Although most companies are already investing in technology to kick-start their digital journey, many still struggle to transition seamlessly to being digital-first organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The transition can spell disaster for even the most successful and long-standing companies; Forbes reported that 52% of Fortune 500 companies went bankrupt due to digital disruption just over ten years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of industry, no company is immune to the waves of change stemming from rapid technological developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key takeaway here is that digital transformation isn\u2019t just about keeping up with the latest tech trends; it\u2019s about understanding, adapting to, and adding value to the consumer experience with the right tools. Here\u2019s how five Fortune 500 companies have embraced digital transformation\u2014and succeeded.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Nike](\"https:\/\/www.workato.com\/the-connector\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Workato-5.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n1. Nike: Adopting A User-Focused Digital Strategy with Digitally Connected Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNike continues to expand its digital ecosystem through its apps, membership programs, connected experiences, and direct-to-consumer strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Trevor Edwards, Nike\u2019s Brand President, a deep understanding of their consumers\u2019 expectations is paramount to the company\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an effort to accelerate that growth, the brand has mobilized more distinct platforms and invested in end-to-end digital capabilities to improve the communication experience for its customers. \u201cDigital does more than just add capabilities for today,\u201d says Edwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt defines how consumers will experience the Nike brand moving forward. It\u2019s an accelerator across our business, in product through the supply chain, in analytics, and all the way to retail.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
[bctt tweet=”67% of the world\u2019s top 1000 enterprises will adopt #DigitalTransformation as a key strategic goal by 2018.” username=”Workato”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both their partnership with the NBA and the Connected Jersey (a new line of apparel that features a unique chip inserted into the jock tag) showcase Nike\u2019s deep connection with their customer base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They leveraged a new technology\u2014NIKEconnect\u2014to interact more closely with sporting fans by giving them access to real-time, personalized experiences on their smartphones. NIKEconnect allows fans insider access to their favorite teams and players\u2014along with exclusive Nike products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And NBA players can also communicate directly with fans who own their jersey, sending personalized messages straight to their inbox. Infusing the retail experience with digital components creates a premium and personal membership experience that fuels a lasting emotional connection to the brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Southwest Airlines: Deploying Automation To Eliminate Back-End Processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nServing over 8 million travelers each year, Southwest Airlines has to handle large amounts of customer data to ensure that every passenger\u2019s experience is a good one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A tool called OpsSuite\u2014a part of a larger $800 million technological investment\u2014helps Southwest employees and contractors collaborate digitally. In fact, more than 10 million messages are posted daily by employees in the OpsSuite platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of relying on archaic tools like logbooks, radios, and pneumatic tubes, the airline went digital by switching to a web-based app package. Leveraging the new digital platform provided them with a 360\u00b0 view of tasks such as aircraft tracking and arrival preparation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These digital processes stand in stark contrast with the airline\u2019s previous workflows, which involved using a complex web of paper logbooks and antiquated software programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Disney: Implementing A New DevOps Model<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDisney has started to implement a new DevOps model to support its digital organizational structure, after facing roadblocks surrounding the scale, speed, and stability of their operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The media giant\u2019s four different divisions\u2014Studios, Consumer Products and Interactive, Parks and Support, and Media Networks\u2014all have an autonomous Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jason Cox, Disney\u2019s Director of Systems Engineering, realized that data silos posed a persistent problem for the company. As Disney grew rapidly, the company needed a way to collaborate and communicate with each division, both culturally and technically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cox hopes that using more agile software development will improve communication between their various business units, especially since technology is a driving factor in the organization\u2019s growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuccess is when we\u2019re able to get the technologists working with each other to embrace new ideas,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results are already apparent in streamlining current operations. In every Disneyland\u2019s \u201cToy Story Mania\u201d attraction, for example, employees used to spend eight hours manually updating each server on-site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital-first DevOps allows them to update the whole fleet of rides in 30 minutes. It also helped the park future-proof existing operations, as well as move to the cloud\u2014a move that had almost immediate benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By basing their \u201cDisney Movies Anywhere\u201d app in the cloud, the company enjoyed improved performance and<\/i> could release more Disney movies for streaming at half the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"According](\"https:\/\/www.workato.com\/the-connector\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Workato-6.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n4. Ford Motor Company: Embracing Multiple Technologies For Smart, Connected Vehicles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe automotive world is changing, and Ford refuses to be left behind. CEO Jim Farley is embracing multiple technologies to focus on integrating both hardware and software in their vehicles. The goal? Put IT at the heart of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the company, Ford continues to invest heavily in connected, software-defined, electric, and hybrid vehicles as part of its long-term transformation strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the brand has refreshed one of its most popular vehicles (the F-150 truck) using human-machine interaction in the form of more customized features that cater to each and every driver\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to do so, researchers and engineers had to gather enormous amounts of data about the end consumer, who they are, and what exactly they wanted from a truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to evolving customer needs<\/a>, Ford developed My View, a program that allows drivers to customize the content and order of dashboard metrics such as fuel, heat, and oil. The auto company has also been leveraging big data