"As a transformation coach, I recognize new focus issues."

Peter Merz, you are currently training to become a transformation coach at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). Why?

Peter Merz: Everyone is talking about digitization. But how do companies manage the digital transformation? A group of Swiss Microsoft partners has tackled this question. Together with the FHNW, the initiators developed a methodology that enables SMEs to develop their own digital strategy. The participating IT solution partners therefore launched the cooperation "dig:it now" (www.digitnow.ch).

What exactly is this cooperation about?

With a simple methodology, we give our existing and potential customers the confidence to start the necessary digitization of their processes. On a personal level, I would like to contribute my many years of experience in management positions in companies. In addition, I started my professional career in consulting.

What do you mean specifically by supporting digitization processes?

In fact, the first step is to look at an organization as holistically as possible. The procedure supports the definition of focal points so that we can proceed in a targeted manner. As soon as these goals have been defined, implementation begins. IT plays an important role in this, although it is only ever a means to an end.

What are the primary topics covered?

The methodology provides for the creation of a digital roadmap for companies in three phases. At the first one-day workshop, we therefore pursue two goals:

• First, raising awareness and inspiring a company's cadre to open up to digital opportunities.
• Secondly, a maturity and motivation analysis of the company. This analysis includes the entire organization: marketing, sales, production, finance, IT and other areas.

From this, we derive focus areas. These are then explored in greater depth in a second workshop, which lasts two to five days. In this workshop, we develop the plan of action for the digital transformation.

• Thirdly, it is about the actual transformation, i.e. the concrete implementation of the roadmap.

What benefits does the training bring to your customers?

Digitalization means a change in processes. As an IT service provider in the areas of SAP/ERP and product development (PDM/PLM), we have always worked together with our customers to optimize processes. By training as a Transformation Coach, I hope that we will be able to identify new focus topics in a scientifically sound manner that will create added value for customers.

Will you now conduct workshops for customers and advise them?

That is the intention. We are holding four free impulse workshops in Oftringen this year, open to customers and other interested parties: on June 6, August 22, September 26 and November 14. During two hours, participants will learn what the driving forces of change are, which methods are applied and how they enable barriers to be overcome. Registration is done through the website www.gia.ch/events.

What further steps is GIA planning in connection with digital transformation and "dig:it now"?

We make our contribution to the expansion of the "dig:it now" network. In particular, this includes recognizing our own opportunities. As already mentioned, digitization projects encompass far more than just IT. GIA will by no means cover everything. However, a wide range of competencies are available in the network. We will use these in a targeted manner and offer our customers the best possible service.

More information: www.digitnow.ch, www.gia.ch