Since Microsoft began rolling out its Catalyst programme to inner circle partners in 2019 I have witnessed, first hand, the difference that it makes in the work that we do with our customers and the fundamental shift in the conversations that we are having.
Microsoft Catalyst is a framework (The IDEA framework) of activities designed to support organisations that are about to embark upon some form of transformation. The framework has 4 stages, each of which moves you closer to achieving your transformation.
You may notice that I didn’t use the term “Digital Transformation” above, this is deliberate because Catalyst does not place the focus on the “digital” element of transformation. Catalyst places the focus, where it should be, on organisational transformation and on business outcomes, some of which may be supported by technology, and some of which may be supported by the implementation of Dynamics 365, The Power Platform and Microsoft Cloud.
Catalyst engagements come in different shapes and sizes. Some are completed in a few weeks, others can last a few months but they all share some common characteristics;
From a personal perspective, I find Catalyst engagements extremely rewarding. As a technologist, undertaking a process that moves the focus away from technology seemed counter-intuitive at first. However, what has transpired is that I find myself in conversations with stakeholders from CEO’s to front line staff that truly enable me to understand the customer’s business and what they are trying to achieve, rather than validating a list of functional requirements they want. I’m also delighted to say that our customers overwhelmingly see the benefits of this approach, which include;
At Hitachi Solutions we firmly believe in the value that this approach brings, and the outcomes that it delivers for our customers. We are backing up this belief through investment in our capability to deliver high-quality Catalyst engagements. In the past 6 months, we have created our first role entirely dedicated to Catalyst, created a centre of excellence for Catalyst delivery and have more than doubled the number of Catalyst certified consultants to almost 300 worldwide.
If you would like to discuss how a Catalyst engagement could support your organisation’s transformation speak to our experts today.