No two digital transformation projects are the same; however, at the heart of each one is the same thing: data. Whether the Digital Transformation (DX) project involves adding a chatbot to an ecommerce website or moving an on-premise ERP to the cloud, data and data management are central to the success and sustainability of a transformation.

As such, understanding an organization’s relationship with their data is pivotal for planning and executing a transformation initiative that will drive meaningful, positive change. This means recognizing how data is collected, processed, and used across different functions of the business.

In this episode of our iT2 DX Talks podcast, we sit down with Mike Wind to gain his insight on how data relationships and other factors impact the quality and success of a digital transformation.

About Mike Wind

Mike Wind is a principal at Perpetual Advisors, a fractional CIO firm specializing in providing strategic IT leadership to mid-market companies.

With decades of experience in IT, progressing from programmer to CIO, Mike offers deep expertise in guiding organizations through complex digital transformations and leveraging data as a core business asset for growth and efficiency.

Understanding Transformations: Going Beyond Technology

Digital transformation is often understood to be merely about the adoption of new technologies or tools. While upgrading systems and integrating modern software are parts of the process, digital transformations go deeper. They require a shift in how an organization perceives its connection with data. 

Digital transformation should start with assessing the current data landscape and determining how data can serve as a strategic asset across different functions.

Moreover, the relationship between a company and its data plays a pivotal role in guiding business strategies and supporting growth; that reliable and accessible data is crucial for optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, and entering new markets effectively.

74% of organizations consider digital transformation a top priority. Ultimately, successful digital transformation is about aligning the organization’s data strategies with its overall business objectives. 

Companies that view data as more than just numbers or records, and instead as a core part of their operational strategy, can leverage new technologies more effectively. This alignment ensures that technology integration truly drives sustainable, positive change across the business.

The Modern Role of Data in Business Strategy

Today, data is a strategic asset that should be central to business planning and growth. For mid-market companies, effectively harnessing data can drive strategic decision-making and support new market exploration. However, many organizations of this size face notable challenges in managing their data effectively.

Mid-market companies often deal with fragmented systems that make data integration complex. Without cohesive data management, businesses struggle to gain a unified view, impacting their ability to optimize supply chains and grow efficiently.

Challenges companies face with their data include:

  • Fragmented systems: Data spread across unconnected platforms makes holistic analysis difficult.
  • Data silos: Independent storage by departments prevents unified insights.
  • Questionable data reliability: Inconsistent data quality can misinform decisions.
  • Accessibility issues: Key decision-makers may not have timely access to crucial data.

Investing in data management infrastructure as part of the digital transformation journey enables businesses to tap into their data’s full potential, fostering growth and informed strategy. 

Rethinking how data is utilized can help drive strategic initiatives, improve decision-making, and create a more agile, resilient organization that can adapt to evolving market conditions.

Engaging Leadership in Data Relationship Transformations

Digital transformation hinges on aligning IT and data management with broader business strategies. C-level executives need to approach IT executives not just as technologists, but as strategic partners who understand business objectives. 

This alignment ensures that technology transformations are viewed as essential components of business growth, rather than isolated projects.

IT leaders should be proactive and start conversations with C-level executives about the organization’s data capabilities and demonstrate how reliable, accessible data can enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. 

Securing executive buy-in for viewing data as a business asset is crucial for overcoming the traditional view of data and data management as an IT operational issue. When data management is recognized as a strategy, it empowers meaningful change and fosters a culture where data-driven decision-making is the norm. 

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The Value of SAP in Digital Transformation: Fostering Better Data Relationships

SAP plays a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing better relationships between organizations and their data. While SAP was once seen as a complex, monolithic system, its evolution into a more modular, scalable solution has allowed mid-market companies to harness its capabilities more effectively.

Solutions like GROW with SAP give small- and medium-sized businesses the ability to access ERP and data management resources formerly reserved for enterprise-level organizations. This not only allows them to compete more effectively against conglomerates, but also makes connecting with and leveraging business data easier.

Moreover, SAP makes consolidating data across different business processes—such as finance, supply chain, and customer interactions—less complicated. SAP is helping companies break down silos and establish cohesive data strategies. 

This unified approach supports real-time access to reliable data, empowering organizations to make informed decisions and optimize operations. SAP’s flexibility allows companies to strengthen their data infrastructure, ensuring that data is accessible, relevant, and aligned with overall business goals.

Catch other iT2 DX Talks episodes:
Transform Your Business with Modern SAP Solutions
Insights on SAP BTP and Digital Transformation from Expert Laura Tibodeau
Start Your Journey With Leadership, Community, and the Path to Success

Empower Digital Transformations: Focus on the Data

Companies that prioritize a strategic approach to their data relationships can achieve more than operational upgrades—they can open the door to new levels of growth, agility, and competitive advantage. By viewing data as a core business asset, businesses can align their digital initiatives with overarching goals and drive meaningful change.

Leveraging powerful tools like SAP can help bridge data silos, create cohesive strategies, and provide real-time insights that enable informed decision-making. The right approach to digital transformation ensures that data is not just stored but actively used to support business objectives, optimize processes, and adapt to evolving market demands.

If your organization is ready to explore a data-focused digital transformation, iT2 is here to help. 

Contact us today to learn how our expertise in SAP and digital transformation can empower your business to build a sustainable, data-driven future.