that technology never stands still – and neither can your business.