Four Digital Transformation Trends to Note

by Farah Barry, Content and Brand Manager at IMI

In the modern world of business, change is the only constant. According to technologist and digital strategist Ade McCormack, today is both the fastest day we’ve ever known, and the slowest day we will ever know when it comes to technology. Organisations will need to embrace these technological developments and leverage them in order to thrive in the future.

While digital transformation responses are still largely reactive rather than proactive, this is something that needs to change in 2023. It’s no easy task to embed digital transformation, especially due to the ever increasing number of factors that could hinder it. Amongst the biggest challenges flagged by organisations are the lack of a clear strategy, issues securing funding, mindset, IT skills, and of course the changing needs of the organisations.

To begin the journey towards digital transformation, each organisation must develop a strategy that involves not only the processes, but also the people. After all, humans are at the heart of the organisation, and without the necessary buy-in, change cannot be successfully embedded.

Once you’ve managed to overcome these challenges, your organisation will be ready to start making some sustainable changes. Below are four key digital transformation trends to take note of this year.

Four Key Trends

Automation via AI

A survey by Asana several years ago showed that employees can spend as little as 1/3 of their daily work time on work-related tasks. Even more than at other levels, people managers tend to spend the majority of their time on administrative tasks like keeping budgets, managing tasks and allocating schedules.

The potential for automation is already there, and implementing this kind of technology will further free up employees to concentrate on the tasks that are most important, like building stakeholder relationships, and leveraging strengths like creativity to perform tasks and generate ideas that automated systems aren’t capable of.

The Internet of Things

Everyone has heard this term by now, perhaps not putting much thought into what it actually means. The Internet of Things refers to the connection of devices to the internet, where they can communicate with each other and exchange data. The digital transformation opportunities come with the way in which your organisation chooses to leverage this data

For example, your organisation might be able to solve certain challenges or problems via collection of data. Connected devices can generate data which could help you increase manufacturing efficiency, streamline facilities, and even create connected products.

XaaS

The concept of “Software as a Service” or SaaS is nothing new, but in 2023, we’ll see the evolution towards Everything as a Service, with the term “XaaS” becoming more popular. So what exactly does that mean for your organisation? Basically, it means that any IT function can be transformed into a product, which your organisation can sell. This can manifest as a sales model which offers your products and services as a subscription-based service.

The concept has expanded so much that it now includes the likes of Hardware as a Services, Communication as a Service, and Storage as a Service.

Remote Working

2022 still saw a good chunk of employees working either from home or in a hybrid environment, and it looks like the hybrid format will continue to dominate this year. Optimising the digital workplace is key to organisations that want to thrive in 2023 and into the future.

One example of digital transformation in this context is the technology needed to facilitate effective hybrid meetings – whether that be via more sophisticated AV technology, or other systems. Additionally, digital transformation plays a big role in employee satisfaction, both for remote workers and on-site workers. From having sufficient technological solutions that can streamline and simplify work, to effective ways to manage daily tasks like to-do lists and annual leave bookings.

It’s safe to say that digital transformation will continue to accelerate in 2023 and beyond. Your organisation can move with the times by developing a clear strategy for the implementation of digital initiatives, and ensuring that new technologies are put in place for a reason, and with the full support of all stakeholders.

Article first appeared on IMI