What Is Digital Transformation, And How Can It Transform My Business?

In today's market, small businesses that prioritize digital transformation are experiencing increased success. In this article we answer What Is Digital Transformation, And How Can It Transform My Business?

While big companies have been using digital transformation to scale their operations since its inception, for small businesses, this transformation can be a make-or-break factor. 

Digitizing operations and streamlining internal processes can significantly impact their competitiveness. 

However, it's crucial for small businesses to focus on the right goals during the transformation process, as investing in the wrong areas can lead to substantial losses.

Unlike their better-funded and established counterparts, small businesses cannot afford to waste time. 

To compete effectively, they must swiftly identify growth opportunities and determine how technology can support and enhance their human efforts, giving them a competitive edge in the market. 

What is Digital Transformation?

​Digital transformation involves leveraging digital technologies to either create new or modify existing business processes, organizational culture, and customer experiences in response to evolving market demands.

It signifies a fundamental shift in how a company delivers value to its customers. 

To navigate this transformation successfully, here are some essential aspects when it comes to digital transformation:

1. Rethinking Technology, People, and Processes: Digital transformation prompts a reevaluation of how technology, human resources, and workflows are utilized, with the aim of embracing new business models and generating fresh revenue streams. This shift is driven by changing customer expectations regarding products and services.
2. Embracing Digital Products: Traditional enterprises, which typically focused on tangible goods, must now incorporate digital products into their offerings. Examples include mobile applications or e-commerce platforms. This necessitates adopting the agile development methods commonly employed by software companies, where the focus is on creating valuable software-based solutions.

The significance of digital transformation and strategically adapting to its challenges, organizations can position themselves for sustained growth and relevance in a technology-driven landscape.

Digital Transformation Examples

We break down a digital transformation examples, A Fortune 500 IT distributor faced challenges with its accounts payable process, which involved handling invoices across various locations. 

The organization struggled due to outdated procedures, reliance on multiple systems, and scattered information sources, resulting in difficulties managing a high volume of invoices. Manual tasks caused processing delays and errors, adding to the problem.

To address these issues, the company adopted a low-code digital transformation platform. 

This solution allowed users to automate repetitive tasks and replicate human actions while keeping the existing infrastructure and systems intact. By implementing this platform, the organization successfully streamlined its end-to-end invoice processing, resulting in a significant reduction in processing time. 

Now, 92 percent of invoices are processed within just 2 days.

Moreover, the platform easily adapted to country-specific configurations, ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements. 

The transformation brought several benefits, including accelerated decision-making, increased quality and visibility, and an impressive 99 percent improvement in initiating invoices through digital means. 

Additionally, the organization achieved the ability to process up to 10,000 invoices per full-time employee annually.  And small things, like a small business receipt maker, could improve this production even further.

How do  small businesses benefit from digital transformation:

Digital transformation for small businesses is a transformative journey that involves adopting digital technologies and strategies to enhance operations, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth. 

Embracing digital transformation allows small businesses to compete effectively in the digital age, leverage data-driven insights, streamline processes, and optimize resource allocation. 

Key aspects of Digital transformation trends for small businesses include implementing cloud-based solutions, adopting automation, enhancing online presence, and utilizing data analytics to make informed decisions. 

This strategic shift towards digitalization enables small businesses to stay agile, relevant, and competitive in today's dynamic market.

Digital Transformation Roles And Skills

In any digital transformation, while adopting emerging technologies and optimizing processes are important, having the right skill sets within the staff is absolutely crucial.

Companies aiming to introduce new products and services heavily rely on roles such as software engineers, cloud computing specialists, and digital product managers. 

DevOps leaders play a vital role in merging development and operations, facilitating continuous software iteration for faster delivery.

As the importance of data-driven insights, machine learning, and artificial intelligence increases, there is a growing demand for data scientists and data architects who can make sense of vast data sets.

Other talent priorities include UX designers, digital trainers, writers, conversational brand strategists, forensic analysts, ethics compliance managers, and workplace technology managers.

Leadership also plays a pivotal role in this transformation. 

Many CIOs have adopted the title of Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to describe their responsibilities, and sometimes the roles of CIO and CDO are distinct, while in other cases they might be merged. 

The decision often lies with the CEO. Regardless of the title, what matters most is that someone competent is leading the charge in using technology effectively to drive revenue growth.

Why is Digital Transformation Important?

So back to the question, What is digital transformation, and how can it transform my business? Contemporary businesses, it goes beyond that. In today's digital era, digital transformation is imperative to stay relevant and keep pace with the ever-changing landscape.

The phrase "Transform or die" perfectly captures the significance of companies embracing digital transformation. Adapting to new technological advances is vital for securing a robust long-term future.

