COVID-19 is one of the worst pandemics that the world has witnessed. The situation has forced people to stay indoors and business to bring down shutters, reducing savings and huge losses. A few companies sensed that they need to take action, with immediate effect. The most popular choice was picking a digital transformation company that could help them conduct business even during lockdown times.
As offices were closed for an indefinite period and the staff moved to a remote location, companies started looking for digital transformation services, much more than ever. As many businesses started operating digitally, the employees are looking towards working from home permanently. Lockdown has forced people to access the required services and products through apps, websites and other latest technologies. As people start realizing that their selective decision works in their favour, they prefer to stick with it, even after easing out COVID-19 restrictions.
Repercussions of Digital Transformation
‘McKinsey Global Survey of executives’ share that a few companies have enhanced the use of technology for customer and supply-chain interactions, and other internal operations. The demand for digital and digitally-enabled products has seen a surge, which people expected to happen somewhere the past five years. Companies further share that even temporary solutions have excelled well to meet new demands, much faster than expectations. It has also forced organisations to invest in product design and development that would ensure long-lasting results. They could bring in more sales.
Changes Brought In By COVID-19
Customer’s shift towards online channels exorbitantly is the one of the significant change brought by the world pandemic. The encouraging thing is that most companies have accepted the change positively. The SME digital transformation to interact with customers has aided in reducing face-to-face interactions. Such measures safeguard customer and employee health and well-being. Consumer-facing applications such as grocery and food delivery services, business-to-business e-commerce applications, and applications related to video-conferencing has helped the consumer and business worlds. The accelerated adoption of digital technologies has brought in several changes in the post COVID periods.
How are businesses embracing digital transformation?
Innovations are happening at a faster pace than ever. A few examples of businesses adapting the new norm include:
• Restaurants partner with tech companies for digital product development, to increase their online order capabilities. They make sure that the customers have full access to the menu and the placed order is delivered at the earliest, with no hassle to the customer.
• Gyms and fitness centres are making the best use of the internet to serve their clients, placed at different physical locations. People can stay fit by attending online sessions.
• Schools are proffering online classes. Teachers can deliver quality study material and best coaching to students, from the safe confinement of homes.
• Tech companies are organising online meetings to provide all desired services for different clients.
• Grocery stores are accepting online orders from customers. Many brick and mortar stores are delivering daily supplies to the front door of many customers.
• Doctors are also proffering treatments for minor issues. /they are keeping patients safe, by keeping them at home and not exposing them to any form of inspection.
• Medical stores are accepting a doctor’s prescription to deliver medicines to homes or offices.
In short, almost all businesses can espouse the technology to serve more customers, with enhanced efficiency.
How can businesses embrace digital transformation?
Many business owners are too busy or unaware of how the latest technology can help their business. The few concepts are:
• Switch to customer-focused business:
The shift from focusing on product or service features to customer experiences should be the business’s priority. Meeting customer’s need and expectations would help companies retain customers and reach several new target audiences effectively. For example, the restaurant owner should concentrate on prompt and timely deliver rather than the menu.
• Scale-up innovative digital experiences:
Consumers are looking for digital designs, collaborations and content production to keep the visitors engaged. For example, the furniture dealer can launch online magazines or pamphlets to attract more target audience.
• Reduction of dependence on technical teams:
Businesses can look for code-free platforms to lessen dependence on the technical team. Many platforms proffer various technologies which help businesses to launch an app or website that represents their business. For example, the grocery stores can launch an app that would allow them to take orders and deliver them at the right address, without having significant technical support or experience.
• Enable remote operations:
Employees no longer need to work from a specific place at all times. Robots can take over some jobs. Remote workforces can stay connected through proper project management tools, with the help of virtual conference platforms. For example, In-store robots can handle transactional tasks, such as inventory in stores and delivering remote order.
• Time for digital transformations:
Change is tough to accept. COVID-19 has forced entrepreneurs to embrace the change. The latest adaptation would help traditional businesses to survive the cut-throat competition and enjoy success consistently.
Social media a reliable tool
Use of social media was restricted to entrainment before COVID-19 period. Very few used to conduct business on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc. During post-COVID, small and large brands are in touch with their customers through social media, informing them about the latest launches and other attractive offers. It is helping in expanding the business frontier, even during challenging times.
Conclusion
Every organization or commercial setup needs to prepare, plan and invest for an uncertain future. Man-made and natural emergencies would surely put stress on financial conditions. Preparedness like digital transformation would help continue with business operations and get rid of a panic situation.
Many companies, organizations and industries are using technology to operate most of the activities, with the minimum workforce. The change helped attain greater productivity, and provide better services; thus, resulting in better economic condition and improving the employee’s lives. As employees return to work, companies plan to focus on digital transformation would continue, as a measure for preparing for the unforeseen future.
