Congratulations on bringing your business into the high-tech world with the latest computers, point of sale and printing devices. But don’t get too comfortable as the latest trend in computing and technology, “Digital Transformation” continues to gain momentum. This new wave of becoming fully digital is impacting and disrupting traditional business.
For example, it use to take a phone call to request a taxi. Today use your smart phone to connect with Uber or Lyft, and request a ride while paying up front with their app. And not too long ago you walked into a Starbucks, ordered coffee and patiently waited for it to be prepared. Now before leaving home you have the option to open up their app, place your order to have it ready upon arrival. This is called taking business to the internet and its affecting almost every industry.
How might transformation affect your business?
For one, mobility and the use of devices can allow your employees to be always available and locatable. Imagine the manager of concessions at a ballpark digitally watching their vendors make their way through the stadium. Any potential missed sections can easily be identified. Fans can also order their hot dog without leaving their seats.
How about implementing data analytics to develop better forecasts for smarter decisions. That same ballpark concessionaire may see a trend of increased beverage sales due to fans sitting in the hot sun and decide to deploy more resources to that area.
A third is social media where some companies only touch the surface of its impact. Use it as the real-time voice of the customer replacing the need for costly follow-up surveys. Digital transformation is also about hardware and changing the make-up of your IT department and how it is operated and maintained. Major capital purchases of equipment used to be the norm. Now with available cloud services, a business has the choice of building their own cloud, employing a hybrid cloud or going with a public cloud. Can’t forget flexible capacity opportunities either. Each has its own advantages that usually comes down to the best cost model.
This is just the start but digital transformation is about making your company more automated while helping you know and serve your customer better. It may be time to create your own digital vision.
