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Digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity in order to remain competitive in an increasingly connected and dynamic world. However, the path to achieving this is fraught with challenges: rising costs, complex IT landscapes, regulatory requirements and a shortage of skilled workers.

This is where the concept of the Global Transformation Centre (GTC) comes in – an innovative model that supports companies in making their transformation efficient, sustainable and future-proof. In this blog post, I explain how it works.

Challenges of transformation processes

In conversations with customers, I repeatedly see how companies face a multitude of challenges in their digital transformation – and these are not only technical in nature. Often, organisational and cultural hurdles also make the path more difficult. Four key challenges can be identified:

Challenge 1: Cost optimisation

Companies need to control the costs of digital transformation without jeopardising the desired results. According to Gartner, global IT spending is rising steadily and is expected to exceed five trillion US dollars by 2025. A large proportion of this spending is on modernising IT environments, introducing new technologies and adapting to regulatory requirements.

However, inefficient delivery models, fragmented IT landscapes and redundant processes are driving costs even higher. PwC estimates that up to 30 percent of IT budgets are wasted due to a lack of integration. At the same time, the shift of services to more cost-effective offshore or nearshore models poses challenges such as quality control and governance.

Challenge 2: Complexity of the IT landscape

Large companies are faced with the challenge of managing their increasingly complex IT landscapes. According to Statista, companies with more than 1,000 employees use an average of over 900 different applications. These fragmented systems lead to redundant processes, high maintenance costs and integration efforts.

In addition, strict regulatory requirements such as GDPR, NIS2 and DORA complicate IT strategy. Without a clear consolidation strategy, companies risk inefficient processes, high costs and compliance violations.

Challenge 3: Skilled labour shortage

The global shortage of skilled workers is one of the most pressing challenges. According to Korn Ferry, there will be a shortage of 85 million skilled workers by 2030, which could cost companies worldwide up to 8.5 trillion US dollars in potential revenue. Highly specialised areas such as software development, data analysis and IT security are particularly affected.

Companies must therefore develop global strategies to integrate talent from nearshore and offshore markets and master the competition for skilled workers.

Challenge 4: Agility and innovation

The ability to adapt quickly to market changes and drive innovation is crucial. However, many companies struggle with rigid structures and a lack of innovation culture. According to McKinsey, 70 percent of executives say their companies have difficulty responding quickly to change.

Without flexible structures, agile methods and targeted promotion of creativity, many companies are falling short of their potential.


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Global Transformation Centre: Scalable model for the future

The Global Transformation Centre is a comprehensive, modular and scalable framework that has been specifically developed to help companies overcome these challenges. It combines state-of-the-art technologies, global resources and strong governance to enable sustainable transformation.

Solutions for key challenges
  • Cost efficiency: By leveraging offshore capabilities, companies can achieve significant savings without compromising on quality.
  • IT complexity reduction: The GTC consolidates IT landscapes and redundant applications and optimises processes. Integrated delivery models combine onshore, nearshore and offshore resources to provide flexible and scalable solutions.
  • International talent pool: The GTC provides access to a global network of highly skilled IT professionals coordinated through a central governance model. This enables smooth collaboration and the highest quality standards.
  • Agility and innovation: Using state-of-the-art AI and DevOps technologies, the GTC automates processes, increases efficiency and promotes innovation.

Die verschiedenen Technologie-Stacks und Partner, die im Global Transformation Center für Informationstechnologie beteiligt sind.

Die verschiedenen Technologie-Stacks und Partner, die im Global Transformation Center für Informationstechnologie beteiligt sind.

Challenge – Solution – Strong service provider

The challenges of global transformation are complex and require more than just internal resources. A strong service provider brings the necessary expertise, innovative strength and flexibility to successfully guide companies through this change.

What distinguishes a strong partner?
  • Local proximity and global scalability: The combination of local presence and a global network of nearshore and offshore centres enables customer proximity and cost efficiency.
  • Technological innovation: The use of state-of-the-art technologies such as AI, machine learning and cloud-native architectures ensure efficiency and future viability.
  • Customer focus and industry knowledge: A strong partner understands the individual needs of its customers and develops tailor-made solutions.
  • Holistic transformation approach: Successful transformations take technical, organisational and cultural aspects into account in equal measure.

Conclusion: Transformation as a feasible task with sustainable success

The challenges of global transformation are enormous: companies are under competitive, cost and time pressure while having to cope with technological, organisational and cultural changes. But with a strategic approach, this change is not a walk in the park, but a manageable task.

The Global Transformation Centre is more than a delivery model; it is a blueprint for sustainable success. With a focus on cost efficiency, innovation and governance, it helps companies master the challenges of digital transformation and strengthen their competitiveness.

A strong partner brings the necessary expertise, innovative strength and scalability to successfully shape this path. One such partner is adesso.


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Picture Ertan Mutlu

Author Ertan Mutlu

Ertan has many years of experience in sales and in implementing strategic IT projects. His main areas of focus include the transformation to cloud-based solutions and managed services. He has held senior positions at AWS, T-Systems and Capgemini, among others.

In addition to his responsibilities at adesso as Partner - Managed Services, he is a guest lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz on topics such as IT management and strategic sourcing.