We’re still not out of the dark with COVID-19. There may be light at the end of the tunnel, but 2020 demonstrated business owners must be up to date with digital technologies to ensure stability through uncertain times.
With over 20 years in the development industry, I want to share with unLTD readers my insight into how digital technologies could ensure business stability throughout 2022 – and beyond.
Q: How can digital transformation benefit today’s business leaders?
It’s no secret that adopting modern technology is fundamental to remaining competitive in today’s market. The two main benefits are improved efficiency and improved customer experience, both of which can lead to a significant increase in profits.
Technology helps us monitor our employees and the way they work, providing the insight needed to introduce new processes to improve productivity. Interactive websites, chat support services, and streamlined Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can all aid in increasing customer satisfaction.
Q: How has the use of technology changed since COVID-19?
The use of digital technologies within businesses accelerated throughout 2020, with the pandemic highlighting the need for a more agile and scalable IT environment. With brick-and-mortar shops temporarily closed during stay-at-home orders, it became crucial for business-to-consumer (B2C) businesses to have a digital presence and digital commerce capabilities.
Many organisations also became reliant on remote working when in-person contact was limited, which required collaborative and secure cloud workspaces.
Q: What are the key trends in digital transformation in 2022?
In 2020, the pandemic fuelled a boom of companies relying on software that enabled ecommerce, communication, and productivity. We predicted last year remote work would continue beyond the pandemic, and that is absolutely happening.
With some employees working from the office and others still at home, organisations will want to implement new technologies that will seamlessly and securely enable collaboration regardless of location. We will see increased demand for operating systems, CRM systems and productivity tools, all focused on seamless collaboration.
Q: Where should businesses start with digital transformation?
It’s crucial to ask the right questions. Every business needs to start in a place that reflects its priorities, so first, outline your aims and objectives. What area of your business do you want to streamline? How does this fit in with your long-term business goals?
Next, establish how you will go digital. Ranging from front-end transformations such as customer experiences to back-end transformation such as cloud infrastructure, there are many options to consider when building a digital transformation strategy. Talk to a software development agency, who can guide you on the next steps.
If you’re an SME in South Yorkshire, you could be eligible for Enterprising Barnsley’s Digital Innovation Grant, which could get you up to £5,000 of matched funding towards your next digital project. The scheme opens for applications on Monday November 1 until midday on Friday November 26 2021.
Hydra Creative is an award-winning digital agency specialising in bespoke website and software solutions. Get in touch with their team of experts to kick off your Digital Grants application.
hello@hydracreative.com
www.hydracreative.com
