How to overcome Digital transformation challenges
Looking at different stages and digitalization areas, one thing becomes obvious quickly: No matter the project size, industry type, or the method of implementing new technologies, the challenges remain the same.
The COVID crisis is another factor reshaping our world. Many countries are still bound to lockdown restrictions, while others dared loosen some of the prohibitions. People are returning to old places that have grown even more unfamiliar since the protracted withdrawal enforced by legal rules following the pandemic.
A trip to your favorite coffee shop reveals that not only has the style of the interior remained the same, but so has the taste of breakfast espresso. However, the way you are allowed to explore your favorite cafe is different.
If an effective vaccine is unavailable, we may be forced to adjust to a new lifestyle for months or even years. Indeed, the pandemic disrupts all aspects and areas of our lives: governments, the economy, and society.
Leverage technology to maintain economic sustainability
Giuliano Vita, a co-founder at Discovery, manages a collective of digital entrepreneurs. Driven by the pandemic, he created a digital menu enabling customers to choose between takeaway or dine-in. A QR code simplifies the process – clients can scan the menu using a standard smartphone.
Even banks are becoming more flexible and visible online, hospitals and clinics are developing telemedicine solutions, and schools are switching to online classes.
Even though these digital movements might appear impressive, they weren’t the path most businesses would have taken under ordinary circumstances.
We have reluctantly adopted digital technologies as a result of this pandemic for the benefit of humankind.
Looking back in the past, we and our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-great-grandparents prefer face-to-face communication because of its precision.
Face-to-face meetings are considered more credible than online and virtual conversations. Plus, meetings are more productive and bring more positive results. No wonder we all oppose the notion of a revolution in the communication between people. Technology should help us improve our ability to communicate and interact face-to-face with each other, without replacing our ability to meet.
Back to the current business landscape, we cannot ignore that digital technology has become a significant part of our business without a clear path to stop the pandemic. We’re not talking about communication online; we’re talking about digital transformation.
Digital transformation makes sense, no need for further evidence
We can’t deny the benefits when integrating digital transformation into business, but there are obstacles.
Digital transformation processes are a challenge in normal circumstances already: re-evaluate the entire business workflow, redefine tasks and roles, employees need to learn numerous new tools and applications, the workforce training is exceptionally strenuous due to the pandemic, and everyone is in quarantine, as well as modifying of business values, attitudes, and culture. All of this takes time and effort.
The digital movement can’t happen overnight, and businesses need updates and help from employees to arm themselves with the necessary patience to get used to the new process. Now is when many companies need to realize that they have relied heavily on paper documentation or lack of standardization.
The most challenging area during this pandemic time, however, is the relationship between customers and businesses. Just like any business strategy, digital transformation aims to enhance the customer experience.
With the digital movements, we can observe how that customer-companies interaction happens online and evolves every day.
Customer expectations have changed since they expect a straightforward, secure, and satisfactory experience. Thus, it is imperative to meet customer needs and deliver what they expect.
We live in a time-limited world where we have unlimited choices, especially those within the younger generation of GenZers. Without a proper strategy and approach to address our needs, businesses lose their chances to acquire the market.
Market demands change every second. Our customers’ behavior is unpredictable, especially during this pandemic time.
Amidst the quarantine, there are fewer ways to evaluate how the market will respond:
What products will remain in higher demand?
Who will be our new target audience? Which customer segments will be more active? Will there be new demands? Which product will likely fall?
The Millennial Generation has already assumed the primary workforce’s role, but they’re not likely to become a dominant one anytime soon. While they may be technologically savvy, generations X and Y will need to adjust to new innovative telecommunication systems.
When the outbreak happened back in March, we saw a lack of digital training. Some of the big names in the US are in danger of being left behind. Of course, many reasons lead to business stagnation; digital transformation is just one of the factors joining.
In the following list, you will find the five most common challenges in digital transformation, the ones that most frequent conversations or discussions as some of the major drawbacks for digital:
Employee pushback
It is easy to say that you should never change a winning team. If a company is doing well, you may have a winning team. However, what if you see that the established organizational structure can no longer meet the market standards and demands?
Habits are hard to change, and many employees find it challenging to change their work ethics they have developed alongside past technologies. A company is subject to constant change and modification to adapt and work as efficiently as possible. New technologies might be scary initially, and it takes time to understand and see the necessity of implementing them. Establishing an environment that embraces lifelong learning and giving each employee guidance on handling this is one way to face the challenge.
Lack of expertise
In a conversation, a customer working in machine engineering expressed that he still could not imagine how digitalization would work in his industry.
He was disappointed by events he participated in, a platform for “the big software companies” to promote AI, Big Data, and IoT, and were too disconnected to see the benefits. He was practically left alone without any information valuable for his business.
Our world is fast-paced; every day, we get bombarded with innovation, new technologies, changes of standards, and with it comes much information. Being tangled up in the daily business buzz, companies, management, and staff often lack time to decide which expertise is missing and should be acquired. By pushing the decision-making repeatedly, you will get to a point where you realize that you need the expertise.
Businesses need to understand that having their hands full when it comes to digital transformation will restrict their ability to concentrate on anything else. In other words, it is always a better idea to partner with a specialized agency that can help you on your journey of digital transformation. To know more in this regard, please visit website.
Organizational structure
Your organizational structure should be fluid. Digital processes in an office environment or product development are different from what you might know. Still, the company processes need to adapt to be used to the fullest. If you think you can adjust the new technology to your routines, you will continuously disrupt operations, and the cost of implementing new systems will exceed your budget.
Lack of an overall digital strategy
We recommend that you always consider your customers first to understand their needs and then translate that understanding into the business to integrate them smoothly. Think about speaking with an expert who can show you different paths and technologies, so you may decide which technologies are most suitable for your needs.
Limited Budget
If you do not have a large budget for the total transformation, start with the manageable changes and build a medium- or long-term plan that considers modifications needed during the transition.
Conclusion
At CodeCoda, our customers’ services are not limited to advanced software development only. We want to help you get the best solution for your business and keep you up-to-date about the newest technological advances you need to know about the industry, the circumstances, and the purpose for which you need our service.
Our team of experts will gladly help you start your project and provide you with all the necessary advice to run a successful and future-oriented business that emphasizes what your customers need most.
