What does Digital Transformation look like in 2021?

As we reach the final month of 2020, it seems that we may actually be able to start planning again for the future. Australia is emerging from COVID; borders reopening, a vaccine underway and a less than expected demand for JobKeeper predicted to save the federal budget around $6 billion in the December quarter alone – 2021 is looking optimistic. 

2020 was the year that forced businesses of all sizes to look at their digital transformation strategy and adapt quickly order to stay alive this year. Business leaders ruthlessly cut areas of inefficiency and revised business processes – with the successful transition to working from home likely to stay bringing a new set of challenges and priorities when it comes to digital business priorities.

Do businesses still need to prioritise Digital Transformation in 2021?

With many businesses now focussing on increasing sales in order to repair damage brought by 2020, it is understandable that Digital Transformation may be lower on the agenda of most at this time. However, while the Australian economy certainly is on a positive trajectory, it would be foolish to assume we are out of the woods. 

With many businesses across Australia still anticipating the full force of an economic recession, “we’re seeing the common themes of cost-savings, strengthening a decentralised workplace, and customer centricity when it comes to digital transformation priorities” explains Alloc8 CEO George Khreish. 

“Businesses are looking to streamline operations, reduce manual workload, cut out human errors, and as a result save a significant amount of costs in resources.” The need to adapt and streamline has been solidified by COVID – businesses need improved communication, visibility, and a flexible approach to operations that can handle the ever changing technological and socio-economic landscape."

Despite the change 2020 has brought, the age of ‘Customer is King’ remains here to stay. If a company is innovating it shows current and potential customers – both B2C and B2B – that it can meet their needs now and into the future, building trust and demonstrating expertise”. 

With the shift to working from home and a boom in cyber attacks in 2020, cybersecurity is a strategic business decision, not just an IT consideration. AustCyber's 2020 Update shows that this year Australians spent approximately AU$5.6 billion on cybersecurity from both local and international providers, a figure that is expected to increase to $7.6 billion by 2024¹.  Everything from choice of technology, staff education and process in the event of an attack should be considered as part of the agenda. 

Digital Transformation priorities - the bottom line

• Digitise your workflows

By digitising your workflows you’re able to streamline operations, reduce manual workload, cut out human errors, and save a significant amount of time and resources.

• Adopt enterprise software

By adopting an enterprise software solution such as Alloc8, you’re not only able to streamline your workflows, but also automate other functions of your business, improve communication, increase visibility, and develop a flexible approach to operations that can handle the ever-changing technological landscape.

• Enhance the customer experience

As customers become savvier, the expectations for a smooth and digitised experience increase. If a company is innovative it shows potential customers that it can meet their needs now and into the future, building trust and demonstrating expertise. 

• Focus on security

Don't just consider the technology you're using, but ensure you have appropriate staff education and training when it comes to cybersecurity as well as a Disaster Recovery Plan. 

Alloc8 is intelligent workforce software that helps you easily manage your jobs, workers and assets - cutting down admin time, reducing unnecessary costs, and keeping your workers safe. If your business relies on a mobile workforce, talk to us about how Alloc8 can align with your Digital Transformation Strategy in 2021.

^{1. Security Brief Australia https://securitybrief.com.au/story/austcyber-research-shows-huge-potential-of-cybersecurity-market}