In the years leading into 2020, we heard the phrase digital transformation being whispered in the business community. But in 2021, it’s a phrase that is shouted from the rooftops.
But what is digital transformation?
Digital transformation (commonly referred to as DX) is when you implement technology into your business to improve processes and outcomes. For example, a form of technology help you achieve your business model more effectively, migrate from a paper-based system to an electronic system or allowing your clients greater electronic access to your products and services. When done right, digital transformation can help businesses manage risk and reduce costs.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, South Australian businesses are investing more in technology. The key word here is ‘investment’. Because that’s what it is. It’s an investment into their longevity and future.
An estimated 73% of IT professionals say they’re planning to accelerate their digital transformation plans. And a recent OpsRamp survey suggests 58% of IT professionals expect their budgets to increase immediately.
But where will the additional money go? 88% say their companies are creating a better digital customer experience. 86% expect a greater focus on remote working tools for staff. And 84% say they expect their companies to continue flexible and on-demand resourcing*.
*Report: Agents of Transformation, App Dynamics
The new version of going to work
Global Workforce Analytics recently reported that before the coronavirus pandemic just 3.6% of people worked from home more than half of their week. However, by the end of 2021 they predict 25-30% of people will be working from home on a multiple-days-a-week basis.
“The longer people are required to work at home, the greater the adoption we will see when the dust settles,” the report goes on to say.
Employee demand for this revised way of ‘going to work’ has only increased since the coronavirus pandemic. And in a sign of the times, reluctance from employers to allow employees to work from home has steadily decreased. In fact, most companies are finding that with an increased investment in the right technology and trust in their employees, productivity can surge with working from home arrangements. Adding to this is the flow-on effects of improved staff retention and positive employer-employee relations.
Trust is a must in a digital working environment
When you’re embracing digital transformation, one thing should remain at the forefront of your thinking: identity verification. In other words, ensuring the person you are giving permission to access your network is the same physical person sitting at the other end. From a company perspective, this is not only an incentive, it’s an obligation.
Whether it’s an employee or client, the onus is on you – the business owner – to collect, verify and protect their private information.
According to TechRadar, “Single Sign On (SSO) solutions are becoming increasingly necessary. These allow users to authenticate themselves across a business IT infrastructure without having to login separately for every application, all without compromising security.”
“This is almost certainly going to be the default way that employees and consumers manage their identity in the future, instead of having to remember multiple passwords and login credentials.”
SSOs and other verification solutions can act as fraud-deterrents and improve the end-user experience, which, let’s face it, is a goal of most business owners.
Don’t be scared
It’s been widely reported that we’re in an unprecedented time. The next few years will see a business need to adapt to changing environments much quicker than we thought we had time for. But you don’t have to fly blind. Or settle for an off-the-shelf solution. Whatever you do, it should suit your business and your business only.
Angelique Boileau, Managing Director of Boileau Business Technology, says most business owners aren’t aware of creating a custom solution to digital transformation.
“I’ve always said that one size doesn’t fit all. It’s true of people and it’s true of businesses,” Angelique said.
“Every business is different. Their goals are different. Their staff is different. So why should they settle for technology that isn’t tailored to them?
“We’ve helped some prominent South Australian businesses migrate to a digital way of working. Through our data centre, our cloud hosting ability, our 24/7 monitored cyber security network and our remote working applications, we’ve shown them that it’s possible to achieve without spending hundreds of thousands.”
“Right now we’re looking into how we can digitally transform how forms are processed at a major health facility with the use of multi-function devices.
“That’s literally hundreds of forms a day and could save a lot of time and money. It seems an impossible task but I assure you, it isn’t.”
For more information on digital transformation and how it will help your business, please get in touch. Our business development and IT consultants take a deep dive into your business operations and design a solution that is specific to you and your business. What have you got to lose? A chat is free but it’s also informative.