Digital transformation is changing the way businesses operate successfully, especially in the age of COVID. It has not only allowed companies to continue operating when hit with unexpected circumstances as with the pandemic, but also to reach new heights of production and efficiency.
When you commit to digital transformation, you’re enabling your company to modernize systems, meet evolving customer demands, and leverage new technologies that are the driving force behind a new technical revolution.
Managing digital transformation is a no-fail mission
To be successful at digital transformation, companies need bold leadership committed to change, comfort with emerging technologies, and a focus on the impact of digital change on customers, products and services, internal processes, and opportunities. It means taking a hard look at how the work has been done and considering new approaches.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the need for digital transformation, and it has been a catalyst for change. On a practical level, the pandemic forced millions of employees into work-from-home scenarios. Companies that did not have tools to connect employees virtually were well behind their competitors as a result. Through digital transformation, companies can react quickly and nimbly when such disruptive events occur, allowing for new approaches to all aspects of their business.
But jumping into a digital transformation makeover might seem daunting. What does your business really need to accelerate its digital transformation? Here are five technology solutions essential for your digital strategy and how to incorporate them into your digital transformation.
1. Cloud storage solutions
The cloud has dramatically changed the way companies store and access data. Cloud solutions let companies keep data and applications on remote, secure servers, which allows for rapid scalability, quick deployment of new solutions, and better information management.
Cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and DropBox are ideal for the mobile workforce, allowing access to information while working from home or traveling. Employees can easily access information from wherever they are. Usually managed by third parties, cloud computing gives you the flexibility to build, store, and launch new applications, store ever-evolving amounts of data, and adapt quickly to changing needs.
2. Collaboration and communication tools
With more employees working remotely than ever before, collaboration and communication among team members, partners, suppliers, and customers is essential. Collaboration suites are crucial to making this happen, as they allow teams to store, edit, manage, and share documents widely. These products mean employees can access needed information no matter where they are, as long as they are connected to the internet. Microsoft’s Teams product integrates with popular Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Outlook and works on the cloud-based Office 365 and desktop versions. Google’s G Suite similarly integrates Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Drive products.
Slack is another popular collaboration tool with shared workspaces and communications tools. Like other collaboration tools, Slack allows connected team members to initiate conversations, communicate, and collaborate on documents.
The top collaboration suites also include functions for easy communication, either via instant messaging or video calls for multiple users. Other popular conferencing tools like Zoom, which have exploded in popularity, allow for all kinds of conversations and meetings, including webinars, lectures, and conferences.
