When the word ‘Digital Transformation’ pops up in our minds, it may trigger various questions in the minds of different people. But one common question may arise amongst all. It is about the technological aspect of digital transformation. What different technologies are used while enabling digital transformation?
Well, the answer to this question is not a simple one, as there are numerous technologies available in the market and each brings some unique advantages. But there are a few technologies that are hugely popular in all industries and without them Digital Transformation cannot be possible to a significant extent.
In this blog, we are highlighting those powerful and widely popular technologies that play an important role in enabling successful ‘Digital Transformation’.
1. Big Data & Real-time Analytics
Increased adoption of digital devices and large-scale adoption of the internet has resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of data. Going by the current rate, the world produces 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day. It includes data in all formats – structured, unstructured, and raw data. As per research reports, the volume of electronic data is expected to rise exponentially in the coming times as well. Now, having data is great, it provides us meaningful insights to make better decisions. But wait, there comes a challenge as well with the gigantic rise in data.
It is about managing it efficiently to drive better business value. Fragmented data is difficult to process and costs USD 3 trillion to US companies alone. So better organization and management of data is the need of the hour and Big Data and Real-time Analytics prove beneficial and act as a medium to enable digital transformation in companies. It is a vital digital transformation technology that can transform your business impressively. Big Data allows you to process humongous amounts of data very easily. Real-time analytics empowers you to gain meaningful insights for informed decision-making as well. Using this digital transformation technology, you can also understand your customers better, deliver smarter services/products, improve business operations, and generate more revenue.
2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one of the most revolutionary technologies that is empowering businesses to reach newer heights. Every organization, be it from any business sector or size – small, medium, or large – runs a number of business processes that are rule-based, high-in-volume, time-consuming, and error-prone. All such business processes affect the working of business adversely and create a negative impact on growth. RPA enables organizations to automate all such business processes. It helps organizations to bring greater efficiency in business operations, enhances productivity, boosts security, reduces turnaround time, eliminates the chances of errors by impressive margins, delivers better quality products/services, and increases employees & customers satisfaction as well.
There are various digital transformation tools like Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, UiPath, etc., that use RPA technology to help implement leading-edge automation solutions to speed up business operations while focusing on business growth. There are several other business transformation tools also available in the market that can help you meet your business goals required through digitalization.
If you are facing challenges with your mundane operations then add RPA to your digital transformation strategy. It will significantly turn the face of your business operations.
RPA technology is very popular in digital transformation. This, you can gauge from the fact that its market size was valued at USD 2.65 billion in 2021 and is poised to hit USD 23.9 billion by 2030 by growing at a CAGR of 27.7%. Companies from all around the world are embracing this technology to enable digital transformation with open arms.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Both these technologies are at the heart of most businesses and will continue to gain the attraction of enterprises in the years to come. There are strong reasons behind this fact.
- AI mimics human actions and drives down the time taken to perform a task
- AI enables organizations to run business operations 24/7 without any break, interruption or downtime
- AI handles information better than humans
- AI proves beneficial in smart decision making, research, and data analysis
Similarly, machine learning, a branch of AI, also adds significant value to business operations and thus is considered as a preferred choice while crafting digital transformation strategies.
- ML easily identifies trends and patterns
- ML adds the capability of self-learning
- ML handles multidimensional and multi-variety data very easily
Popular proofreading tool ‘Grammarly’ that businesses all over the world use for effective and precise business writing is a classic example of an AI-powered digital transformation tool. It uses machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing capabilities to help users get the best possible version of their writing. Similarly, there are countless AI and ML-powered digital transformation tools available in the market that are used to execute different types of business operations effectively.
4. Mobile
No technology has revolutionized the world in the manner that Mobile technology has done. It adds one unique value to the business i.e. ‘Business Portability’ and is thus seen as a game-changer in today’s highly digitalized business world. The portability aspect offered by Mobile technology enables people to perform tasks, coordinate, communicate and manage work even from distant locations. It brings flexibility to work and helps people to stay connected with a single touch of a fingertip. You can share data in different formats using Mobile technology and seamlessly use different applications to speed up business work. 5G, the latest sensation in mobile technology, is further advancing the scope of its applications by offering a far better speed and user experience. 5G offers much higher data rates (1-20 bits/s), increased capacity (100 times more than 4G), and much lower latency (1 ms).
5. Cloud Technology
Flexibility, scalability, and agility are important aspects in digital transformation. Cloud technology offers all these things and is thus termed as an inevitable component in digital transformation. You can use any application or software service from any location using Cloud and this is the biggest USP of this technology. It also reduces IT infrastructure costs, lowers security risks, makes data management tasks easy, boosts service deployment speed, offers limitless storage capacity, and allows software integration. According to a report, the Cloud Computing market is expected to become a USD 1949 billion industry by 2032 while growing at a CAGR of 15%.
6. Augmented Reality (AR)
This popular digital transformation technology has already made inroads in several fields and has immense potential to broaden its scope for larger business benefits. It creates an interactive real-world-like environment with the help of sound, visual elements, and sensory stimuli to offer a unique user experience.
This technology takes human-machine interaction to an advanced level and brings the physical and digital world very close together to such an extent that a virtual world looks like a real one. AR also aids in boosting work productivity, quality, knowledge transfer process, training, and elevating customer support services. From Manufacturing, Healthcare to Retail, and many other high-value industries, AR can help you ace your game. In a survey, 70% of consumers have claimed that they would shop more from a brand if they had AR. It thus plays an important role in improving business sales as well.
7. Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things (IoT) promises to bring greater process visibility, control, and management by connecting various devices together over the internet. It gives you the control to better manage various tech devices as per your needs. Its popularity is not limited to any specific sector but is widespread across many business verticals. In manufacturing, IoT can help enterprises receive required updates about their regular operations and assist in making business processes more safe, fast, innovative, and flexible. In retail, it helps in boosting the customer experience by delivering valuable insights. Thanks to IoT, telemedicine in healthcare is able to prosper impressively.
Final Thoughts
The power of digital transformation is immense. It can help you turn the fortunes of your business by a whole 360*. But to achieve the best results you need a smarter and more comprehensive approach at par with global standards. There are various digital transformation consulting services available in the market that can help you make the best decisions and assist in preparing the right digital transformation roadmap as per your individual business needs and market requirements. But there is a catch here. Just like numerous digital transformation technologies, you will find numerous digital transformation companies as well. But picking the right one is the key to reaching the right destination. Study, research, and make the right move.