Digital Transformation, also known as digitization, implies the cultural change of companies, completely altering the way of thinking, collaborating, or creating.
But why is this subject so important? Simply because it is essential in current business models! After the pandemic, the market scenario has completely changed, making digitization necessary to optimize time and improve team creativity in daily operations. These changes have also impacted customer satisfaction, which has become the primary focus of structuring business routines.
To define Digital Transformation in a practical way, we turn to BPM-CBOK: “It is the process of using digital technologies to create – or modify – existing business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changes in business and market requirements.
In other words, it means leaving aside paperwork and using software to do even better and more efficiently the processes that were already being done by the organization before. After all, with Digital Transformation, you no longer need to physically go to the Human Development area to request your vacation, just as the rest of the vacation process no longer needs to be done manually, optimizing time and reducing the chances of errors.
Digital Transformation or Digitization?
Digital Transformation has been previously referred to as Digitization in the Brazilian market; however, although they go hand in hand, they have different meanings.
Digitization refers to the process and consists of the actual changes made through technology. However, this does not only mean the use of more technological devices in companies but also entails bringing advanced concepts such as Big Data, Internet of Things, Blockchain, among others, into everyday use.
On the other hand, Digital Transformation refers to the effect caused by this digitization. Together, they are essential for the growth of current companies.
I’ve always done it this way, why should I change now?
We know that manual processes have been working for many years, but this method ends up making things more bureaucratic, and processes tend to become slower, directly impacting customer and even employee satisfaction.
Let’s use a hospital as an example: you’re feeling unwell and you arrive at the emergency room, you take a number and wait for your turn to register. When called, the attendant will manually fill out your form or search for it in a huge file organized alphabetically. After that, they will forward your form with symptom notes to the triage, which will collect your initial data, blood pressure, body temperature, and information related to medication allergies.
Probably, the time it took for all of this to happen was longer than the time it will take you to read this entire article. However, add to that your discomfort or pain while seeking care.
With Digital Transformation, this time is reduced by half, if not more. Additionally, your registration and medical history will be available with just a click for all necessary areas. And if your symptoms indicate a life-threatening condition, you will automatically be prioritized in both medical and outpatient care, ensuring your safety.
So, what do you prefer?
The central objective of Digital Transformation is to increase productivity to take advantage of opportunities, and technologies emerge as a central element in driving these changes.
In addition to understanding all the flows and processes of the business, it is capable of identifying difficulties and bottlenecks that need to be improved to enhance the performance of each stage.
Another positive aspect of this transformation is the ability to absorb billions of data in a few seconds and analyze them with minimal error rates, making all the difference in a company’s routine.
The automation promoted by digitization provides greater autonomy to routines and freedom to those involved in the flow. It can also reflect in the reduction of costs associated with process activities and latency time between process steps, especially when compared to paper-based methods.
Its results also impact the ability of organizations to adapt quickly to changes such as time pressures to enter the market, sudden disruptions in the supply chain, and other rapid changes met by changing customer expectations.
Digital Transformation in practice is not just about implementing technologies
Many companies believe that simply implementing technologies and software will be enough for Digital Transformation to occur in practice. However, transformation is based on the need for cultural change, requiring the promotion of an environment that values innovation, experimentation, and adaptability.
Being open to new ideas, accepting mistakes as part of the learning process, and encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving are part of the attitude of leaders and employees for this transformation to take place.
Additionally, other steps can be taken in sequence to facilitate this transformation, as outlined below:
- Mapping the Transformation Proposal
Keep in mind that changes will not happen overnight. Therefore, map out the company and identify which areas should be prioritized in this process.
Make use of internal and external opinion surveys, monitor social media data, and website access. All of this information can be important for implementing change.
If you have difficulty defining what to prioritize, a first step is to invest in digital document management (https://www.interactsolutions.com/produto/sa-document-manager/). The task may seem simple or even insignificant to some, but once you improve organization, classify, and segment files according to their characteristics, the routine becomes more efficient and productive.
- Identifying Market Trends
Every day, a new technology infiltrates our personal routine, and for businesses, it’s no different. Therefore, it’s important to keep up with digital trends that can directly influence your market.
Being ahead of customer expectations and understanding the real needs of the audience is a significant advantage. To achieve this, it’s necessary to study the latest concepts and tools of the moment, as well as consumer behavior. After all, it is the consumer who will dictate the direction of your journey.
- Customer Focus
Regardless of the change, do not forget that it should also benefit the customer. Question yourself about the benefits that digital transformation can provide to the user, as it is directly linked to the consumer experience.
For us at Interact, for example, developing software means working with UX solutions, or User Experience. In other words, we want the user to feel that the product has been customized to meet their needs and that the product provides customer satisfaction through technology.
- Review the company culture
Digital transformation needs to go hand in hand with the cultural changes within the company. It’s futile to acquire the best software if the team doesn’t feel encouraged to be part of the process; everyone must embrace the change.
Consider the possibility of conducting training sessions with departments and allow for an adjustment period. Invest in equipping teams for this new reality.
- Explore Automations
Process automation is a great strategy to streamline daily tasks, achieve faster and more integrated communication between departments, as well as reduce time and operational costs.
It also serves as a motivator for teams, as it decreases the time spent on repetitive and tiring activities, allowing for a better exploration of each employee’s knowledge and skills.
And if you need assistance, count on us and Interact Start, ideal for companies looking to take the first steps in digital transformation.
With it, you can kickstart corporate governance 4.0, manage risks, handle non-conformities, document management, and much more.
Author:
Bianca Wermann
Journalist, Communication and Marketing Analyst at Interact Solutions.
