The third decade of the twenty-first century is marked by a technological storm that no one can escape. It would not be unreasonable to say that our lives revolve around technology today. It has become the center of everything we do. Technological advancements had their deep roots embedded in our daily lives already, but with the onset of the pandemic, the hold intensified. Technology was a game-changer before, but it became a life-saver in the pandemic.
The prolonged stay of the pandemic has forced us to adjust our lives accordingly, with a specific impact on the professional one. Though the havoc played by Covid-19 can not be denied, there has been a positive shift in the use of technology for businesses. It has actualized the idea of remote working and forced us to implement innovative ideas. Thorough use of technology to keep businesses operational is now the new normal. It has enabled us to bridge the gaps we didn’t even know existed. So let us have a look at how technology has transformed businesses post-Covid19.
1. Simplicity in Business Management:
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One of the biggest perks of increased technology usage is that it has removed the complexities and redundancies in business management due to the pandemic. It has untied the complicated knots of data storage, management, and sharing. Different tools carry out data sharing and policies management regardless of where the worker is present. For example, as an IT administrator, you can deploy Google chrome enterprise across your organization’s computer systems to enforce and control policies, install business apps and extensions regardless of wherever you are. Similarly, cloud technology enables the collection and management of data efficiently to meet the individual customer’s needs. It also eliminates the need to use costly methods of data maintenance.
2. Efficient Communication for Remote Workers:
A dynamic workforce is essential for a thriving business. However, the sudden restrictions on the in-person meetings due to the pandemic could have led to heavy business losses had technology not saved the day. While the rapid transition to virtual meetings was not without its challenges, many businesses had adapted well to the situation and continued this strategy afterward. Many online virtual meeting tools such as Microsoft teams, zoom, and skype are still used to overcome distance barriers. The presence of workers in a single room is no longer necessary, saving time and bringing flexibility to the schedule.
In addition to these videoconferencing tools, other safe file-sharing platforms, time tracking, and data-access tools have evolved the concept of remote working. They allow the workers to work from anywhere, often being more productive.
3. Increased Use of Automated Processes:
With more and more reliance on technology, businesses have opted for alternate ways to enhance their customer experience and efficiency. The automation of business processes holds much potential for brands to automatically carry out complex business transactions. Some automated business processes include completing the customer order, verifying a loan request, and handling an email subscription list. These processes require keen focus if carried out manually since they involve multiple documentations and email threads. Even a minor mistake can result in a cascade of errors and missed deadlines. As a result, many businesses have moved to automated processes in response to the digital transformation in the pandemic.
It has allowed them to have a stronger hold over the business processes and avoid confusion. This transformation has spared the workers from performing tedious tasks, enabling them to focus on the core tasks of the business. The cost-efficiency of organizations has also increased as the need for a workforce has lessened.
4. Improved Cyber Security:
As many companies shifted to the work-from-home mode to counter the pandemic, there was a dire need for cyber security. It forced companies to come up with a final solution for the cyber security challenge they had been facing for decades. Important documentations and conversations which were once safe within the office walls became prone to theft. Organizations have, therefore, streamlined their investments for this purpose. Many of them have developed scalable infrastructure to protect sensitive data. It allows employees to communicate and collaborate from anywhere without the risk of third-party attacks.
5. Enhanced Digital Experience for the Customers:
With the onset of the pandemic, more and more customers demanded the provision of contactless services. The conventional ways of selling products in a store were no longer effective. While previously, the digital selling of products was just a support pillar for brands, it had become a sole source of running a business in the pandemic. Lockdown conditions increased the trend of e-commerce, and therefore, the development of an online mode of business became necessary more than ever. As a result, it has become a key player in boosting company sales. Online marketing, buying, and selling products have allowed international customers to approach and acknowledge the products. The companies, in return, have strived more to develop user-friendly websites and an easy online ordering process.
E-commerce has also bolstered the business of shipment providers, exchanging the products between the buyers and sellers. It has enhanced digital communication between the buyer and seller, and these services are becoming mainstream globally.
Conclusion:
Technology would always help us find a way out, despite the grim situation the world is in today. By embracing the new normal, many alternate paths have opened up that can be explored to grow the businesses. Before the pandemic, technology was a means to save money and increase budgets. However, in post-pandemic times, technology is viewed as a means of innovating the business. Though adopted in extreme times as desperate measures, the digital strategies have out-competed the conventional ways. When used correctly, technology opens up new opportunities for businesses to mature and engage customers. As the modern networks have adopted the diverse capabilities of technology, they have also started to comprehend and align to its mentality. The result is an improved employee experience and enhanced customer satisfaction!