How to Support Your Team During Digital Transformation

Creates Value for Your Customers

Better tools, smoother processes, happier clients.

As your digital transition leads to more seamless internal systems, your customers will feel the difference. Faster responses, fewer errors and more reliable service all help build trust and loyalty. Digital tools also free up your team to focus on client relationships instead of repetitive tasks—and that shows up in every invoice sent, order delivered and interaction.

Gives You a Competitive Edge

When your systems evolve, your bottom line often follows.

From front-of-the-house to the back office, digital tools help businesses work smarter and perform better, which can result in higher profit margins. Harvard Business Review reports, “Digital leaders are creating much more shareholder value than laggards. Between 2018 and 2022, digital leaders achieved average annual total shareholder returns of 8.1% vs. 4.9% for laggards.”³

Whether you're an accounting firm shifting to an automated accounts payable system, a retail business adopting an omnichannel system or a restaurant upgrading to a point-of-sale (POS) platform, one thing stays the same: it's your staff that keep everything running.

That’s why it’s important to foster an environment of support, collaboration and feedback as you step into your digital era as a team.

Begin with Leadership

Implementing new digital tools often creates extra work on the front end—like learning a new software system, digitizing files or adjusting to unfamiliar workflows. One of the most powerful ways to support your team through the digital transformation is to lead by example. Show your commitment to the process by learning the tools yourself, embracing the changes and being visible during the transition. Make sure employees have access to meaningful support, whether that’s training, flexibility or someone who can answer questions. The more equipped they feel, the faster they’ll find their footing.

Better Tools, Happier Staff

Digital transformation doesn’t just improve systems—it makes the workday better for your team. Point-of-sale (POS) and inventory systems help staff stay on top of what’s in stock without constant back and forth. Online booking software cuts down on phone tag and scheduling conflicts. And let’s be honest—digital tools that streamline approvals, centralize communication and automate routine tasks can mean fewer follow-up emails, “just checking in” pings and end-of-day headaches.

Craft a Thoughtful Roadmap

Digital transformations come with plenty of unknowns, but a clear plan can go a long way in reducing stress and building confidence. Set expectations early by breaking the transition into manageable phases, with defined milestones and regular check-ins. Define what success looks like every step of the way and rally your team around shared goals.

Welcome Feedback at Every Step

The best leaders know that valuable insight comes from team members doing the day-to-day work. Your employees are the ones using new tools and systems, which means they’ll be the first to notice pain points, inefficiencies or features that aren’t working. It’s crucial that you set a tone of feedback and collaboration from the start of your digital transition.

As McKinsey & Company puts it, “In the past, the technology adoption cycle was a linear process […] resulting in low adoption rates and ultimately low business value. Digital transformations follow a far more iterative process of designing, prototyping, collecting feedback, and improving the solution so it can capture the full value potential.”¹

Plus, when employees feel heard, they’re more likely to participate in the process, help shape solutions and stay invested in the outcome.

Collaborate with Clarity

Clear roles help things run smoothly and open communication keeps your team connected. Take time to identify individual responsibilities and be sure that the new workload that comes with a digital transformation is distributed fairly. Create space for employees to flag what’s tripping them up, share what’s working and trade tips that make the process easier. Digital transitions work best when everyone knows their role and aren’t working in a silo.

Bring in the Right Support

You don’t have to do it all on your own. Digital transformations are often complex, and the right partners can make the process smoother and far less stressful. From AP automation to payroll and inventory systems, working with experts who understand your business and goals will empower you to choose the right tools and get the most out of them.

Accounts Payable (AP) Automation

Every company, no matter the size or industry, deals with payables as part of the business process. If you’re using a manual accounts payable process, you already know that this process has a cost: human error, late payments, unnecessary back-and-forth and hours lost to repetitive tasks.

That’s where accounts payable automation comes in. Platforms like RBC PayEdge can help reduce errors, speed up approvals and integrate with your existing accounting software so your team can spend less time entering data and more time adding real value. With routine tasks off their plate, employees can shift their focus to strategic projects and professional development that benefits both them and your business.

AP automation can help you seamlessly pay vendors, track payments and simplify your AP process—no matter how complex it may be. And as with any successful digital transition, the way you manage the rollout matters. Here’s a look at how you can support your team during the process.

• Lead by Example: Before introducing AP automation to your team, take time to explore the platform yourself. Understand its core features and think about how each department will be impacted. RBC’s business advisors can walk you through RBC PayEdge to help you get confident in the system, so you can guide your team with clarity.
• Take your Time: Even intuitive systems take time to learn. Build in breathing room for your team as they get comfortable. RBC offers onboarding support and training resources to help your employees feel equipped from day one.
• Assign Clear Roles: RBC PayEdge allows you to assign specific responsibilities and approval permissions to suit the structure of your business—whether you’re a small office or a larger company. Roles can be divided by individual, department, client accounts or vendor categories.
• Check In and Adapt: Once RBC PayEdge is up and running, keep the lines of communication open. Ask your team how the new system is affecting their day-to-day work. Maybe they have more time for client outreach or the capacity to take on a project that’s been on the back burner. Their feedback can help you fine-tune workflows and uncover new opportunities for growth.

Your Digital Transformation Toolbox

AP automation is just one piece of the puzzle. There are many other digital services and partners to explore across a range of industries—including retail, manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare. Here are just a few of RBC’s digital business solutions and partners:

• RBC Commercial Card Program⁵ provides a complete solution for your company’s travel, purchasing and invoice payments. With a powerful card management and reporting platform that allows you to create and manage cards in real-time, and a range of physical and virtual card options, you can extend your days payable, tap into rewards and benefits and digitize your payment needs.
• RBC Insight Edge gives you actionable insights into your customers and your market, without hours of manual research. With real-time, location-based data at your fingertips, you can make more informed decisions about where to grow, how to market and who to reach next.
• Moneris offers secure, end-to-end payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. With customizable point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment options, and integrated reporting, Moneris streamlines transactions and delivers a seamless customer checkout experience.
• ADP streamlines your payroll and HR processes, helping you manage employee onboarding, track time, file taxes and process payments accurately—all in one system. That means less busywork for your team and more confidence for your employees.

Support that Grows with You

As digital tools become more central to how we operate, it’s essential to build systems that support the growth of your business and your team. By empowering your employees through each transition, you’re laying the foundation for a more agile, resilient business.

RBC Go Digital is here to help make your transformation successful, with advice from specialists, curated partners and 24/7 support via our business helpline. Check out our video series and learning centre articles for additional insights and tips on optimizing your digital transformation.