Bridging the Digital Divide

Transforming Through Integration

When Ultimate Software and Kronos merged to form UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), the newly combined company faced challenges unifying two distinct corporate cultures, systems, and technologies. The merger presented an opportunity to reimagine the organization's digital landscape but posed significant challenges in aligning diverse operational frameworks.

Scott Howitt, appointed as UKG's Chief Digital Officer (CDO), was entrusted with steering this complex transformation. With a rich background encompassing roles as CIO, CTO, and CISO across various industries, Howitt brought a holistic perspective to the table. His mandate was clear: harmonize the technological ecosystems of the two legacy companies and lay down a unified, forward-looking digital strategy.

"My role as Chief Digital Officer encompasses overseeing the CIO, the CISO, and the Chief Risk Officer," Howitt explained. "It's about bringing these functions together, aligning our technologies, and preparing UKG for rapid growth."

Confronting Legacy Challenges

The integration of Ultimate Software and Kronos revealed a dependency on legacy systems and disparate processes. Each organization had its own tools, workflows, and cultural norms, leading to redundancies and inefficiencies. The lack of a unified digital infrastructure impeded seamless collaboration and data sharing across departments.

Howitt recognized that technology alone wouldn't resolve these issues. He emphasized the importance of understanding the business's intricacies and fostering a culture of collaboration. "Sometimes, you're way up above the business, doing a strategic plan, but occasionally, you've got to dive down and get exactly where the troops are and understand what they're doing," he noted.

The traditional siloed approach between IT and security functions posed additional hurdles. Having served in both CIO and CISO roles, Howitt understood the friction that could arise from misaligned objectives. He advocated for a more integrated approach, stating, "If you work with a CISO, you can really help automate those functions and bake them into what you're doing.”

Implementing a Unified Strategy

To address these challenges, Howitt championed a strategy centered on integration, simplification, and innovation. He initiated a comprehensive review of existing tools and processes to eliminate redundancies and streamline operations. "In a lot of cases, it's getting rid of half the tools that you have because you're only utilizing about 10% of them," he observed. Howitt also underscored the necessity for technologists to be well-versed in business language and metrics: "You have to know multiple different languages to be a successful executive."

A key aspect of this strategy was fostering partnerships with startups and emerging technology providers. Howitt emphasized the importance of engaging directly with the leadership of these companies to ensure alignment in vision and objectives. "My thing with all the vendors is they need to be the CEO, the CTO, or the Chief Product Officer… I want to get the heartbeat of where this company is going," he said.

Achieving Transformation and Growth

The implementation of Howitt's unified digital strategy yielded significant benefits for UKG. Consolidating tools and processes led to increased operational efficiency and reduced overhead. By fostering a culture of collaboration between IT and security functions, the organization enhanced its ability to develop secure, scalable solutions.

Emphasizing an organization-wide understanding of these tools and aligning them with business objectives facilitated more effective decision-making and resource allocation. This holistic approach positioned UKG to better respond to market demands and to capitalize on growth opportunities.

The strategic partnerships forged with startups and technology providers also played a pivotal role in driving innovation. These collaborations enabled UKG to integrate cutting-edge technologies and to stay ahead of industry trends.

Insights for Digital Leaders

Howitt's experience at UKG offers valuable lessons for digital leaders navigating complex organizational transformations. His approach underscores the importance of integrating technology functions, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and aligning digital strategies with business objectives.

Organizations can enhance their agility and resilience by simplifying toolsets, engaging in strategic partnerships, and promoting a culture of continuous learning. Companies can bridge gaps between departments and drive cohesive, enterprise-wide innovation by cultivating a workforce fluent in both technological and business languages.

As Howitt's journey illustrates, the role of a Chief Digital Officer extends beyond overseeing technology. It involves orchestrating a symphony of people, processes, and partnerships to achieve sustainable growth and transformation.