"Companies don't just want to learn about digital transformation, they want to put it into practice."

At the recent Interactive Book of Digital Innovation presentation, organized by the Peruvian Government, Ricardo Espinoza, Director of Opinno Peru, emphasized the importance of people in the digital transformation process. According to Espinoza, the main challenge is not in the technology itself, but in how people interact with it. 

Espinoza shared one experience about a university, in which an extensive communications and task management system was implemented. However, professors were not using it to its full potential, opting to use a WhatsApp group for communication with students instead. 

This example reflects a recurring obstacle in digital transformation: resistance to change. Often, people prefer to stick with the processes they already know, rather than learn to use new tools, no matter how efficient they may be. 

How can this resistance be tackled? According to Espinoza, the key lies in "close follow-up". This goes beyond providing a user manual; it requires a team willing to help people understand and adapt to the new technology. 

"If I told you: "here is this technology, here is the manual and in a month, I will test you to see if you have read it and to see if you have implemented it", this often doesn't work." Espinoza comments. "What we have seen to work much better is to have a closer follow-up." 

This "close follow-up" involves having a team willing and able to answer questions, solve problems, and provide insight and guidance every step of the way. Rather than leaving people to navigate new technology on their own, this approach ensures that they have a resource to help them overcome any obstacles they may encounter. 

In addition, this type of support also includes making sure that people understand not only how the new technology works, but also why it is beneficial and how it can improve their work. In other words, it's about helping them see the value of the technology and understand how its use can have a positive impact on their efficiency and productivity. 

Finally, close follow-up also involves being patient and understanding of each individual's pace. Some people may adapt quickly to new technology, while others may need more time and support. Recognizing these differences and being willing to adapt to them is a crucial part of this process. 

Espinoza also presented the case of the Regional Government of Arequipa. There, companies and organizations have received training in digital transformation, and, unlike the usual resistance, these organizations are prepared and motivated to move forward in their digital transformation journey. However, they have identified that the main challenge lies in the practical application of the acquired knowledge in their daily operations. 

For this reason, they have asked Opinno to guide them in this implementation process. From the consulting firm, they will adapt their support to the specific needs of each organization, whether they are in an early or more advanced stage, with the aim of ensuring an effective implementation and contribute to the modernization of their processes. 

For Espinoza, it is essential to understand that true digital transformation takes place at the intersection between technology and people. New tools, no matter how cutting-edge, are useless if people are not willing or prepared to use them. Follow-up and support are crucial to overcome resistance and achieve an effective digital transformation.