Coordinating Digital Transformation: Exploring IT Organizational Adaptations in International Manufacturing Networks

Digital transformation is complicated in International Manufacturing Networks (IMNs), where factories are spread globally, and actions are interdependent. Adapting organizational structures is one way to handle the demands and expectations posed by digital transformation. However, research covering the adaptations to the IT organization is limited, and this paper's purpose is to explore adaptations of IT organizations within IMNs during digital transformation. A multiple case study was performed, studying two manufacturing companies’ adaptations of the IT organization. The result reveals three phases of adaptations of the IT organization: the foundation phase, the mapping phase, and the coordinating phase. The phases are accompanied by the setup of a new operational IT function that works with digital transformation in the IMNs. Also, the interfaces and collaboration between the operational IT function and the factories in the IMNs are identified. Lastly, it highlights remaining challenges with the adaptations of the IT organization that need further research.