Digital transformation is a way to redefine our future by making changes in our businesses today. While it might sound like nothing more than a buzzword, it’s much more than that. Digital transformation is the process of using the latest digital technologies to create or modify business processes, culture, and market demands.
Frankly put, digital transformation is redefining traditional roles. Things like sales, marketing, and customer service are rapidly shifting. In the past, digital transformation has encouraged businesses of all shapes and sizes to transition from paper to spreadsheets. Today, it’s pushing way beyond that. It’s simply not possible to build a 21st-century enterprise without the latest and greatest technology.
However, all of this pressure to transform leaves businesses wondering where to begin. What are the biggest digital transformation must-haves today? Read this guide to find out.
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Chatbots
Chatbots are a technology we’ve had for a few years now, but they’re only just starting to get good. In the past, they’ve been frustrating for large businesses to use, and they’ve even lose some of their support. Luckily, artificial intelligence stepped in to save the day for chatbots, helping with natural language processing and analytics.
Businesses are starting to adopt these chatbots in new ways. From the checkout lines at fast-food joints to job recruiters, there are seemingly no limits to what chatbots can do. At the very least, they’ve proven to be an effective way to communicate with leads and current customers.
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Blockchain
This wouldn’t be a list of digital transformations without blockchain. A startling 90% of banks in North America and Europe are already experimenting with Blockchain implementation, and this is also continuing throughout other industries like finance and economics.
While Blockchain started as a way to track cryptocurrency trade (mostly though Bitcoin), it’s been repurposed as a technology that helps with managing data and transactions within companies. However, Blockchain still has a way to go before it’s adopted widely by the masses. It’s something to keep an eye on, but it’s still not ready for use by the majority of businesses.
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Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) reverse the rise of connectivity with our smart devices. From smartphones to digital analytics, everything is becoming much more connected. As the IoT continues to grow, our number of connected devices grows as well.
Combined with Machine Learning and AI, the IoT is only expected to become more powerful. Smart companies and real-time data aren’t as far off as they once seemed. Businesses today will need to learn how to maximize the data they have to work towards a more connected future.
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Scalable IT Services
IT service providers have been trying to better meet consumer demands for years. While the subscription-based model is still a popular choice, there’s something else that’s pushing through the noise. The leading executives today are most concerned about creating efficiency and having more flexibility in their business tools. What does that translate to? Bring your IT vendor management to the future with scalable IT services based on consumption. With the rise of the as-a-Service industry, companies are offering “a la carte” services that grow with your business so you can pay for only what you need.
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Connected Clouds
Finally, cloud companies are realizing that the argument between public and private clouds isn’t so black and white. Connected clouds are a mix of all or both, adapting to companies’ changing needs. More tech partners are connecting clouds than ever before.
This is a good thing for security and data. Businesses today can have the option to work on public, private, and hybrid cloud environments in the next year or so. Ultimately, the experience will be faster, more secure, and more geared to the company’s needs.
Final Thoughts
The world of digital transformation never sits still. There’s always something bigger and better right on the horizon. This is good news for growing businesses hoping to accomplish more in 2019. These trends above aren’t passing fads. They’re changing the industry from the ground up.
It’s up to businesses of today to either adapt or fall behind. There’s a lot of confusing about what changes are here to stay. Keeping an eye on the trends above is the best way to get an edge on the competition and adapt to a brave new world of technology.