to improve its vehicles\u2019 sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBy listening to customers and responding to their desires with emerging technology, Ford\u2019s vehicles feel more personalized than ever\u2014which translates into greater consumer loyalty and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Henry Schein: Bringing Digital Transformation to the Dental Office<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnlike the other companies on this list, Henry Schein is a Fortune 500 company you may not recognize. A wholesale supplier to dentists, the company has dedicated itself to pursuing digital transformation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the leading platform for digital dentistry, Henry Schein considers itself a tech company, merging cloud computing and intelligent algorithms to transform their business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of deploying the backward, labor-intensive process of crown molding, for example, the company uses technology to speed up the process. A dental assistant uses an imaging rod to make a 3D computer image of the affected teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can then design the crown on the same screen and immediately send the image to a nearby drilling machine. The company runs more efficiently, and patients get better quality dental work more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, recalls how he spearheaded the transition to being a digital-first company. While attending a dental convention, he took up a DOS-based software package to help his company with basic accounting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization then moved to Windows and acquired another company\u2014Dentrix\u2014which helped them schedule and electronically log medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a software manufacturer, consultant, and wholesaler all at once helped move the brand towards digital success, cementing its place as a one-stop dental platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See how we digitally transformed our business<\/a>, plus more stories from the world\u2019s top companies.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n
Serving over 8 million travelers each year, Southwest Airlines has to handle large amounts of customer data to ensure that every passenger\u2019s experience is a good one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A tool called OpsSuite\u2014a part of a larger $800 million technological investment\u2014helps Southwest employees and contractors collaborate digitally. In fact, more than 10 million messages are posted daily by employees in the OpsSuite platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of relying on archaic tools like logbooks, radios, and pneumatic tubes, the airline went digital by switching to a web-based app package. Leveraging the new digital platform provided them with a 360\u00b0 view of tasks such as aircraft tracking and arrival preparation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These digital processes stand in stark contrast with the airline\u2019s previous workflows, which involved using a complex web of paper logbooks and antiquated software programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Disney: Implementing A New DevOps Model<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDisney has started to implement a new DevOps model to support its digital organizational structure, after facing roadblocks surrounding the scale, speed, and stability of their operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The media giant\u2019s four different divisions\u2014Studios, Consumer Products and Interactive, Parks and Support, and Media Networks\u2014all have an autonomous Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jason Cox, Disney\u2019s Director of Systems Engineering, realized that data silos posed a persistent problem for the company. As Disney grew rapidly, the company needed a way to collaborate and communicate with each division, both culturally and technically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cox hopes that using more agile software development will improve communication between their various business units, especially since technology is a driving factor in the organization\u2019s growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuccess is when we\u2019re able to get the technologists working with each other to embrace new ideas,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results are already apparent in streamlining current operations. In every Disneyland\u2019s \u201cToy Story Mania\u201d attraction, for example, employees used to spend eight hours manually updating each server on-site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital-first DevOps allows them to update the whole fleet of rides in 30 minutes. It also helped the park future-proof existing operations, as well as move to the cloud\u2014a move that had almost immediate benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By basing their \u201cDisney Movies Anywhere\u201d app in the cloud, the company enjoyed improved performance and<\/i> could release more Disney movies for streaming at half the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n4. Ford Motor Company: Embracing Multiple Technologies For Smart, Connected Vehicles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe automotive world is changing, and Ford refuses to be left behind. CEO Jim Farley is embracing multiple technologies to focus on integrating both hardware and software in their vehicles. The goal? Put IT at the heart of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the company, Ford continues to invest heavily in connected, software-defined, electric, and hybrid vehicles as part of its long-term transformation strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the brand has refreshed one of its most popular vehicles (the F-150 truck) using human-machine interaction in the form of more customized features that cater to each and every driver\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to do so, researchers and engineers had to gather enormous amounts of data about the end consumer, who they are, and what exactly they wanted from a truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to evolving customer needs<\/a>, Ford developed My View, a program that allows drivers to customize the content and order of dashboard metrics such as fuel, heat, and oil. The auto company has also been leveraging big data to improve its vehicles\u2019 sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBy listening to customers and responding to their desires with emerging technology, Ford\u2019s vehicles feel more personalized than ever\u2014which translates into greater consumer loyalty and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Henry Schein: Bringing Digital Transformation to the Dental Office<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnlike the other companies on this list, Henry Schein is a Fortune 500 company you may not recognize. A wholesale supplier to dentists, the company has dedicated itself to pursuing digital transformation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the leading platform for digital dentistry, Henry Schein considers itself a tech company, merging cloud computing and intelligent algorithms to transform their business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of deploying the backward, labor-intensive process of crown molding, for example, the company uses technology to speed up the process. A dental assistant uses an imaging rod to make a 3D computer image of the affected teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can then design the crown on the same screen and immediately send the image to a nearby drilling machine. The company runs more efficiently, and patients get better quality dental work more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, recalls how he spearheaded the transition to being a digital-first company. While attending a dental convention, he took up a DOS-based software package to help his company with basic accounting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization then moved to Windows and acquired another company\u2014Dentrix\u2014which helped them schedule and electronically log medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a software manufacturer, consultant, and wholesaler all at once helped move the brand towards digital success, cementing its place as a one-stop dental platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See how we digitally transformed our business<\/a>, plus more stories from the world\u2019s top companies.