Digital transformation for businesses includes introducing new technology and software, as well as adapting organisational structures and mindsets to the modern digital culture. What are the potential benefits that make digital transformation so valuable, and are there any downsides?

The Need For Digital Transformation

The ever-evolving digitisation of our society is no new phenomenon. Our hobbies, social lives, education, and jobs are shifting more and more into virtual spaces. While many of us still remember life before the internet as it is today, the new generation of digital natives grew up with the internet and all its perks and pitfalls. They are navigating modern technology with ease akin to breathing.

Naturally, young people are a huge target market and the newest or next additions to the workforce. When trying to appeal to them or fully make use of their potential, any business – whether it is part of the IT sector or not – is forced to adapt and use modern tools such as management software and apps. And yet many small- to mid-sized companies still struggle with the implementation of digital strategies and digital transformation is one of the biggest risk factors in the eyes of directors, CEOs and senior executives.

The Upside Of Digital Transformation

Many traditionalists are still wary of digital solutions to long-established methods. They are getting in the way of their own company’s potential to work more effectively and cut costs. Digital staff management tools, such as online staff rota management, allow employees easy and intuitive ways to take part in their schedule planning.

Even a simple tool like this can have unexpected impacts:

  • Staff happiness increases: Employees feel more valued and have an improved quality of life when they have a say in their rotation and shift planning. This way, they can shape their work hours to be more compatible with their private life and families.
  • Roster effectiveness increases: A staff management software has many possible components such as time recording, employee credentials and training, vacation times and many more. A good programme will access its sister-application’s data and use it to optimise its own service. This reduces mistakes like double-booking shifts or overlooking employee absences. Ultimately, the software makes use of any possible information to offer the best solution to current company objectives.
  • Costs reduce: By eliminating human error and optimising factors such as staff schedules, management apps can help to prevent under or overstaffing. This cuts unnecessary costs like paying for unnecessary workers or making up for the consequences of lacking work power.
  • Menial tasks decline: Many management software tasks run entirely automated after being set up once. When an app helps to finish tasks quicker, the workers who are responsible for things like schedule planning can free up time for more important tasks that suit their personal strengths and interests.

The Risk Factors Of Digital Transformation

If so many executives consider digital transformation a risk factor, that means there must be a potential for negative consequences when introducing digital strategies to a business. Business owners who still refuse to commit to digitalisation fear the fallout of their digital transformation efforts failing. What exactly are the negative effects they worry about?

  • Wasted Investments: Depending on the scale of digitalisation efforts, digital transformation can be expensive. Changing an entire company’s technology by introducing new hardware and software can be a financial burden if the promised results fail to show.
  • Worsened Organisation: If the existing organisational practices are already flawed, introducing a digital solution is not a magical cure. It works best when it optimises business practices that are already in place and then eliminates those who are superfluous to increase efficiency.
  • Wrong Choices: Picking the right digital tool isn’t easy. Programmes that are handled as ‘best practices’ might not work in any specific business. The best solution is one that is chosen with the individual company in mind. Without the right insight, someone might invest in unnecessary or hindering software.
  • Reduced Workplace Harmony: Introducing new software and technology is always a disruption of the workplace. Employees might be reluctant to learn new things or fear being replaced by efficient new processes. Digital transformation tools are a failure if the staff rejects them.

Conclusion: Maximised Efficiency, Minimised Risks

Digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity. Modern software and the accompanying technology are important for companies to remain competitive and gain attractiveness in the eyes of the next generation. When used correctly, digital assets optimise a businesses’ efficiency. Automated processes, intelligent software and connected workflows can minimise the time wasted on menial tasks. Happier employees, efficient planning and reduced mistakes maximise a company’s potential.

Potential risks can be avoided with a bit of careful consideration. An employee’s willingness to learn and use new tech can be increased. There needs to be enough time set aside for appropriate amounts of schooling. Additionally, the acceptance of the new tool will rise when it’s made clear how it can positively affect both the company and the employees themselves.

Expert advice and software reviews will help to find the right solution for the specific company. Most governments offer financial aid for small businesses' digitisation efforts. These are often combined with educational support. This kind of coaching can help to choose the right tech and implement it smoothly.