Digital Transformation Is Transforming, Well…Everything
What do Netflix, Uber, Amazon, and Facebook all have in common? Aside from being leaders in their respective fields, each of these companies has leveraged digital transformation to evolve their organizations, utilizing technology to fundamentally enhance their business operations.
You might be asking, what exactly is digital transformation? While the broader concept can be difficult to define, the impact of digital transformation can be felt throughout individual organizations and their industries. It’s being used to radically improve the way organizations function.
Salesforce defines digital transformation as, “using digital technologies to create new – or modify existing – business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements.” Simply put, digital transformation is the process of enhancing and modernizing an organization’s daily processes and overall operations through the strategic use of specific technologies.
The scope of digital transformation’s impact on companies becomes clearer when one considers internal operations, the experience of end customers, and the effect on the overall marketplace. Key to this understanding is acknowledging who’s doing the asking – the digital transformation of a healthcare entity, for example, differs significantly in comparison to a transportation organization. As would the perspective of a power/utilities company as compared to a financial services firm. While the concept of digital transformation is universally applied, its application depends significantly on the processes, operations, culture and end-goals of a given organization.
Digital Transformation Across Industries
Digital transformation is driving organizations to rethink operations and enhance them by leveraging technology and the various systems relied upon:
HEALTHCARE
Previously, healthcare providers relied predominantly on physical records of patient medical histories and personal data, and required in-person appointments with patients. Today’s providers are able to offer telehealth options using video conferencing software. And electronic medical records are the new standard, offering more convenience and accessibility for both patients and providers, all while enhancing the safety of such information. Providers can more easily access relevant patient data, review medical histories, and hold appointments with patients more efficiently than ever before.
Through this monumental change, healthcare organizations are realizing the importance of data storage, data protection and overall cybersecurity. Ensuring data and related information are stored effectively and securely, while maintaining cybersecurity across related processes and procedures, is paramount.
TRANSPORTATION
From mass producing electric vehicles to modernizing buses, trains and planes, the transportation industry has experienced its fair share of digital transformation. Seneca Resources has deep roots in working with public transportation organizations, helping modernize and support digital transformation initiatives, such as mobile applications, digital train schedules, mobile ticketing and fare collection.
Digital transformation provides new opportunities to enhance customer experience, as well as optimize transportation operations and infrastructure. For example:
- Train beacons help inform conductors and passengers which cars have capacity or are full
- Countdown clocks inform riders of expected arrival times
- Mobile ticketing and contactless payment systems have made it easier for employees to check tickets and for riders to access public transport
The impact is evident for organizations, workers and customers, delivering reliable service, safety, and enhanced customer experience.
Accomplish Digital Transformation
To embark on a digital transformation effort, organizations must examine themselves from the top down. They have to evaluate their business model, processes, and organizational goals. For example, small businesses who were not able to adapt to online demand during the pandemic suffered greatly as lockdowns and restrictions hindered in-person retail transactions. In contrast, businesses with presence online were able to thrive, reporting record profits. This dichotomy underlines the power of digital transformation – agility, adaptability, dependability, convenience.
The bedrock of digital transformation is digital technology. Transitioning from analog methods/processes to digital can be a significant undertaking for organizations, which is why working with an IT consulting services provider familiar with performing this strategic work can be of tremendous benefit. Providers with a strong understanding of the business and IT processes within your organization (such as Seneca Resources) can help advise you on your approach and strategy, while applying the technologies needed for digital transformation to be successful.
Working with a recognized IT consulting services provider eases the burden of trying to plan and execute a digital transformation without the knowledge or expertise needed. In today’s world of ever-evolving technological capabilities, organizations must account for digital transformation in order to survive and evolve. Finding the right experts to partner with – and allowing them to help – goes a long way in achieving your digital transformation objectives.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in learning more about Seneca’s services, contact us at (703) 390-9099, or info@senecahq.com.