Digital Transformation Will Accelerate You on the Path to Success
The business landscape is constantly changing and developing. Due to the increase in the usage of mobile devices and the explosion of intelligent technology, more and more businesses are implementing digital processes to improve working efficiency and minimise downtime. |
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Digital processes are also being used in order to:- Eliminate human error
- Reduce lead time from survey to quote
- Improve & implement procurement strategies
- Create new behaviours (see examples further down!)
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Necessity is the mother of Invention... and the father is Opportunity! |
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The global pandemic and Government funding have encouraged digital disruptors, who are now preferring their staff to use digital tools to accelerate their efficiency and effectiveness.
Here at Inspire, however, we’ve been at the forefront of digital transformation for many years.
You might be thinking, “That’s great David, but you work in the digital space. It’s easier for you as all your staff work with digital tools every day, but my team don’t.”.
Whilst this is a cultural change issue, it is not insurmountable. We've been on the journey with clients and have been preparing Case Studies to explain some of the successes and challenges we’ve encountered. But where it really works is when we collaborate with our clients. |
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If you’re feeling terrified by digital change, we’ll make you feel exhilarated by your potential.
We’ll challenge you to innovate because we’re the facilitator of change, the differentiating factor on your side.
Together, we’ll build a partnership based on trust and respect, so that even when tough words are spoken you know that we’re driven by a passion to improve your capability and capacity.
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Example 1 – Construction Client |
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A Construction client was having issues with their tradesmen not cleaning or tidying their vehicles at the end of the day.
So when we were planning the Time Recording process, we included a stage before submission that meant they needed to tick a box saying the vehicle had been cleaned/tidied, and to include a photo of the vehicle. If this wasn’t done, then the timesheet couldn’t be submitted. |
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Example 2 – Timber Preservation Client |
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Timber preservation business that had a surveyor going out on site to carry out surveys.
The survey would be completed on-site and submitted electronically. A notification would be received in the office that a survey had been submitted, and was ready to be priced. The office was then able to log in, review the survey on the system, complete the necessary fields and issue a quote.
This solved several challenges:- No need to work at night typing survey notes
- No need to copy and paste into a separate online platform
- Eradication of human error
- Reduced time between survey and quote
- Roles could be specialised with the division of labour between surveyor (field-based) and estimator (office-based)
- Collation of information about the property, which could be revisited should a survey be required in the future
Consequence: efficiency gained and improved business process on knowledge applied. |
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Example 3 – All-trades Client |
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The client wanted their operatives to be able to submit requests for materials.
This meant the office would be able to track materials to a client and job, while procurement would also have a running total on what materials they needed to have in stock, planning accordingly as to who to buy from. |
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| Winning the Cultural War Once clients understand that it’s about recognising the problems and talking to us to plan a solution, their people's engagement goes through the roof. |
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Having taken clients on this journey, Inspire are convinced that every type of organisation, from retail to construction, to housing association and local authority can benefit from digital transformation.
Just visit our new Parkhead Housing Association website for an example. |
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What is Digital Transformation? Digital transformation involves using new technology and software to automate processes, enhance efficiency, improve products, increase value and manage risk. Essentially, digital transformation means putting technology at the core of your business processes. These new technologies can be used for both internal and external operations, including sales, marketing, admin, customer support and much more.
The ultimate goal of digital transformation is to ensure consistency.
To implement digital transformation successfully, it’s essential to have all employees singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to use of technology and best working practices.
Incorporate this and you will begin to see your organisation flourish as it smoothly navigates through the stormy waters of the current economic climate. |
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How to choose the right digital path
Of course, digital technologies will vary from industry to industry.
The beauty of the modern market, however, will mean you have a wealth of software options to choose from. Be careful, though, as not every software will work in the way that you envision. Proper research is strongly recommended before investing in expensive new technology and it’s essential to choose software that will develop your business in the long term and not just in the short-term.
I recommend first identifying where your problems lie: which processes are broken? Which systems seem outdated? What tasks can be automated to save time?
Once you identify the problems, you can then research the software and technology that will be best suited to take you there.
Are you struggling to find a software platform that does what you need? Do you not want to compromise on creating a world-class process?
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The benefits of going digital
It’s not unusual for businesses to shy away from new technology. It can bring about unwelcome challenges for workers and the business can take time to fully adapt to new working practices. There’s also the element of price and the risk of the technology not working as envisioned.
However, technology is often the solution to many ongoing problems within the business that have been left unresolved for years. In fact, you might not even be aware of how quickly these persistent issues can be solved through the right technology, and how much time this could free up for your business.
Ultimately, if you want your business to progress it’s imperative to create and promote sustainable change. Using new software and having employees develop their digital skills is one of the most effective ways to do this.
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Some of the key benefits that digital transformation can bring to your business:- Helps cut time spent on administration, staff workload and general working process
- Reduces costs as a result of time saved
- Harnesses a more flexible working environment due to remote working opportunities
- Improves operational efficiency and productivity.
- Helps businesses quickly respond and adapt to changes occurring in the market
- Provides a competitive advantage that allows you to stay ahead (or at least up to speed) of competitors
- Fosters an innovative, forward-thinking culture
- Improves internal collaboration by facilitating better communication between departments and branches
- Decisions can be more informed through use of data-analysis tools
- Positions your business as an attractive place to work, which will in turn attract new talent
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How any business can embrace digital transformation
The important takeaway here is that Digital Transformation is available to everyone. Even small businesses of 5-10 employees can massively benefit from a more digitalised way of working.
With the increased availability and affordability of technology and intelligent software, it’s not just the likes of Tesla or Amazon that can benefit from digital transformation. If encouraged by the leader and embraced by the workforce, digital transformation can help improve processes, reduce cost, save time and place your business at the forefront of your industry.
However, for digital transformation to work effectively, there needs to be alignment across the board, from the digital practices put in place and the digital skills and capabilities of the workforce, to a workplace culture that supports digital growth and has the support and backing of the leader. Bringing all these elements together will ensure a smooth and fruitful transition towards a more digitalised, productive workplace.
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| If you require any guidance or advice on your path to digital transformation, Inspire is here to help. Give me a call on 01738 700 006 or drop me a line and I’ll get right back to you. |
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David Dwyer
Director - Inspire Digital |
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