In today's hyperconnected and consumer-driven society, the influx of information and data is beyond our imagination. Constantly evolving systems, applications, and technologies create complexities in information exchange, data management, and task coordination. In response, digital transformation has become an imperative rather than a choice.

Regardless of your company's size, understanding the myriad advantages and benefits of digital transformation is crucial. To learn more about the specific benefits, explore the following section. 

Embracing digital transformation is essential for thriving in this ever-evolving landscape.

4 Benefits of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation revolutionizes an organization's operations by impacting its systems, processes, workflows, and overall culture.

This comprehensive change affects every level within the organization and facilitates the integration of data from various domains to enhance collaboration and effectiveness.

Through the utilization of workflow automation and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), companies can now connect the various touchpoints of the customer journey in unprecedented ways.

This newfound capability enables them to glean valuable insights and make informed decisions that were previously unattainable.

Below are 8 advantages of embracing Digital Transformation.

For numerous companies, the impetus behind digital transformation is cost-related. Shifting data to a public, private, or hybrid cloud environment reduces operational expenses, liberating resources previously allocated to hardware and software costs.

This, in turn, allows team members to focus on other projects, fostering efficiency and innovation within the organization. 

1.Improve customer experience

Consider how your digital transformation can not only optimize efficiencies for your teams but also provide more seamless and intuitive experiences for your customers. 

This encompasses various aspects, including email communications, user portals, digital products, and even the frequency and manner in which you engage with potential customers.

In the current landscape, customers have high expectations when it comes to digital experiences. 

They have become accustomed to an array of choices, competitive prices, and rapid delivery. As a result, customer experience (CX) has become the new battleground for brands, with more than two-thirds of companies stating that they primarily compete based on customer experience, according to Gartner.

Accenture's research emphasizes the significance of CX as the driving force behind sustainable business growth. Even a marginal increase in CX scores can translate to millions of dollars in annual growth.

To set your brand apart from competitors, demonstrating a commitment to customer privacy can be a powerful differentiator. 

Empower customers to have control over how their data is collected and used, and offer them the autonomy to make decisions regarding their personal information. 

So valuing and respecting their privacy, you can establish a deeper level of trust and loyalty with your customers. 

2.Increased Business Profits

Companies that embark on digital transformation initiatives witness substantial improvements in efficiency and profitability. 

Remarkably, according to the SAP Center for Business Insights and Oxford Economics, 80% of organizations that successfully undergo digital transformation report experiencing significant profit growth. 

Additionally, 85% of these companies have witnessed an expansion in their market share, solidifying their position in the industry. 

Moreover, leaders in digital transformation anticipate a remarkable 23% higher revenue growth compared to their competitors. 

These compelling statistics underscore the transformative power of embracing digitalization for businesses in today's rapidly evolving landscape. 

3.Improved Productivity in The Workplace

Implementing technology to automate specific aspects of a process can significantly reduce manual errors and offer valuable insights for informed decision-making. This transformative effect can be seen in various industries, such as manufacturing.

For example, in a manufacturing plant, adopting automated systems on the assembly line can minimize human errors and enhance efficiency. 

Robots and machines take over repetitive and precise tasks, reducing the chances of mistakes caused by human fatigue or oversight. 

Additionally, sensors and data analytics embedded in the automated machinery provide real-time insights into production metrics, allowing managers to make data-driven decisions on process improvements and resource allocation. 

This digital transformation not only improves the quality and speed of production but also revolutionizes the entire manufacturing workflow. 

Intranet software enables companies to provide their employees with advanced collaboration tools, fostering teamwork irrespective of geographical location or job function. 

By dismantling information silos and overcoming barriers imposed by physical distance or departments, organizations empower their workforce and enhance overall employee productivity.

4.Better Data-Driven Customer Insights

Data serves as the crucial element that unlocks valuable customer insights. When businesses gain a deeper understanding of their customers and their preferences, they can develop a highly customer-centric business strategy. 

For instance, consider an e-commerce company that collects structured data from customer profiles, including purchase history and demographics, and unstructured data from social media comments and interactions.

By analyzing this data, the company can identify trends, preferences, and pain points of its customers. 

Armed with these insights, they can tailor their product offerings, marketing messages, and customer service to cater to individual preferences. As a result, the company can deliver more relevant, personalized, and agile content, ensuring a seamless and satisfying customer experience. 

This customer-centric approach is likely to foster customer loyalty and drive business growth as satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and advocates for the brand. 

