Here’s a practical guide with a suggested 6-month timeline to help you kick things off smoothly.

Month 1: Appoint a Lead and Assess Readiness

Start by assigning someone to take charge. This person will coordinate the project, talk to different departments, and keep things on track. At the same time, review your digital presence — website, internal systems, customer service tools, and workflows.

Best tip: Include people from sales, marketing, operations, and finance so you get a full picture of what needs to change.

Month 2: Focus on Customers and Data

Look at how your customers interact with you. Where do they struggle? What do they expect? Then look at your data — are you collecting the right information to serve them better?

Best tip: Map the customer journey and find areas where digital tools can improve speed, convenience, or service.

Month 3: Set Quick Wins and Long-Term Goals

Decide what you can fix fast and what needs a longer rollout. Quick wins could include improving your mobile site or adding a chatbot. Longer-term efforts might be things like CRM implementation or process automation.

Best tip: Link every digital move to a business outcome — like saving time, getting more leads, or improving customer satisfaction.

Month 4: Plan the Budget and Apply for Grants

With your priorities clear, work out your budget. Don’t forget to include costs for software, training, and support. In Singapore, you can tap on grants like the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) or Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG).

Best tip: Get advice from consultants who’ve done this before — they can help with both planning and paperwork.

Month 5: Roll Out Quick Wins

Start implementing the easiest changes first. These early improvements will build momentum and get your team more comfortable with change. Monitor the results and keep your team in the loop.

Best tip: Involve the people who actually use the tools. Their feedback can help you avoid wasted effort.

Month 6: Review Progress and Plan the Next Phase

By now, you should start seeing results. Review what’s working, what needs adjustment, and what to prioritise next. This might include deeper data integration, cybersecurity upgrades, or customer personalisation using AI.

Best tip: Keep your roadmap flexible. Business needs can shift, and your digital plan should adapt accordingly.

One Last Note

Going digital doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means making smart moves that support your business goals. Take it step by step, stay focused, and make sure your team knows why it matters.