How COVID-19 is Forcing Digital Transformation
April 17, 2020
By Frank Trevino
Digital transformation is all about change and in these challenging times with COVID-19, we are all going through impactful changes both at home and at work. Prior to the pandemic, many organizations already considered the value of digital transformation, but most never really enacted any type of strategy moving forward. Now, companies are jumping into whatever digital needs must be filled to keep employees healthy while balancing work productivity.
Three key COVID-19 changes driving digital transformation today.
Working Remote
In our efforts to abide to government updates, all states in the US issued “stay home” orders unless deemed essential employees. Added traveling bans and social distancing, further required employees to work from home, in order to safeguard employees but also to slow down the spread of COVID-19. This has led to many companies realizing they lack the technology infrastructure to support a working from home approach that can offer “business as usual”. Remote working has led to makeshift offices, video conferencing becoming the new everyday norm, and
the ability to access data securely. Companies are now fast-tracking technology policies in place to facilitate what technology tools can be used while ensuring security parameters are set to ensure data and information integrity.
Live Virtual Presence
Traditionally, companies use in person meetings to conduct business. This also holds true for in person events to foster business relationships and dialogue. But now due to safety concerns, all large gatherings have now been cancelled or postponed. Companies are now realizing the need for virtual solutions to maintain business relationships while still exploring new opportunities especially with economic turndown. Virtual events are now surfacing faster than ever before. While many solutions are merely video conferencing solutions tied into live streaming, they lack true engagement, thus it is apparent that better solutions are needed to facilitate business opportunities. Companies are evaluating more robust solutions that offer a better fit of ‘one to many’, for their needs versus simple video conferencing.
Digital Content
In the past, digital content related to company content on your website, some whitepapers and social media. Today, digital content has a new meaning with digital transformation. Companies are now moving quickly to make more content available to its users. This includes more podcasts, videos on demand, product information and content platforms to delivery engaging online programming. There is an immediate need to turn digital content into a new approach to connecting with customers. Companies are now turning to the creation of digital apps, user access websites and sharing more premium information online.
Going Virtual
We all talk about a new ‘normal’ coming as a result of this pandemic, and this includes new behavioral changes such as less traveling, opting out of large venue events and conducting business in more virtual settings. Business organizations need to really rethink how going virtual will impact their business but also their industry. The best way for companies to approach this is with a digital transformation strategy. This starts with addressing four core areas: People, Process, Product and Technology.
Frank Trevino is 20-year digital strategy veteran and expat with 10+ years leadership experience in Asia, Africa, and Europe working in technology, telco and the space sectors.
Frank’s digital transformation philosophy is to connect People, Products, Process, and Technology to turn data into digital assets.
Frank’s accomplishments are recognized and featured in Inc. Magazine, CBS, Geek News and is a winner of numerous Communicator Awards, a Silver Anvil Award, & two-time SBA Award.
Frank holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a BS from the University of Texas at Austin.
