The digital transformation in business: joining us to stay at the forefront

How SMEs can take advantage of the possibilities of digital transformations

25 years ago, who would have thought that almost all processes within a company would be digital these days? Where the administration used to be kept manually in large multi-folders, nowadays it is all digital and often even automated. And where the Internet was an incredibly innovative development when it was born, we are now ready to answer all our questions. In short, we are in a digital transformation: a period in which digital technologies are being integrated into all aspects of business, leading to greater value and efficiency for companies themselves and for their customers.

Not only for large companies, but also for smaller companies

Improving efficiency is not something that only large companies can improve their performance: the digital transformation also offers incredibly great opportunities for smaller companies that they should certainly not miss.

“It's no longer the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow.”

Eric Pearson | CIO, International Hotel Group

By responding quickly to innovations in the field of digital transformation, you create higher efficiency, more value and greater competitiveness. So nowadays, it's no longer about which company is the largest, but about who keeps up with developments the fastest and therefore remains vital.

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Where to begin?

While the digital transformation offers business a range of opportunities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. After all, what can you capitalize on in order to make optimal use of the benefits of the digital transformation as a company? In this blog, we list five trends of the moment for you.

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1. Data = knowledge

Data is plentiful these days. But not everyone is making good use of this yet. By using your data smartly, it can help you enormously as a company to improve performance. By making decisions based on data, they will be a lot more accurate. In addition, it can also be used to identify trends, solve problems and improve processes.

If you want to set up a data strategy for your company, you will have to go through a number of steps. First of all, it's important to list where your data comes from: what are the sources? You can then organize and store these in a central location such as a database or in the cloud. After that, you can implement tools that help extract meaningful insights from the data. For example, you can convert abstract datasets into valuable reports or dashboards and you can use software to visualize your data. Once your data strategy is in place, it is of course also important to ensure that it is properly secured. This includes using secure passwords, encrypting sensitive data and restricting access to data to only those who actually need it for their work.

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2. Automation

In addition to making smart use of data, automation is also one of the important trends in the field of digital transformation. By automating repetitive tasks such as data entry, billing and scheduling appointments, processes are more streamlined and more time is left for the most important tasks.

To apply automation within your company, there are also a number of steps you can take. First of all, it is important to investigate which tasks can be automated. You can then define the workflows within your company. In doing so, the specific steps that can be automatically identified. Once it has been determined which actions will be implemented in which way, the realization phase can begin. This includes, for example, automatically generating and sending quotes to potential customers, or linking information between different systems.

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3. The applications of artificial intelligence for business

The third development is about artificial intelligence, also known as “artificial intelligence”. One person is wildly enthusiastic about it, while the other scares the hell out of the world. But applying AI doesn't have to be as' scary 'as we sometimes think. For example, you can already benefit from the benefits of AI by applying tools and software that use AI-based automations. This way, you will improve your efficiency and your productivity will increase without having to invest in extra resources.

In order to properly implement “artificial intelligence” as a small company, it is again important to be the first to determine the processes in which AI could be useful. Once the right software and tools for this have been implemented, it is important to train your employees how to use them as effectively as possible. From that moment on, you as a company can get started with the various tools, but of course it is important to monitor the results in order to measure effectiveness and to be able to adjust things where necessary.

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4. Online marketing

Making processes within your company more efficient is of course very effective. But what you wear to the outside world, your marketing, is also incredibly important. Especially in a world where there is a lot of competition in almost every sector. Online marketing, in particular, is crucial here. After all, we spend many hours a day online these days, making this the perfect place to reach your customers. By using social media, email marketing, search engine optimization and other digital marketing strategies, the chances of reaching potential customers are significantly increased.

To properly apply online marketing within your company, it is wise to set marketing goals, identify the target group and develop an online marketing plan. The resulting strategies can then be translated into developing a good website, applying search engine optimization and using social media and email marketing. By using these various resources strategically, you can rapidly grow your customer base and thus your business.

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5. Working from the cloud

Last but not least: cloud computing. Working from the cloud is something that also contributes to increased productivity. By using the cloud, various computer resources such as software, storage space and computing power are delivered via the internet, so as a company, you do not have to manage them via its own IT infrastructure. In addition to efficiency, this also involves flexibility, which fits well with the various flexible working methods that many companies use today.

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Time for action!

Increased effectiveness and productivity, an improved customer experience, the streamlining of the processes and making optimal use of the possibilities of data: all benefits that you can create as a company by smartly responding to digital trends.

Do you also want to make optimal use of the developments in the field of digital transformation? Our team of consultants is happy to help you by jointly investigating where the opportunities lie for your company, making a plan and then putting it into practice. Does that sound like something for your company? Then schedule an appointment with one of our consultants. Because, by going smartly with the digital transformation, you ensure that your company stays at the forefront!