Digital transformation

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Digital transformation is the process of adoption and implementation of digital technology [1] [2] [3] by an organization in order to create new or modify existing products, services and operations by the means of translating business processes into a digital format.

Contents

The goal for its implementation is to increase value through innovation, [4] [5] invention, improved customer experience and efficiency. [1] Focussing on efficiency and costs, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) defines digitalisation as

the practice of redefining models, functions, operations, processes and activities by leveraging technological advancements to build an efficient digital business environment – one where gains (operational and financial) are maximised, and costs and risks are minimised. [6]

CIPS has also observed that "digital capability" can be used to support supply chain transparency and remote working. [6]

However, since there are no comprehensive data sets on the digital transformation at the macro level, the overall effect of digital transformation is still too early to comment. [7]

A useful incremental approach to transformation called discovery-driven planning (DDP) has been proven to help solve digital challenges, especially for traditional firms. This approach focuses on step-by-step transformation instead of the all-or-nothing approach. A few benefits of DDP are risk mitigation, quick response to changing market conditions, and increased success rate to digital transformations. [8]

History

Digitization is the process of converting analog information into digital form using an analog-to-digital converter, such as in an image scanner or for digital audio recordings. As usage of the internet has increased since the 1990s, the usage of digitization has also increased. Digital transformation, however, is broader than just the digitization of existing processes. Digital transformation entails considering how products, processes and organizations can be changed through the use of new digital technologies. [9] [10] A 2019 review proposes a definition of digital transformation as "a process that aims to improve an entity by triggering significant changes to its properties through combinations of information, computing, communication, and connectivity technologies". [2] Digital transformation can be seen as a socio-technical programme. [11] [12]

Adopting digital technology can bring benefits to a business, [13] [14] however, some company cultures can struggle with the changes required by digital transformation. [15]

A 2015 report stated that maturing digital companies were using cloud hosting, social media, mobile devices and data analytics, while other companies were using individual technologies for specific problems. [16] By 2017, one study found that less than 40% of industries had become digitized (although usage was high in the media, retail and technology industries). [17]

As of 2020, 37% of European companies and 27% of American companies had not embraced digital technology. [18] [19] Over the period of 2017-2020, 70% of European municipalities have increased their spending on digital technologies. [18] [20] By 2019, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply found in a survey of 700 managers, representing over 20 different industries and 55 different countries, that over 90% of the businesses represented had adopted at least one new form of information technology, and 90% stated that their digitalisation strategies aimed to secure decreased operational costs and increased efficiency. [21]

In a 2021 survey, 55% of European companies stated the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for digital technology, and 46% of companies reported that they have grown more digital. [22] Half of these companies anticipate an increase in the usage of digital technologies in the future, with a greater proportion being companies that have previously used digital technology. [23] [24] A lack of digital infrastructure was viewed as a key barrier to investment by 16% of EU businesses, compared to 5% in the US. [18]

In a survey conducted in 2021, 89% of African banks polled claimed that the pandemic had hastened the digital transformation of their internal operations. [25]

In 2022, 53% of businesses in the EU reported taking action or making investments in becoming more digital. [26] [27] [28] 71% of companies in the US reported using at least one advanced digital technology, similar to the average usage of 69% across EU organizations. [26] [29] [30]

See also

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References

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  24. ↑ "EIB Corporate Digitalisation Index 2020/2021: Most EU countries are trailing the United States in digitalisation". European Investment Bank. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  25. ↑ Finance in Africa: for green, smart and inclusive private sector development. European Investment Bank. 2021-11-18. ISBN   978-92-861-5063-0.
  26. 1 2 EIB Investment Survey 2022 - EU overview. European Investment Bank. 2022-11-08. p. 14. ISBN   978-92-861-5397-6.
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  29. ↑ "Europe's migration to digital services during COVID-19 | McKinsey". www.mckinsey.com. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
  30. ↑ PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Business needs a tighter strategy for remote work". PwC. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
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