Success factors for fostering a digital transformation in manufacturing companies

Abstract

Digital Transformation (DT) is an essential trend for manufacturing companies as digitalization of the value chain affects the entire company. Strategic management functions should consider DT technologies and their impact on assets and resources. The knowledge of the possible factors that influence DT positively may ease a realization of gains due to DT. In 20 qualitative interviews, we examined critical factors for DT's success in manufacturing companies. Based on the IS success model of DeLone and McLean, we have derived success factors that can trigger DT success. The success factors describe the three major dimensions in which DT takes place: technology, organization, and environment. The results show that DT can only be successful if companies collaborate with customers, suppliers and also other firms from the branch. A cultural change is necessary to enable an agile working environment as well as more interdisciplinary activities. It becomes evident that the choice of technology is essential. However, driving only technology forward is not enough to gain benefits from DT.

Keywords:

• IS success
• DeLone and McLean success model
• Digital Transformation; qualitative analysis

Notes

1 [<Number of Interview> - <Number of statement>]