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Flevy Management Insights Q&A
What are the roles of digital transformation in driving business restructuring success?


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the roles of digital transformation in driving business restructuring success? For a comprehensive understanding of Restructuring, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Restructuring best practice resources.

TLDR Digital Transformation is crucial in business restructuring, impacting Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, and Innovation by improving customer experience, optimizing operations, and driving growth.

Reading time: 4 minutes


Digital transformation plays a pivotal role in driving the success of organizational restructuring. It encompasses the integration of digital technology into all areas of an organization, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. Moreover, it's a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure. This transformation can significantly impact various aspects of an organization, from Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence to Risk Management and Performance Management.

Enhancing Customer Experience and Engagement

The primary goal of digital transformation in the context of business restructuring is to improve customer experience and engagement. In today's digital age, customers expect seamless, personalized interactions across all channels. Organizations that leverage digital technologies to meet these expectations can gain a competitive edge. For instance, using data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to understand customer behavior and preferences can lead to more targeted and effective marketing strategies. A study by McKinsey & Company highlights that organizations that use customer analytics extensively are more likely to outperform their competitors in terms of profit almost twice as much as companies that do not.

Moreover, digital platforms enable organizations to interact with their customers in real-time, providing immediate responses and support. This level of engagement builds customer loyalty and satisfaction, which are crucial for long-term success. For example, Domino's Pizza underwent a digital transformation by launching a mobile app that allowed customers to order pizza through various digital channels. This strategy significantly improved customer satisfaction and was a key factor in the company's revenue growth.

Additionally, digital transformation enables organizations to expand their reach and access new markets. By leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media, organizations can connect with a global audience, thereby increasing their customer base and revenue streams.

Explore related management topics: Digital Transformation Customer Experience Artificial Intelligence Customer Loyalty Customer Satisfaction Mobile App Data Analytics Revenue Growth

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Optimizing Operations and Reducing Costs

Digital transformation also plays a critical role in optimizing operations and reducing costs, which is essential for the success of any business restructuring effort. By automating routine tasks and processes, organizations can achieve Operational Excellence, leading to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. For instance, the adoption of robotic process automation (RPA) can streamline processes such as data entry, invoicing, and customer service, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic tasks. According to a report by Deloitte, organizations that have implemented RPA have seen an average increase in productivity of 20%.

In addition to process automation, digital transformation enables organizations to leverage cloud computing for more flexible and cost-effective IT infrastructure. This not only reduces the capital expenditure on IT resources but also allows organizations to scale their operations quickly in response to changing market demands. A study by Accenture found that companies that aggressively adopt cloud computing can achieve up to 40% in operational savings.

Furthermore, digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive analytics can significantly improve the efficiency of supply chain management. By providing real-time visibility into supply chain operations, organizations can anticipate disruptions, optimize inventory levels, and enhance supplier collaboration, leading to reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Explore related management topics: Customer Service Operational Excellence Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Robotic Process Automation Internet of Things

Driving Innovation and Competitive Advantage

Another critical role of digital transformation in business restructuring is fostering innovation and creating a competitive advantage. In an increasingly digital world, organizations must continuously innovate to stay relevant and ahead of their competitors. Digital technologies provide the tools and platforms for rapid experimentation and innovation. For example, cloud computing and AI enable organizations to quickly develop, test, and deploy new digital products and services.

Moreover, digital transformation encourages a culture of innovation within the organization. By embracing digital technologies, organizations can create an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to take calculated risks. This cultural shift is essential for driving long-term innovation and growth. A report by PwC found that 43% of companies that are leaders in digital innovation expect to grow by more than 10% in the next five years, compared to only 17% of companies that are not.

Real-world examples of organizations that have successfully leveraged digital transformation to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge include Amazon and Netflix. Amazon's use of AI and machine learning for personalized recommendations has revolutionized the retail industry, while Netflix's use of data analytics to understand viewer preferences has transformed the media and entertainment industry.

Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but about leveraging these technologies to fundamentally change how an organization operates and competes in the digital age. Through enhancing customer experience, optimizing operations, and driving innovation, digital transformation can significantly contribute to the success of business restructuring efforts. Organizations that recognize and embrace this potential are well-positioned to thrive in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.

Explore related management topics: Competitive Advantage Machine Learning Retail Industry

Best Practices in Restructuring

Here are best practices relevant to Restructuring from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Restructuring materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Restructuring

Restructuring Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Restructuring, take a look at these case studies.

Strategic Reorganization for Industrial Equipment Firm

Scenario: The organization is a leading provider of heavy industrial equipment operating in North America.

Read Full Case Study

Supply Chain Optimization Strategy for Agricultural Wholesale Distributor

Scenario: The organization, a leading agricultural wholesale distributor, is undergoing a critical phase of restructuring to address a 20% decline in profitability due to inefficiencies in its supply chain management.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Diversification Plan for Eco-Tourism Operator in Southeast Asia

Scenario: An established eco-tourism operator in Southeast Asia is in the midst of a critical reorganization to address its strategic challenge.

Read Full Case Study

Retail Inventory Restructuring for Omnichannel Efficiency

Scenario: A leading retail firm operating across multiple channels is facing challenges in managing its inventory effectively.

Read Full Case Study

Operational Turnaround Strategy for Mid-Size Warehousing Company

Scenario: A mid-size warehousing company is at a crossroads, needing a strategic turnaround to address a 20% decline in operational efficiency and a 15% drop in customer satisfaction over the past two years.

Read Full Case Study

Reorganization Strategy for Defense Contractor in Aerospace Sector

Scenario: The organization is a defense contractor specializing in aerospace technology facing operational challenges due to a recent merger that has doubled its workforce and integrated disparate processes.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How does organizational culture influence the success of a restructuring strategy?
Organizational culture significantly impacts the success of restructuring strategies by influencing employee response to change, with alignment, adaptability, and leveraging cultural strengths being key to successful transformations. [Read full explanation]
What are the legal considerations for companies undergoing restructuring in different jurisdictions?
Organizations restructuring across jurisdictions must navigate complex legal, Employment Law, Corporate Law and Governance, and Financial and Tax considerations, requiring strategic compliance and planning. [Read full explanation]
What metrics should be prioritized to effectively measure the success of a reorganization?
Effectively measuring reorganization success requires prioritizing Strategic Alignment, Operational Efficiency, and Employee Engagement metrics to ensure improvements in performance, efficiency, and satisfaction. [Read full explanation]
How can companies use restructuring as an opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen their supply chain?
Restructuring allows companies to conduct a thorough Supply Chain assessment, strategically redesign for efficiency and resilience, and implement continuous improvements, leveraging Digital Transformation and Sustainability for long-term success. [Read full explanation]
What is the impact of consumer behavior changes on reorganization efforts in the retail industry?
Retail industry reorganization focuses on Digital Transformation, aligning with evolving consumer expectations for omnichannel experiences, sustainability, and ethical practices to drive customer loyalty and operational efficiency. [Read full explanation]
How are geopolitical shifts influencing global corporate restructuring strategies?
Geopolitical shifts are driving organizations to adapt their Corporate Restructuring Strategies, Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, and Risk Management to ensure resilience and sustainable growth amidst changing global dynamics. [Read full explanation]
How does the integration of technology influence organizational design in a restructuring context?
Integrating technology in restructuring reshapes organizational design towards agility, efficiency, and innovation, enabling more flexible structures, Operational Excellence, and driving future growth. [Read full explanation]
What are the implications of generative AI on strategic decision-making in corporate reorganizations?
Generative AI significantly impacts Strategic Decision-Making in Corporate Reorganizations by improving Decision-Making Efficiency, driving Innovation, and enhancing Risk Management, thereby transforming strategic planning and execution. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Restructuring Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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