The term “digital transformation” is being used more and more frequently these days. But what does it really mean?
When talking about digital transformations, people are usually referring to businesses that have implemented new technology into their work processes, like advanced software or mobile devices.
Actually, there is no such thing as a digital transformation. Everything remains entirely virtual until the business has an issue with any of its systems; then everything is put onto the computer which signals a need for a change.
The only real difference between all these changes is automation. More and more tools are becoming available that can replicate manual tasks, thus eliminating the need for most employees to do those jobs.
That being said, everyone in the company still needs to understand why this tool is being utilized and how it will help them accomplish their job assignments.
There have been many times where something was considered urgent enough to implement, but not important enough to pay someone else to do.
Guidance from the leadership should determine if your role calls for you to use digital technologies or not. There are already too few people in world who know how to be good at using tech, so don’t waste time learning that skill set when you could better spend your time doing what you enjoy.
AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s, but its recent rise to mainstream popularity is due to the advent of deep learning algorithms. We’ve seen early examples of machine learning in business processes, such as computer systems that read signs written with messy pencil marks instead of precise handwriting.
In fact, the traditional difference between man and machine disappears when it comes to data analytics and artificial intelligence. Today, machines are capable of doing any reasonably complex task that can be defined as a series of steps.
What was unthinkable just a few years ago is becoming commonplace today. What was impossible yesterday is what people will be going to school for tomorrow.
Many thought leaders on artificial intelligence suggest that it isn’t some far away phenomenon, it’s happening now. There are many use cases where you could apply AI to your organization’s process goals.
Imagine being able to create an automated strategy using natural language recognition or classification technology. You could then deploy services and applications automatically according to individualized user profiles.
Perhaps the most innovative feature of AI is the ability to build intelligent interfaces via bold data visualizations. Complex formulas and calculations can be simplified through intuitively designed charts and graphs.
Data becomes more meaningful with the inclusion of predictive modeling and related technologies like K-nearest neighbors and regression models. And naturally speaking features are coming out all over the place; look for example at Google Now and Siri-- both offering helpful information regularly updating
Global Challenges
Technology has provided opportunities to people from all walks of life, opening up doors for them to have access to information.
However, some are still unable to use technology as well as others.
Despite technological advances, certain populations are still disadvantaged by lack of education or interest in tech things. Some groups do not have easy access to computers or the internet, and many can be unfamiliar with basic computer skills.
For these reasons, it is difficult to promote digital literacy when there is little awareness of the importance of technology.It also becomes more challenging when you consider the digital transformations that occur across an organization every single year.
A common misconception about digital transformation is that everyone needs to learn new software systems, which requires extensive knowledge of coding, etc.
Instead, what does need to be taught are different ways of doing business processes via workflow, better systems and methods, and efficient workflows.
Some experts on digital transformation suggest that what really matters is how teams within organizations adapt to changes (including the ever-changing requirements of clients) rather than repeating the same mistakes over and over.
Promoting digital innovation should start with a team effort and being open to new ideas while trying to keep pace with the increasingly rapid rate of change today.
BlockChain Technology
Blockchain technology, also known as block chain, is a digital currency that was introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The blockchain is a public online ledger of transactions that allows both members of the network to read transacted records and complete transactions quickly and easily.
No single party or group has control over these transaction records; they are shared among the network’s participants called miners. Miners simply seek out additions to this ledger with new data, which requires substantial computing power. Based on an algorithm, once another participant accepts the change, their addition will be incorporated into the ledger.
This creates a very secure database of entries made available to all users locally and across the net. Since everyone can access the system, no person or organization can modify how the ledger is operated without being detected.
Many business experts suggest that there are many ways in which the blockchain could transform industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, transportation, energy, mining, commerce, finance, government services, education, marketing, sales, art, software development, communication, and entertainment.