Digital Transformation Trends

By the 18 July 2017

Digital transformation influences every aspect of business. As digital technology evolves, processes need meticulous collaboration, planning and participation by every department within an organisation.

In fact, digital transformation ceased to be a trend a long time ago and should now be a core component in any business strategy.

8 major trends in digital transformation for 2017

  1. Adaptability is crucial to success

Change will happen, whether you pursue it or not. Today’s modern companies have been very successful in adapting to the transformations in industry and markets. They have also successfully incorporated new technologies into their business culture and operations. However, this transformation is not merely centred on technology; it is also a matter of combining the power of technology with a culture of change.

  1. User experience (UX) is increasingly important

Effective user experience (including that of employees) is the ultimate goal of digital transformation. Customers are more demanding than ever; they will turn their backs on a brand if it does not live up to their values and needs. Enabling a fantastic user experience is an excellent way for brands to ensure customer loyalty.

  1. Innovation must happen fast

Proactive innovation is one of the best ways to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. New technologies need to be analysed, tested and assessed at an ever-increasing pace. Businesses cannot waste time and resources on implementing new tools that do not offer real value, which means managers should adopt a “fail fast to succeed faster” mentality.

  1. Organisations must be receptive to remote working

For younger professionals, flexibility takes precedence over remuneration. Mobile technology and the increasing quality of data transmission allow companies to connect to talent, and retain it, in any part of the world. Both freelancers and contracted employees appreciate having the option to work from home or anywhere else (the terrace of a café, for example). The so-called ‘digital nomads’ are a new generation of professionals who can work remotely and combine work with travel. All they need is a computer, a smartphone, a good Wi-Fi connection, and the ability to work as freelancers on various projects while they travel.

  1. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

The massive success of the augmented-reality app Pokémon Go should serve as a wake-up call for any business that has not assessed the potential of AR and VR. These technologies were once found only in the videogame sector but are now easier to implement than ever before. Because they are becoming increasingly mainstream, these technologies offer incredible opportunities for companies to connect with their customers and offer them a unique and memorable interactive experience.

  1. Big Data and Analytics

We know there is an endless amount of data in the world, but only some companies use it to maximum benefit. Professionals who do the analysing show businesses how their customers think, what they want and how the market sees their brand. In the digital era, everything is measurable. Essentially, all important decisions made by organisations should be backed up by Big Data and Analytics.

  1. The Internet of Things (IoT)

The so-called ‘Internet of Things’ offers valuable insights into the customer’s mindset. It is also changing people’s everyday lives and helping create more efficient cities. Companies and customers will also continue to benefit from the IoT in 2017. With an estimated 50 billion IoT sensors set to be in place by 2020 and over 200 billion ‘things’ on the Internet in 2030, there is no doubt that IoT will not only be transforming, it will be a disruptive influence on business models.

  1. Intelligent machines and artificial intelligence (AI) are on the rise

Our relationship with technology is constantly evolving. Soon, machines will have the capacity to learn and adapt to new environments. AI was once considered to be something only possible in the realm of science fiction but, as technology has evolved, AI has become a reality. While machines with the ability to learn may replace unskilled labour, AI can work collaboratively with professionals to solve complex problems.

There can be no doubt that digital transformation is no longer optional. If an organisation wants to survive, it must be built so that it can easily adapt its technology and culture. It is therefore essential to build flexible business models, designed to help a company prosper in a future where the only constant is change.


This post was written by Vera Borges when she was Social Media Manager / Community Relations Manager at Cegoc Portugal.

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