If it wasn’t abundantly clear before, the COVID-19 pandemic has proved that digitizing business-critical processes (and making teams productive remotely) is key to business continuity. Whether a business has 50 — or 50,000 — employees, its operations are influenced and impacted (if not completely overhauled) by technology designed to speed up, connect, improve and sustain work in the modern world. Digital transformation for enterprise organizations is a no-brainer. It’s the “how” that defines what success looks like.
For some companies, embracing this digital transformation has been a gradual process of adoption. Others have been digital all along, or they jumped in headfirst, undergoing a major overhaul all at once. And for some it’s still an overwhelming burden, approached tentatively and perhaps even with aversion to change and new technology. No matter the scenario, there’s little doubt, especially with remote work becoming ubiquitous, that old-school business processes that involve emailed documents and spreadsheets (or even paper-filled file cabinets) is not the way to go.
Digitizing business processes refers to the integration of digital information — pieces of physical, non-digital material that has been converted into a digital format — into an automated workflow that can replace manual, disconnected and paper-based processes. It means digitizing business processes, increasing employee productivity, and improving customer satisfaction. It provides dramatic benefits to employees, partners, customers and the organization as a whole. Converting not just documents and data to digital, but also workflow, transactions, functions and processes, can be very complex. There are many payoffs, however.
You will save time and money
Using digitized processes can free up employees from a multitude of monotonous tasks. Rather than email chains for tedious and regular processes approvals, regular and routine functions (payroll, time logs, inspection signoffs, etc.) can be routed through workflows automatically. Functions such as financial transactions, insurance claims, medical prescription processing, in-house training can be automated and make teams more productive and efficient. People are free up to focus on real priorities and the needs of the business instead of avoidable minutiae.
Productivity and communication are increased
The digital platforms now available can link employees via chat and messaging services, giving them the ability to work efficiently from anywhere. They also help keep teams safe and informed during business disruptions or crises. Teams are able to collaborate virtually using software that can store, organize and share information like. Communication to your audience becomes faster and more seamless. By digitizing your business processes, you enable a level of connectivity that has quickly becoming the new normal.
Your data is more accessible and more secure
Digitized data and content can be accessed and protected by creating and providing authenticated and role-based access to core applications and processes, allowing access to only those who specifically need it. Locating a single file is as easy as clicking a button; accessing an entire collection of documents is just as simple, and can be done from work, home, or in line at the Starbucks. Data can be stored in servers either on-premise or on the cloud (or a combination), protected by security protocols designed specifically for your organizational needs.
Emphasize improved value and experiences
Changing fundamental operations can cause some uncertainty, to say the least, among employees and customers. But digitizing business processes is all about leveraging technology to create better experiences, for all parties. Make sure teams understand that any disruption to their current routine is in pursuit of a better work experience for them, and the same for customers. Emphasize and be transparent about change and how much value they stand to get from implementing new ways of working.
Don’t get piece-mealed to pieces
There are so many possible components to a digitized business environment, and so many specific hardware, software and application options that it can make your head spin. And while it is possible to cobble together an infrastructure of odds and ends that manages to coexist and get the job done, it’s not highly recommended. Even if all your systems and backend data and key functions are disparate, they can be brought together and unified in a digital experience if you find the right platform and solution.
There are many digital experience platforms (DXPs) out there to choose from. The one you choose needs to meet the needs of your business, specifically. It needs to be able to scale and grow. It should be able to streamline communication both within the company and externally to your audience. It should have a comprehensive data storage and security system that fits your needs. And it should add real value to your work and enhance the experiences of everyone who uses it. Find out more about our latest version of HCL Digital Experience as a place to start.
Be strategic about your digital transformation
To truly digitize your business process and undergo true transformation, you need to first conduct an honest assessment of your enterprise and where it is on the maturity curve of digital transformation. Identify worker skills and tools gaps. Anticipate and map out changing customer expectations. Learn and partner with line of business leaders to assess and map how they work. Develop roadmaps, and get organizational buy-in. Figure out pathways to experiment and reassess. Test, iterate, repeat.
We all need to transform the way we do business. You need a technology and services partner to get this done and find your path to the future. You need digitized processes, and new ways to engage your customers, partners, and audiences. We understand digital transformation. Let’s transform your business. Sign up for a free demo now.
