In today’s increasingly technology-driven world, you have to wonder why, despite all the possibilities, many applications and procedures in public authorities, for example, are still filled out on conventional forms with ink and processed analogously in the background by the authority, only to wait months for processing. You feel like you’ve been transported back to a supposedly bygone era. A public authority may still be able to afford this ignorance of technology due to its monopoly position. But what about the private sector? There is a strong and accelerating dichotomy. There are those who seem almost futuristic and immediately take up and implement every technical innovation – whether it is useful or not. And the others, who continue to cling steadfastly to old, tried and tested analog processes.
Which companies are likely to be among the winners in the future?
It will be those who succeed in using digitalization in a SMART way for their goals. Yes, there is also a wrong, an UN-SMART way of digitalization, which usually arises from actionism or simply ignorance. Huge amounts of time and resources are often used to introduce and then maintain these UN-SMART approaches without creating added value for customers, employees, society or the environment.
Every company must therefore inevitably ask itself how and what kind of digitalization will bring the most benefits now and in the future. While the focus is often on the mere introduction of new technologies, it is crucial to understand that SMART digitalization goes far beyond the acquisition of new software. It involves the transformation of core processes as well as the realignment of corporate culture. But how can you tell whether your digitalization efforts to date will really bear fruit?
Imagine if your workflows were almost perfectly integrated and produced hardly any waste, if customer data were available at all times and allowed for an exceptionally good alignment not only with customer needs but also with product and production decisions. Market decisions would be based on precise information processed in real time and bad investments would be largely avoided. Your customers are highly satisfied and your products and services are in demand like never before.
This is not a distant dream of the future, but the result of a well-implemented digitalization strategy.
To find out whether your company is on the right track, you should pay close attention to certain key indicators that can very precisely determine the future success of your digitization efforts.
We have surveyed, examined and evaluated hundreds of companies for this purpose. These are the results:
Many companies are struggling with fragmented systems and outdated processes, machines and equipment, which not only affect efficiency but also employee satisfaction. In addition, it is not only the lack of qualified personnel but also the motivation and knowledge level of staff that is becoming an ever greater problem.
Without an adapted and targeted digital strategy, these organizations will lag behind their competitors in the long term and miss out on important opportunities for innovation and growth.
Successful digitalization manifests itself in five key areas:
- Efficiency and process optimization: Start by automating standardized activities and processes across all areas of the company. This reduces errors and speeds up processes, leading to a significant increase in efficiency. A central data platform enables quick analyses and well-founded decisions. The potential offered by software in conjunction with data and artificial intelligence is particularly important here. Of course, you should also take this opportunity to scrutinize the quality of your processes, because only a good process can become an even better digital process.
- Customer focus and service improvement: Use digital tools to offer your customers a tailored experience. From faster customer service response times to personalized marketing strategies, the key lies in responsiveness and personalization. It is also crucial to use digital solutions to match market requirements and demand with the actual supply chain and production challenges.
- Innovation and new business models: Openness to technological innovation can also lead to the creation of completely new business models and opportunities. View digitalization as an opportunity to expand your portfolio and tap into new sources of income. Especially when it becomes apparent that previous analog-oriented sources of income are increasingly leading to losses, these can form the basis of your future core business in conjunction with digital components or even a corresponding further development towards fully digital products.
- Cultural and organizational adaptation: Promoting a culture that values change and digital education. This creates an atmosphere of continuous improvement and helps to reduce resistance to new technologies. Automation can replace many simple tasks, freeing up employees to spend more time on higher value activities. However, employees must be encouraged, trained and promoted to do so.
- Sustainability and compliance: Integrate sustainable practices and efficient use of resources into your processes and products and ensure that all technologies comply with the applicable regulations, e.g. on data protection or the sustainability requirements of the market and authorities. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel in every case, there are excellent solutions that are easy to integrate.
Is your company ready to reach these digital milestones?
Do the digitalization check. We are happy to support you in aligning your digitalization strategy for success.
As in medicine, a preventive, forward-looking approach is much more cost-effective and promising than simply treating symptoms.
Go to the digitalization check
Successful digitalization is not a product of chance, but the result of targeted initiatives and strategic planning. By optimizing the five core areas of digitalization mentioned above, you will position your company at the forefront of technological progress and create sustainable value for customers and stakeholders. Start today to not only be part of the digital future, but to actively shape it.