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n4. Ford Motor Company: Embracing Multiple Technologies For Smart, Connected Vehicles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe automotive world is changing, and Ford refuses to be left behind. CEO Jim Farley is embracing multiple technologies to focus on integrating both hardware and software in their vehicles. The goal? Put IT at the heart of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the company, Ford continues to invest heavily in connected, software-defined, electric, and hybrid vehicles as part of its long-term transformation strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the brand has refreshed one of its most popular vehicles (the F-150 truck) using human-machine interaction in the form of more customized features that cater to each and every driver\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to do so, researchers and engineers had to gather enormous amounts of data about the end consumer, who they are, and what exactly they wanted from a truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to evolving customer needs<\/a>, Ford developed My View, a program that allows drivers to customize the content and order of dashboard metrics such as fuel, heat, and oil. The auto company has also been leveraging big data to improve its vehicles\u2019 sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBy listening to customers and responding to their desires with emerging technology, Ford\u2019s vehicles feel more personalized than ever\u2014which translates into greater consumer loyalty and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Henry Schein: Bringing Digital Transformation to the Dental Office<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnlike the other companies on this list, Henry Schein is a Fortune 500 company you may not recognize. A wholesale supplier to dentists, the company has dedicated itself to pursuing digital transformation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the leading platform for digital dentistry, Henry Schein considers itself a tech company, merging cloud computing and intelligent algorithms to transform their business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of deploying the backward, labor-intensive process of crown molding, for example, the company uses technology to speed up the process. A dental assistant uses an imaging rod to make a 3D computer image of the affected teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can then design the crown on the same screen and immediately send the image to a nearby drilling machine. The company runs more efficiently, and patients get better quality dental work more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, recalls how he spearheaded the transition to being a digital-first company. While attending a dental convention, he took up a DOS-based software package to help his company with basic accounting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization then moved to Windows and acquired another company\u2014Dentrix\u2014which helped them schedule and electronically log medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a software manufacturer, consultant, and wholesaler all at once helped move the brand towards digital success, cementing its place as a one-stop dental platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See how we digitally transformed our business<\/a>, plus more stories from the world\u2019s top companies.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n
By listening to customers and responding to their desires with emerging technology, Ford\u2019s vehicles feel more personalized than ever\u2014which translates into greater consumer loyalty and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Henry Schein: Bringing Digital Transformation to the Dental Office<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUnlike the other companies on this list, Henry Schein is a Fortune 500 company you may not recognize. A wholesale supplier to dentists, the company has dedicated itself to pursuing digital transformation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the leading platform for digital dentistry, Henry Schein considers itself a tech company, merging cloud computing and intelligent algorithms to transform their business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of deploying the backward, labor-intensive process of crown molding, for example, the company uses technology to speed up the process. A dental assistant uses an imaging rod to make a 3D computer image of the affected teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can then design the crown on the same screen and immediately send the image to a nearby drilling machine. The company runs more efficiently, and patients get better quality dental work more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, recalls how he spearheaded the transition to being a digital-first company. While attending a dental convention, he took up a DOS-based software package to help his company with basic accounting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization then moved to Windows and acquired another company\u2014Dentrix\u2014which helped them schedule and electronically log medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a software manufacturer, consultant, and wholesaler all at once helped move the brand towards digital success, cementing its place as a one-stop dental platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See how we digitally transformed our business<\/a>, plus more stories from the world\u2019s top companies.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n
As the leading platform for digital dentistry, Henry Schein considers itself a tech company, merging cloud computing and intelligent algorithms to transform their business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of deploying the backward, labor-intensive process of crown molding, for example, the company uses technology to speed up the process. A dental assistant uses an imaging rod to make a 3D computer image of the affected teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can then design the crown on the same screen and immediately send the image to a nearby drilling machine. The company runs more efficiently, and patients get better quality dental work more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein, recalls how he spearheaded the transition to being a digital-first company. While attending a dental convention, he took up a DOS-based software package to help his company with basic accounting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization then moved to Windows and acquired another company\u2014Dentrix\u2014which helped them schedule and electronically log medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a software manufacturer, consultant, and wholesaler all at once helped move the brand towards digital success, cementing its place as a one-stop dental platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"See](\"https:\/\/www.workato.com\/the-connector\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ebook-Graphic-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n