How Can It Transform My Business

 Digital transformation can have a profound impact on transforming your business in various ways:

• Improved Efficiency - By automating manual processes and streamlining workflows, digital transformation can boost efficiency and productivity within your organization. This allows your team to focus on more strategic tasks and deliver better results.
• Enhanced Customer Experience - Embracing digital technologies enables you to provide a seamless and personalized customer experience. From online shopping platforms to AI-powered chatbots, digital transformation allows you to engage with customers in ways that cater to their specific needs and preferences.
• Data-Driven Decision Making - Digital transformation equips your business with the ability to collect, analyze, and derive insights from vast amounts of data. By making data-driven decisions, you can identify trends, spot opportunities, and address challenges more effectively.
• Agile and Scalable Operations - With digital tools and cloud-based solutions, your business gains the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market demands. This agility allows you to scale your operations as needed, responding to growth opportunities and market fluctuations.
• Cost Savings - Digital transformation can lead to cost savings by optimizing processes, reducing manual labor, and eliminating paper-based workflows. Cloud computing also allows you to avoid significant upfront hardware and infrastructure costs.
• Enhanced Collaboration - Digital tools and communication platforms enable seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their location. This fosters teamwork, knowledge sharing, and creativity within your organization.
• Competitive Advantage - Embracing digital transformation can set your business apart from competitors who are slow to adapt. Being at the forefront of technological advancements can give you a competitive edge in the market.
• Innovation and New Revenue Streams - Digital transformation opens up opportunities for innovative products and services, potentially leading to new revenue streams and diversifying your business.
• Improved Security and Compliance - Digital transformation can enhance data security and compliance with regulations. Modern technologies often come with built-in security features, protecting your business from cyber threats.
• Business Growth - Ultimately, digital transformation can drive business growth by optimizing operations, improving customer satisfaction, and enabling you to explore new markets and opportunities.

In summary, digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about reimagining your business processes and customer interactions to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.

How Does Intranet Benefit Digital Transformation Journey?

Amid this crisis, digital transformation plays a pivotal role in empowering your workforce to achieve more by harnessing their talent, ideas, and intellect with digital tools. 

With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, keeping your people at the center of the digital workplace fosters trust and engagement. 

Intranets emerge as a crucial factor in this transformation, benefiting organizations by defining technology-driven systems that enhance productivity, enable remote work, and optimize device usage, especially mobile devices.

Digital transformation ensures employee empowerment, technology adoption, and risk management, enabling seamless digital collaboration without compromising security. 

In this process, enterprise intranets like AgilityPortal help with employee engagement tools still remain integral, delivering increased productivity and a higher ROI. 

As businesses adapt, leveraging these tools becomes indispensable in navigating the new landscape and driving success.

Intranets play a pivotal role in benefiting the digital transformation journey of organizations in several ways:

• Enhanced Collaboration - Intranets provide a centralized platform for employees to collaborate, share information, and work together regardless of their physical location. This fosters teamwork and boosts productivity in a digital workplace.
• Seamless Communication - Intranets facilitate seamless communication across departments and hierarchical levels. It enables real-time updates, instant messaging, and access to important announcements, ensuring that everyone stays informed and connected.
• Knowledge Sharing - Intranets serve as repositories of knowledge and resources, making it easier for employees to access relevant information and expertise. This knowledge-sharing aspect improves decision-making and problem-solving processes.
• Efficient Workflows - Intranets streamline workflows and automate processes, reducing manual intervention and saving time. This efficiency allows employees to focus on more strategic tasks, accelerating the pace of digital transformation.
• Remote Work Enablement - Intranets are crucial in supporting remote work arrangements. They ensure that employees have access to essential tools, data, and applications, empowering them to work efficiently from anywhere.
• Data Accessibility and Security - Intranets provide controlled access to sensitive data, ensuring that information is securely shared among authorized personnel. This aids in maintaining data privacy and compliance with regulations.
• Employee Engagement and Empowerment - Intranets contribute to employee engagement by offering personalized experiences and empowering employees with self-service tools. This engagement enhances productivity and job satisfaction.
• Streamlined Onboarding and Training - Intranets simplify the onboarding process for new employees and offer a platform for training and development initiatives. This fosters a continuous learning culture within the organization.
• Integration with Business Applications -  Intranets can integrate with various business applications and tools, creating a cohesive digital ecosystem. This seamless integration enhances overall efficiency and user experience.
• Data Analytics and Insights - Intranets can provide valuable data analytics and insights, allowing organizations to gauge user behavior, content effectiveness, and engagement levels. These insights help in refining the digital transformation strategy.

Intranets act as a foundational element in the digital transformation journey, supporting communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among employees. 

Their versatility and ability to adapt to evolving needs make them essential tools for driving successful digital transformation within organizations.

Need help with implementing an intranet to improce employee engagement? Contact us

How Can Businesses Prepare For Digital Transformation In 2023?

Wrapping up 

Digital transformation may appear complex, but it is indeed within reach. 

These narratives emphasize that although your business operations might be entangled in complexities, leveraging the appropriate technology can effectively resolve these challenges. 

Adopting a comprehensive digital transformation platform, driven by low-code capabilities, can lead to swift accomplishments and position your business to be future-ready.