For almost a decade, the term 'digital transformation has been bandied about. The question that many business owners are asking themselves is whether 2022 will be the year where their businesses enter the digital age. If you are intent on taking this step or have already started on the transformation journey it should be of comfort to know that it is essential in a world that is undergoing a digital revolution. This transformation began many years ago. But it has been gathering momentum at a faster pace than ever before in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant rise of teleworking (as is the case in Germany).
The pace of change is accelerating - and your business needs to keep up. Here are some hints and tips to ensure that you are not left behind.
So, what is digital transformation? Simply put it is the implementation of strategies and solutions that enable the company to make a seamless transition to a digital enterprise. This transition requires that staff undergo training in order to leverage the new solutions. Proper training means that you enhance staff capabilities so the business model can evolve to meet the challenges of the digital age.
Business processes tend to age - and the advent of the digital economy has caused many of these processes to become outmoded. For this reason, the first step will be to ensure that you can reengineer the business processes and workflow. For example, order processing should be in a digital environment. This means that businesses can define their own unique steps to fulfill orders from registration to delivery. In short, digital transformation means that the business can provide a technological framework that allows staff to facilitate the transition.
Workflow and task-related areas of the business are affected by business process transformation. However, business model transformation focuses on the core elements of value creation - in a specific sector. Put simply, companies that undergo digital transformation are transforming their classic business model.
The digital signature sector is a perfect example. Digital technology allows for automation and centralization of contracts - as well as other documents. COVID-19 and telework have meant that companies now need to embrace this new method of managing and processing signed documents.
In order for a digital transformation strategy to succeed employees must be a part of the decision-making process. These employees require the support of senior management who must commit to answering questions and managing expectations. This requires that management understand the pros and cons of any digital solution. They must understand how to tailor it to the unique needs of the business and the employees.
This approach can also contribute to safeguarding data. For example, those companies that roll out password management systems or dual authentication processes will enjoy the peace of mind. Now you know that you have secure connections to the company network through state-of-the-art authentication. It is worth repeating that the success of initiatives like this depends on the training of staff. Thus, ensure that changes are understood and staff embrace them for implementation. The alternative is confusion and frustration.
It is irrelevant which industrial sector is home to the business. Or whether the business is big or small, everyone in the business benefits from an effort to simplify workflow processes. From digital signatures to data security, digital transformation enhances competitiveness and improves customer relations. Don't rush things. But, make sure you start on the transformation journey as soon as possible.
