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By Katie Conroy
Digital transformation comes with many promising benefits. But the overarching reason every small and medium-sized business should consider incorporating more digital tools is that it spurs significant growth and helps you get ahead of competitors.
That said, digital transformation is precisely what it sounds like: using digital technology to transform your business processes, strategies, and operations. It’s quite the undertaking, but if you approach it the right way and fully commit to the necessary changes, it can pay off big in the long run. Content Strategy Alliance shares some practical advice for implementing digital innovation for your SME:
Know How to Ask for Help
No matter how simple a tech tool is to use, operational issues are inevitable. You can expect to run into some type of problem, whether it’s with a team member or the technology itself. Be sure to confirm that any tool you invest in comes with superb customer support. That way, you will know someone will be there to chat or talk on the phone when you need them, as well as the costs of services, steps you need to take to ensure efficiency, and other information.
Conduct a SWOT Analysis
There are countless digital solutions to help your business reach new heights. However, you can easily invest in the wrong tools and waste valuable resources during digital transformation. One of the best ways to ensure you only invest in the technology you need is to conduct a SWOT analysis. This measures your team’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
It provides a big picture of your problems, opportunities and the areas where you need technology.
Create a BPM Framework
Business process management (BPM) is becoming increasingly popular among small and medium-sized businesses. It’s a practice that typically incorporates automation technology to optimize processes and workflows. Many companies embrace BPM in the early stages of digital transformation because it facilitates a smooth transition into many other technologies.
You shouldn’t have a problem convincing your employees to buy into this discipline because it automates menial tasks and leaves more time to focus on meaningful jobs. Learn all you can about how to create a BPM framework so you can improve efficiencies and maximize results.
Boost Your Project Management
Boosting project management can also do wonders for your business. Today, many tech solutions can help your team increase its productivity and collaboration while ensuring every team member is on the same page throughout the duration of your projects. A quality project management app will include many advanced features that help your team meet deadlines, minimize errors and more.
Use VPNs
One drawback of digital transformation is that it leaves your company more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. But the truth is that every business is at risk, and incorporating the right tools can boost your company‘s data security and ultimately add more protection than you had before.
Start by incorporating virtual private network (VPN) connections. ZDNet explains that VPNs will protect your network and allow your team members to work securely through public Wi-Fi services. Implement a company-wide protocol requiring all employees to use a VPN anytime they access a work device or network.
Seek Integration
If possible, ensure every technology you invest in can integrate with some or all of the other tools you’re using. Any Connector points out that creating cohesive digital systems will minimize wasted time, energy, and money while ensuring smooth workflows. You might be surprised how much business growth you experience when all your tools work together.
Conclusion
Embracing digital transformation is one of the most critical steps you can take to keep your company relevant and growing. The benefits far outweigh the challenges, but you must come at digital transformation with the right approach to get optimal results. Make sure any tool you purchase comes with superb customer support, and kick off the
transformation by adopting BPM. Lastly, consider the other tips for incorporating more digital tools, and keep learning as much as you can about the process.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Content Strategy Alliance.