Digital Transformation vs. Process Automation: What’s the Difference & How to Get Started
If you're a Founder, CEO, or purpose-driven executive looking to scale your business, optimize operations, and future-proof your company, you're in the right place.
According to International Data Corporation,
"Global spending on the digital transformation (DX) of business practices, products, and organizations is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion in 2022, an increase of 17.6% over 2021."
Businesses worldwide are accelerating their shift toward a digital-first strategy—integrating technology into operations, customer engagement, and decision-making to improve efficiency, resilience, and customer experience.
But as the conversation around Digital Transformation continues to grow, another key term often comes up: Process Automation.
If both are about making business operations more efficient, what’s the difference?
Digital Transformation vs. Process Automation
Digital Transformation is a desired future state where technology fundamentally enhances or replaces certain business functions—leading to increased efficiency, better customer experiences, and reduced overhead costs.
Process Automation is the means to that end—the strategy and tools that streamline workflows, eliminate manual effort, and improve accuracy to support digital transformation.
As Gartner puts it:
"Process automation streamlines a system by removing human inputs, which decreases errors, increases the speed of delivery, boosts quality, minimizes costs, and simplifies the business process. It incorporates software tools, people, and processes to create a completely automated workflow."
Without Process Automation, achieving Digital Transformation is impossible.
Before You Begin Digital Transformation: 3 Critical Questions
If you’ve followed the first three articles in this series, you already know there are three essential questions you must answer before diving into Digital Transformation:
1.Is scaling your business truly what you want?
Not every business needs to scale, and digital transformation is a significant investment of time, money, and effort.
2. Are you, your team, and your business change-ready?
Digital transformation demands a shift in mindset, operations, and culture—not just new technology.
3. Are you prepared to lay the groundwork for success?
Most transformation projects fail because companies jump into execution before laying a solid foundation.
Once you can confidently answer YES to all three, Process Automation is your next step.
The Two Phases of Process Automation for Digital Transformation
Phase 1: The Groundwork
Phase 2: Execution & Implementation
At Jamie Jenkins Consulting LLC, in partnership with Black Badger Enterprises, we guide clients through a 10-step roadmap to implement successful Business Process Automation.
Phase 1: The Groundwork
1. Define a Clear, Compelling Vision for Success
Action Step:
Write down a vision statement that captures your ideal future state
Break it down into short-term (3 months), medium-term (1 year), and long-term (5 years) goals
Share this vision with your team and consultants to create alignment
2. Get Clear on Your Customer Journey
Action Step:
Map out the ideal customer journey for each value stream
Identify key pain points and opportunities for automation
Work backward from customer experience to process optimization
3. Set Key Metrics for Success
“What gets measured, gets managed.” — Peter Drucker
Identify which KPIs matter most:
Profit margins—Will automation increase efficiency & reduce costs?
Sales growth—Will it help convert more leads?
Customer experience—Will it improve satisfaction & retention?
Employee retention—Will it reduce burnout & increase engagement?
Action Step:
Define specific, measurable KPIs aligned with your desired business outcomes
Use both lead indicators (predictive) & lag indicators (performance-based)
4. Map Out High-Level Business Processes
Action Step:
Identify critical value-creating processes
Map out dependencies and inefficiencies
5. Optimize & Map Detailed Operational Processes
Action Step:
Identify repetitive tasks that could be automated
Map out every step of high-impact processes
Phase 2: Execution & Implementation
6. Select the Right Tech Stack
Warning: Avoid falling for shiny new software that isn’t a good fit for your business.
Action Step:
Work with a tech partner who understands multiple platforms (not just one)
Choose software based on your business model, team, and scalability needs
7. Gather Detailed Requirements
Action Step:
Define detailed process requirements before implementation
8. Implement & Iterate Gradually
Action Step:
Test small-scale before full adoption
Adjust processes based on real-time insights
9. Choose Between Managed vs. Automated Software
Options:
Managed Software (Salesforce, NetSuite) requires ongoing human intervention
Automated Software (Monday.com, Asana) is “set and forget” if set up properly
10. Invest in Training & Change Management
Three approaches:
1. Support Only—Rely on external tech experts
2. Hybrid—Train internal staff + external support
3. Training Only—Fully in-house management
Action Step:
Train employees to use automation tools effectively
Implement continuous learning strategies
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Let’s make your digital transformation a success! Schedule a call with me now to talk through your digital transformation.
