Cloud computing, big data, Saas. Too often in business we use words, phrases and acronyms to describe easy and simple concepts. The phrases managed IT services companies (my business) could fill a book the size of a dictionary. We’ve been reading about predictions and trends for 2023, and the phrase digital transformation keeps coming up. What is it exactly? Just like most IT jargon, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
A simple Google search gives us this description:
Digital transformation is the process that an organization applies to integrate digital technology in all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it delivers value to customers.
That’s a lot of words to explain an easy concept. Business owners and leaders are moving away from saving computer files and their documents on servers. Instead, they’re using the cloud. In fact, according to Zippia data 94% of businesses use cloud services and 67% of their infrastructure is now cloud-based.
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This is the part where the transformation comes in; it’s changing the way people are working, creating a positive impact by:
Improving business processes. We work with several CPA firms in Indiana to provide cloud-based services. One of our clients is growing through acquisition. Their initial decision to move away from a server was more about having outdated technology. Transformation wasn’t the reason they called. Yet they now discovered once they acquire another firm, merging the books of business into their existing infrastructure is efficient.
Files are remotely loaded and integrated into the business without having to drive hours away for days at a time. Having a cloud-based structure is allowing them to seek new business growth from further away, geographically speaking, since they can work through files in the cloud instead of having to be at an office in another city using a server.
Enhancing company culture. Think happy employees. A 2022 Gallup survey shows 61% of employees say work-life balance is very important. By now, we all know working in the cloud means staff can access files from anywhere using any device. We all did it during COVID lock down. Now that workers know they are saving hours of drive time to and from offices, they want remote or hybrid work to balance their lives. In turn, the trust given to employees that they will get work done remotely enhances culture.
Creating great customer experiences. With files tucked away in a cloud-based system, any staff member with permission for access can pull customer and data information. This means if someone is out of the office or a call transfer to another department is needed, another person can access the same information to answer customer questions. Sounds simple, yet remember 76% of customers expect consistent interactions across all departments, according to a Salesforce survey. And happy customers drive a successful business.
Improved security. Think no more hard drive storage resulting in keeping files and documents safe and secure. Some 47% of consumers say they have stopped doing business with a company after losing trust in that company’s digital security, according to DigiCert 2022. One of our server-based clients who is now working in the cloud told us they were having security issues prior to the switch. Since working in the cloud, they’ve had none.
Big words and phrases such as digital transformation imply these IT trends and changes are only happening in Fortune 500 companies, which is not true. The Midwest is filled with successful small and mid-sized businesses with owners who are taking advantage of the cloud thanks to its ease and affordability. Its the side benefits creating the term digital transformation and the ripple effect impacting processes, culture, security and customer experiences that are the true benefit