Where To Invest When Going Through A Digital Transformation

70% of organisations have either undergone a successful digital transformation or are actively working on their digital transformation strategies. While 56% of CEOs say digital transformation quickly improved their profits.

So the question isn’t whether or not you should look at a digital transformation strategy in your business operations, it’s why haven’t you done it already?

The simple answer is that a lot of business owners are unsure where to start using new digital technology, with many of them unsure of what exactly a digital transformation is…

Digital transformation means using digital technologies to replace outdated products or business processes.

If business models are still relying on outdated tech in all areas and need a total digital overhaul, they could be losing profits by the second.

Knowing where to start with digital transformation initiatives can be tricky, but most businesses begin by identifying which of their processes can be readily improved. As well as if their current workforce could be better optimised during the introduction of digital transformation.

One major digital technology you could use to make a difference in your business is a cloud phone system.

 

Cloud phone systems

Cloud phone systems handle calls similarly to traditional phone systems, at first glance.

But the key difference is that they convert analogue phone signals into digital signals which can be sent across the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). 

This means they’re not reliant on the outdated copper wiring that’s sustained most phones in the UK for decades. It also means these digital systems won’t be affected when the PSTN switch-off comes around.

If you’re unaware, BT is planning to switch off the old phone lines in 2025, meaning homes and businesses with phones running on the old wires need to switch to a digital alternative.

But cloud phone systems can do far more than simply handle calls…

 

Combined communications

Along with phone calls, cloud phone systems can house multiple elements of your business communications under one system.

Through a digital business hub, your business will be able to receive, make and transfer calls, send messages across multiple applications or formats, make calendar updates, and arrange and host video conference calls.

This streamlines various methods of communication into one easy-to-use platform, which will save time from employees constantly switching between platforms to get their jobs done, and ultimately boost productivity.

 

Cost-cutting

Because employees won’t need to switch between multiple platforms, as mentioned above, most businesses that use cloud phone systems will be able to cancel numerous subscriptions that are no longer needed, cutting a huge chunk of costs.

Why pay for countless monthly subscriptions when you could just pay for one, all-encompassing service?

 

Remote working

Cloud phone systems are powered by the internet, so they can be reached by virtually any device with an internet or mobile data connection.

This makes remote working a more viable option. Employees can access their business hub and all essential information from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. 

They’re also able to speak with customers over the phone through VoIP, even though they’re out of the office.

20% of workers feel they are more productive when they have the option to work either from the office or from home, according to TravelPerk. 

While employees who work from home see a boost of 4% in their productivity scores when compared to office working, according to a report from Future Forum.

So, if you’ve been looking to implement or improve remote working in your business and make the most of the productivity increases it may bring, a cloud phone system will help you get there.

 

Off-site hosting

Not every business has space to spare and bulky computer servers take up a lot of room.

This won’t be an issue if you replace your current system with a cloud alternative, though. Cloud systems can be hosted off-site, on servers that are housed and managed by your chosen cloud system provider, meaning you can put your precious office space to better use.

You’ll also save cash on not having to pay for server maintenance fees, which can become costly as your server ages.

 

Controlled accessibility

Business owners can limit the number of people who have access to specific databases or documents with cloud systems, as well as track the individuals who access certain files.

This greatly helps security and can come in handy if you need to refer back to the access history of files in the event of a breach.

 

HD calling

Calls made on analogue lines aren’t the clearest, and it’s easy to mishear information or to miss it entirely in some cases.

But cloud phone systems open callers up to the world of HD calling, with crystal-clear voices, drastically decreasing the chances of essential information being missed during a call. 

This helps employees serve customers far more effectively, reducing miscommunication while making for a much more pleasant customer experience.

 

Invest in people, not just tech, through digitalization.

The introduction of new technologies into a business can be a jarring one.

Employees unfamiliar with the newly introduced tech may struggle at first, which is why digital transformation is about more than just technology – it’s about people.

 

Training current employees through digital transformation

Some employees will understandably be concerned if newer technologies will cost them their job entirely, or if they won’t be able to cope with the change

This is when it becomes the responsibility of the employer to support their employees. Sure, some jobs will be lost through digital transformation, as automated systems continue to fulfil roles. 

But, for the most part, it will be a case of helping current employees adapt to new technologies.

74% of workers are willing to learn new skills or re-train to remain employable, according to Lorman. So there’s an undeniable desire for workers to engage with new technologies and ways of working, rather than avoid them entirely.

Empowering your current employees to embrace and adapt to new technologies won’t just help them carry out their roles more efficiently, it’ll offer them new skills that could be useful in other areas of work and life.

Depending on the specific technology you’ve onboarded, you can look into training courses and similar initiatives, to help employees truly get to grips with their new technology.

You can also work with external companies, who provide training programs and other support through what’s going to be a pivotal moment in your business.

It sounds like a lot of work. But, in the end, your workforce will become better in sync with its new ways of working, which should lead to a boost in morale.

 

Hiring new employees to help your business adapt

Of course, not all employees will be able to work with new technologies you onboard, especially if they’re complex and require a level of specialised skill.

That’s why investing in talent acquisition as well as new technologies, is something you may need to explore.

If your business hopes to grow, you will need the knowledge and the skills of people who are experienced in the tech you wish to take advantage of.

Digital technology now accounts for 9% of job roles in the UK, according to Tech Nation. As digital transformations become more commonplace amongst businesses, expect to see more companies hiring digital professionals to assist in their operations. 

All hiring is an investment. But the money you spend on bringing in new workers who are skilled in the technology you need will, hopefully, return your investment several times over.

Plus, depending on your workload and financial status, hiring new staff to deal with growing digital technologies could prove to be more worthwhile than training current employees, according to Oyster HR:

“Whether you need a certain set of soft skills or you’re seeking hard, technical skills, introducing new talent is sometimes easier than training existing employees who are already performing well in their current roles.”

 

Need to Know More about Digital Transformation Technologies? Speak to Elite Group.

At Elite Group, we have decades of combined experience in the technology space and have been helping businesses make the most of modern technology to improve their prospects for years.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help your business with its digital transformation or to find out more about other digital transformation technologies, get in touch with Elite Group today.