Digital Transformation: How to Modernize Your Business Without Replacing Your Systems

Many companies think digital transformation means implementing a new system.

But what if the real problem isn’t the software… It’s how the systems you already have are connected?

In Episode 41 of Careers in the Cloud, Carlos León speaks with Javier Solís, Senior Integration Manager, about how organizations can modernize without replacing their entire technology infrastructure.

This conversation explores a key idea: digital transformation doesn’t start by buying tools. It starts by understanding processes.

Javier shares how system integration has become the foundation for scaling operations, improving data quality, and enabling near real-time decision-making, especially in complex enterprise environments across Canada and North America.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What digital transformation really means
• The difference between replacing vs. integrating
• Event-driven architecture (Event-Driven Architecture)
• APIs and enterprise integration
• Data governance and data quality
• The role of artificial intelligence in integration teams
• Change management and technology leadership

We also dive into Javier’s professional journey from Peru to Canada, and the challenges faced by tech professionals looking to grow in North America.

This is a conversation for technology leaders, enterprise architects, and professionals working in cloud, legacy systems, and organizational transformation.

Watch the Episode

This episode was recorded in Spanish for our Latin American audience and is available with English and French subtitles for professionals in Canada and the United States.

Episode Transcript

Note: This transcript was generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies.

Today we’re talking about digital transformation through integration — how organizations modernize by connecting their systems, data, and teams instead of replacing everything they already use.

Integration has become the foundation for scaling, improving decision-making, and generating real business impact, especially in complex environments.

For this conversation, we’re joined by Javier Solís, Senior Integration Manager at Ledcor.

Carlos: Thank you, Javier.
Javier: Thank you for having me, Carlos. It’s a pleasure.

Carlos: Before we dive into technology, I’d like to start with your background. Can you tell us where you’re from and what brought you to Canada?

Javier: I’m originally from Peru. I arrived in Canada as an adult, driven by a mix of professional ambition and personal growth — the desire to advance, to experience something new. Canada represented that opportunity. But it was also a complete reset. It wasn’t just changing jobs — it was changing environment, context, and expectations.

Carlos: How old were you when you arrived?

Javier: Around 32 or 33.

Carlos: Why Canada? Why not the U.S. or another country?

Javier: At that point in my life, Canada offered the opportunity to continue building my career. It’s also a society where immigrants are welcomed. That mattered.

Carlos: Did you arrive alone?

Javier: No, I arrived with my wife and our oldest daughter. Later we had another daughter here. We first moved to Toronto, then quickly relocated to Cambridge in southwestern Ontario.

Carlos: How was the cultural transition, personally and professionally?

Javier: Professionally, I had a strong technical background — infrastructure, software development. I became a manager early in my career. But when you arrive, nobody knows you. You have to build credibility again. That’s the hardest part.

Personally, communication styles, workplace norms, and expectations are different. Things are more structured here than in much of Latin America. You become very self-aware because you’re constantly evaluating whether you’re adapting properly.

On Career and Technology

Javier describes starting in software development in Peru, moving into infrastructure, hardware, connectivity, and eventually management. After arriving in Canada in 2000, he worked in infrastructure roles before transitioning into integration as cloud computing and SaaS platforms became dominant.

He explains that as companies adopt multiple SaaS systems, integration becomes essential. His move into integration began through data initiatives — improving data quality and enabling better decision-making.

Later, he led a newly created integration architecture team within a financial institution.

What Is Digital Transformation?

Carlos: In simple terms, what is digital transformation?

Javier: It’s rethinking processes and implementing them using digital tools. Many companies mistake digital transformation for simply replacing systems. That’s only part of it.

Transformation starts by reviewing your process architecture. I’ve seen companies using only 10% of their software capabilities. Often, you don’t need to replace the tool — you need to use it properly and integrate it better.

Why Mapping Processes Matters

The first step is process mapping. Identify bottlenecks, manual work, delays, inefficiencies. Integration should minimize disruption for users. Instead of changing how people work entirely, you automate the inefficient parts — exporting files, copying data between systems, manual re-entry.

What Is System Integration?

Integration means enabling all systems within an organization to “talk” to each other automatically.

Most companies have ERP systems, HR platforms, logistics tools, expense systems, timesheets — often disconnected. Integration allows these systems to exchange data automatically.

100% automation may be unrealistic, but reaching 90% significantly improves efficiency.

Why Integration Matters for Non-Technical Leaders

Leaders need timely data, efficient processes, accurate reporting, and operational visibility.

In industries using IoT and automation, integration ensures data flows in near real-time. Without proper integration, bottlenecks form.

When you order something from Amazon, multiple systems trigger events automatically — inventory, shipping, billing. That’s integration at work.

Common Mistakes in Digital Transformation

1. Buying tools before mapping processes.

2. Replacing systems before evaluating integration.

3. Ignoring data quality.

Manual processes create inconsistencies and errors. Integration enforces rules and ensures clean, consistent data across systems.

When Should You Replace a System?

There’s no universal answer. Some systems can be updated and integrated. Others require replacement.

Importantly, digital transformation should not be treated as a single project. It’s an iterative, ongoing process. Treating it as a one-time initiative often leads to failure.

Event-Driven Architecture

Javier explains event-driven architecture using the example of an online purchase.

One event (a purchase) triggers multiple actions: inventory updates, shipping notifications, billing processes.

Event-driven architecture decouples systems. This allows companies to replace individual systems without disrupting the entire ecosystem.

It also enables near real-time updates, preventing bottlenecks caused by sequential system chains.

APIs and Middleware

APIs allow systems to expose reusable data.

Middleware centralizes business rules and message handling.

Effective integration requires APIs, event-driven models, and middleware working together in orchestration.

AI in Integration Teams

Javier shares that AI is used to generate code and documentation. Adoption is growing, though companies remain cautious. Like any new professional entering a market, AI must build credibility over time.

Advice for Companies Overwhelmed by Legacy Systems

Start with process mapping.

Understand how your business operates before choosing tools. Only then determine whether you need APIs, messaging systems, middleware, or event-driven solutions.

Career Advice for Tech Professionals

Growth is rarely linear, especially when immigrating.

Many professionals must rebuild credibility and sometimes take a step back before advancing again.

Javier emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome. Talent exists everywhere. Professionals should challenge ideas and contribute confidently. Managers play a critical role in creating environments where people feel empowered.

Closing Thoughts

Javier reflects that embracing challenges and saying “yes” to new opportunities allowed him to broaden his perspective and build a diverse career across industries and technical domains.

Carlos closes the episode by thanking Javier for sharing his experience and insights.