Digital Transformation Myths
Digital transformation, or the need of businesses to adapt to digitalization, is truly upon us, more than ever before. Examples are plenty: from cash payments to bank/e-wallet transfers, from physical shopping to online shopping, from taxi queues to booking apps, and from wired ethernet connection to WiFi connectivity.
Prior to Covid-19, digital transformation in the country ranked three times lower based on the Global Connectivity Index (GCI). But when the pandemic hit, this accelerated the Philippines’ digitalization. This pushed businesses to change radically, almost overnight. Most had no choice but to leverage digital tools to continue and sustain their operations.
But this almost instant digital adaptation, this cultural change, has led to misconceptions about its impact and influence. After all, it has required alignment of each role, department, and function to cater to the digital demands of our customers.
We asked our resource person on digital transformation, Ms.Herleen Mortera, about some common myths associated with this topic. She cites and debunks some of these, below:
1. Digital transformation creates job losses
Digital Transformation by itself does not lead to job losses; in fact, tech-savvy job seekers are always in-demand. However, it is true that new skills are needed and employees would need training or guidance. The ability to upskill and adapt to technology will make anyone relevant.
2. Digital transformation must use the latest, most expensive technology
You cannot just use any technology out there. This should always be aligned with your company’s goals and budget. The ease of using the tools or the value it can bring should be taken into account. The best choice is not necessarily the latest or the most expensive option. There are lots of project management software out there, however organizations need to assess which one would make their employees more efficient.
3. Digital transformation is difficult
Transformation necessitates both technological and cultural changes. While any change can be challenging, a positive attitude and openness can ease the shift. The business can take advantage of digital opportunities if all employees are adaptable, and those unskilled are given the chance to upskill themselves. It is important to promote a change-positive culture to achieve the goal of digital transformation.
4. You can delay digital transformation
New online habits are already ingrained in our consumers. Our day-to-day lives depend on technology, from our phones to smart appliances, through all kinds of apps. We are already in a digital era and whether we like it or not, customers are not stopping from moving forward. We don’t have a choice but to upskill and cater to these demands, or else we will become obsolete, as an individual and as an organization.
There is nothing to fear in digital transformation, as we are already in it. It is there to help and assist us on things we do repetitively, to enable us to focus more on creative and strategic tasks. During lockdowns when our physical movements are limited, it helps us to continue our lives, our businesses, our jobs, and our economy.
Digital transformation is inevitable, all we have to do is ensure our relevance in this evolving digital world.
Mortera will facilitate a virtual workshop titled “Implementing Digital Transformation: Acquire the Skills, Process and Culture” on February 15, 17, and 18, 2022.
For more information, you may write to [email protected], or send an SMS to these numbers 0919.3428667 and 0998.9641731.
For your other online learning needs, Inquirer Academy could assist you in designing and facilitating a virtual workshop, a webinar, or a self-paced online course for your organization.
The author is the Executive Director of the Inquirer Academy.
