In fact, studies carried out by IDC report that direct investments in Digital Transformation will grow.
The Pandemic accelerated the digitalization process because companies realized that it was impossible to survive the global pandemic without technology. Furthermore, as a result, there was an exponential increase in the presence of data in digital environments.
This Digital Transformation will revolutionise the entire operational and strategic component of organizations. In view of this, security policies must be adjusted to the whole process, and the evolution of the whole migration must be closely monitored.
Bruno Horta Soares, Leading Executive Advisor at IDC Portugal believes that “by 2023, around 20% of the SMEs that were resistant to change will naturally have to move closer and closer to structural partnerships that will not only help them to make one-off technology purchases, but will also help them in their transformation programmes and in their real business transformation strategies”.
Why then should your company invest in a Digital Transformation strategy? To:
- Optimize processes and make better use of resources;
- Reduce risks;
- Strengthen security
- Ensure innovation;
- Increase productivity through automated processes;
- Improve the user experience.
The digital revolution will ensure benefits in several areas crucial for the success of companies in this new and demanding market:
- Speed- Responsiveness to customer needs is going to be accelerated by technology, communications and data. In fact, data is constantly being collected and is crucial for companies’ businesses. However, to be truly useful and relevant, it must first be analysed and interpreted. When used correctly, data can provide strategic insights and enjoy a competitive market advantage.
- Efficiency- Digital tools and cultural change require giving businesses greater productivity, agility and responsiveness. In addition, they allow for a more positive approach, a reduction in risks and, consequently, a progressing business.
- Vision- Data, efficiency gains, speed and automation will lead managers to redefine their strategies since the connected world has no borders and, as such, enables any company to position itself as global to be able to seize all opportunities.
In addition to being important to point out the many advantages related to Digital Transformation, it is equally relevant not to ignore some of the possible obstacles that may happen.
Vanda Jesus, executive director of Portugal Digital, identifies some of the obstacles to digitalization “We must understand the main barriers to the implementation of digital transformation solutions in Portuguese companies, so that we can continue to support and enhance them, leaving none behind. High costs, organizational culture and the shortage of necessary people are signalled as main obstacles.”
As we head towards standardization, the real question arises: What will businesses do with Digital Transformation?
This technological leap has shown other benefits to workers, such as cost reductions. Still, many are becoming aware that this step has contributed to competitiveness, innovation and efficiency. There are also businesses that, without digital, would not reach so many people.
One of the big challenges is the financial investment required to make this transition, which depends on the needs and size of each company. Added to this is the lack of digital literacy of many entities, namely at management level.
On the other hand, the Portuguese business world does not have the necessary training for this step in digitalization.
To address these competitive disadvantages, we will see the emergence of support such as the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), a program designed to support and enable companies to accelerate their Digital Transformation.
In turn, financial support will also be provided to enable companies at a technological level, whether through the modernization of management model processes, the updating and restructuring of their own processes or the training of their staff.
Staying on the sidelines of Digital Transformation is absolutely not an option. If you don’t evolve digitally, you won’t reach the new consumer, compete in the new global marketplace, attract the best talent, or ensure the necessary degree of innovation. To achieve these advantages, companies will have to be willing to take some risks.
This technology will only work if it is fully adjusted to the needs and objectives of the company. Additionally, Digital Transformation must be transversal to the company, that is, it is crucial to have a cultural change in that direction. Only with collective and well-directed effort can substantial competitiveness and agility be achieved.
It is true that there is an inherent risk in the Digital Transformation process. Nevertheless, with a good migration strategy, this transaction can be successful. With appropriate policies, procedures and management, organisations can capitalise on the opportunities, monitor and mitigate the risks and address the challenges that may arise in many different areas – IT systems, people, processes and controls.
In short, having a technology partner like ActiveSys is crucial to help overcome the biggest challenges ahead, and is the ideal solution for all companies of any size.
We have the best solutions and services for your company. Do not hesitate to contact us.