This article looks at 5 of the more important aspects of digital transformation for the modern business. We are all moving rapidly into the next phase of the digital era, and as part of this movement, there are certain aspects of digital transformation and tech advancement that you must be aware of, both as a business and simply as a private individual in your personal capacity. Everything that we now do in the way of work and entertainment is generally online, and as such, it is critical to understand what this digital transformation is and how it will affect your business.
- Why digital transformation
Digital transformation is the adoption of the most appropriate digital solutions for your business. It’s also the process of integrating and using such technology across as many business functions as is possible. In order to be able to do this in a manner that develops and advances your business, there are various aspects that you must consider and keep in mind. 5 aspects that you must be aware of to improve your business:-
- Big data
We are in a data age, and as such, the ability to make use of large quantities of data to drive business decisions is key. Rather than simply jumping on the bandwagon, you need to understand the aspects of big data that will be most important for your specific business. Big data is the new oil, gold, and precious gems all rolled into one and as such must be protected. It is the energy that drives the modern world of business, and as such, your business will no longer manage to compete in this time without being able to engage and use this new phenomenon to drive your business. The collection of vast amounts of customer and client data from as many customers contact or touchpoints as possible is thus both necessary and essential if you are to both understand and use big data.
Once such data is collected, it will need storage and then analysis, all of which will be driven by the manner of digital transformation that your business undergoes. In fact, one could go as far as to say that your digital business transformation will be based or premised on the big data that you already have access to.
- Managed services and products
There are so many new aspects of technology and digital transformation that can be outsourced or managed by an external professional. From installation, management, and maintenance to the upgrades and improvements of all IT infrastructure, software, hardware, and more is now able to be dealt with by professionals. The managed service has simply grown and developed, and even the smallest of businesses are now able to afford and access such managed services in the cloud.
There is, as aforementioned, also the opportunity to simply use software to manage processes and systems, a professional digital asset management system is a great example, as is described by Brandfolder, and will go a long way to managing all the managed services that you implement.
- Cyber security
There can be no successful digital transformation without a cogent cyber security process in place. If your business is going to move to a digital-based existence, then to exist, you will need to have great cyber security. The theft, loss, and breaches of data-driven systems have been one of the biggest criminal undertakings of our time, and as such, if you intend to make the most of a digital world, you will need to protect against such criminal elements online. The premise to depart from for a successful digital transformation is that Cyber security is no longer simply the preserve of the IT team. It is the responsibility of everyone who accesses the company data and network, regardless of how simple the task is; as long as someone is accessing company data, they must also be responsible and aware of their cyber security at all times. Passwords for all access points, zero trust protocols, and cloud edge security are but a few of the trends in this regard and must be researched to determine exactly which measures of cyber security your business needs to implement. Lastly, and in relation to cyber protection, it must be in place before your data is moved to the cloud or the business migrates across to new systems.
- Tech integration and compatibility
One of the guiding principles of a digital transformation is to ensure that all the technology that you implement and the software that drives such tech is integrated. The technology used in all the various business functions and sectors must be able to be shared and used throughout the business in a seamless fashion. This integration in a globalized world has seen huge communities form online, and your business will need the appropriate tech and digital transformation to engage with these online tribes and communities. The software and technology as a whole that you use must thus be compatible with the market as a whole. There will be no point having the latest tech and software only for it to be incompatible with those in your supply chain or for one business sector to be using outdated tech.
- Globalization and personalization
The two terms may seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, but the digital transformation and, specifically, the internet have seen an increase in the demand for personalized products. The global trends that dominate are able to be provided to all. So, through the shrinking of the global village online, it has become possible for individuals to follow influencers and personalities and to personalize their purchases and products. Although brands are now global, they have also added a level of personalization. These are both trends that will only be possible with the digital transformation of your business.
If you are not aware of these trends towards and in relation to digital transformation, your business runs a genuine risk of simply being left behind. Business moves fast and has begun to move and develop even faster as the technology that is available becomes more widely used and increasingly common.