6 min readConsumers and businesses exist in the age of “here and now.” As newcomers enter the market with innovative ideas or a more compelling customer experience, businesses with a history of exceptional market presence are susceptible to digital disruption and losing their position and perception as a leader within their industry. Read on for three reasons for taking a proactive approach to digital transformation.
Whether You Disrupt or Get Disrupted, ”Going Digital” is Just a Matter of Time
Embracing the trend of digital transformation and evolving into a digital enterprise, even if that’s not in your organization’s heritage, is dictated by an inevitable shift in business focus from technology and data to people. Being able to keep up with rapid changes that combine traditional business models with digital disruption not only increases customer loyalty and satisfaction, but also sets the foundation for a competitive advantage of delivering experiences long-term on a multitude of different platforms. Hyper-disruptive businesses models are evolving constantly just like businesses themselves, so the decision to become digital for internal and external benefits is just a matter of time.
Digital Disruption is a Threat to Sales and Digital Transformation is the Key to Growth
If we agree massive disruption is already taking place, it’s not difficult to see how disruption threatens to torpedo consumer and employee satisfaction and, by extension, sales, revenue, and growth. So what tools exist to help digital enterprises resist this threat? The latest technologies essential for building digital transformation strategies.
Consider Big Data and its bountiful benefits, from uncovering new revenue streams to detecting trends that can increase sales. Putting Big Data to work can also improve operations, which can uncover operational efficiencies and ultimately drive profitability by cutting operational costs. On the same token, experience design improves the consumer experience, which drives loyalty that increases sales. Another integral component of many digital enterprises is IoT, which can support brand awareness, loyalty, and operational benefits from an industrial perspective. Becoming digital presupposes improvements to sales, revenue, and profitability that create growth.
Technology decreases Manual Routines, Enabling Staff to Focus on High Value Tasks
Better tools allow your employees to do more with less. Where there is “digital,” there is demand for software development, which also means an increase in the need for quality assurance expertise. For example, let’s consider test automation. Test automation is one more reason to start thinking digital and put an end to inefficient development processes.
Test automation has the potential to be a significant investment. For many companies, it’s a new practice. So when a project stakeholder is considering test automation, it’s difficult to evaluate if the investment will be beneficial because there is no previous experience to call on. This is where a “digital mindset” becomes essential for driving business decisions.
To see how test automation can help you in a digital context, SoftServe has built an ROI Calculator using real life automation implementation and QA expertise. It enables you to predict the number of recurring test cycles before investment in test automation resources, licenses, and environment delivers a solid ROI. The logic is simple: the more frequently you run the automated suite, the sooner you see the benefit.
Factors
| Total # of test cases for automation | ||
| # of test executions per cycle, automated test cases | ||
| # of testing cycles | ||
| Manual test execution and analysis time | ||
| Tool acquisition, assessment and license costs | ||
| Tool training costs | ||
| Test machine cost | ||
| Test development / debugging time | ||
| Automated test analysis time | ||
| Automated test maintenance time | ||
| Test case failure rate |
Typical Return on Investment Chart
Change is Sign of Progress
All good things must come to an end, and business is one of the most vivid examples where stagnation knows no forgiveness. Undergoing digital transformation is not about using a new buzzword or jumping on the latest bandwagon; it’s about improving your organization’s shared vision. Digital enterprise means using advanced technologies to converge data and leverage creative ways to drive better decisions and improve how we work on a daily basis. Consumers expect their products and services to be delivered “here and now,” so if your company doesn’t meet this expectation, your customer will find someone who does. Skeptical? Let those who do not enjoy the convenience of a handheld device cast the first stone.
To help build a roadmap of how to bring your next digit al innovation to market, watch our complimentary webinars on how to change in the digital era while still preserving quality.
Becoming a Digital Enterprise: Where to Start
Are you worried about disruption or intrigued about innovation but unsure of how to move forward? It might be time to consider the support of outside help. Digital enterprise consulting empowers large organizations with the tools, processes, and expertise necessary to combat and even embrace the latest technology trends. With the right partner in place and a commitment to change, enterprises are no longer stuck playing catch up in today’s digital environment – they are once again leading the charge.
Take a look at our whitepaper that explores the initial steps for building a business case for Digital enterprise consulting that will help motivate internal stakeholders, create meaningful change in your organization, and set the stage for a cultural shift toward a digital-first mentality.