Industry 5.0 Manufacturing Best Practices
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8 minute read •Transformation
Transformation & Modernization Benefits
1
Data-Driven Insights
Most modern businesses run on data. If your current systems aren’t helping you capture and leverage the data you need to drive a successful strategy, modernizing your technologies and transforming your processes are necessary steps to stay competitive.
Collect data on customer experiences (CX), internal operations, employee efficiency, spending, and more by deploying cloud-based data collection software. Secure your data in an environment where it can be leveraged to deliver strategic value and power innovation.
2
Improved Productivity and Agility
One of the most important steps in digital transformation is replacing manual processes with automated, digitized processes. Using software, you can create workflows that run automatically based on triggers and computational logic, thus removing the need for humans to intervene.
When more of your processes are automated, you can rely on your staff to engage in more strategic activities. This also makes you more agile. Instead of reimagining how your entire workforce operates, simply adjust your workflows to meet new demands and shifts in the market.
3
Better Customer Experiences
Customers don’t just want exceptional” digital experiences—they expect them. Whether you serve consumers or other businesses, your customers are now accustomed to endless choices, fast delivery, and digitally enhanced interfaces when dealing with companies.
Modernizing your customer-facing technologies and transforming your processes can help you deliver on customer expectations. Drive customer loyalty by building intuitive and memorable customer experiences. Leverage customer data to deliver faster, more personalized services.
4
Enhanced Collaboration
Your team shouldn’t have to collaborate by attaching files to emails or searching through several different tools to find the most recent iteration of a project. Digital transformation streamlines your collaboration solutions, so they exist under a single platform that everyone can access.
As remote work becomes normalized and companies outsource more of their operations, modernizing your collaboration tools will be essential to staying agile and competitive.
Transform Your Technology Ecosystem with Uvation
If you’re struggling to lead a successful digital transformation at your company, Uvation can help you develop a roadmap and a plan of action for shifting your business culture in the right direction. We help CIOs and business leaders keep their transformation initiatives on track and avoid common pitfalls. We can even help you make the right technology choices to meet the needs of your staff and your team members.
Contact Uvation today to learn more about our transformation and modernization services.
Transformation & Modernization Explained
01
Understanding Digital Modernization
Digital modernization refers specifically to upgrading, updating, or adopting new technology. It’s a necessary part of digital transformation, but it only refers to changes made to the technology you use, not the processes involved in leveraging that technology or how it fits into the greater context of your business operations.
For example, upgrading all your company’s desktop computers to the latest Windows operating system could be considered digital modernization. Replacing old and obsolete software, hardware, and infrastructure at your business could also be considered digital modernization.
The most challenging aspect of modernization is determining which technologies to adopt and why. This is especially challenging with software, as there are dozens of software applications available for virtually every business function.
Many businesses turn to consultants to help them choose technology. A consultant can help you find the hardware, infrastructure, and cloud-based software you need to begin your digital modernization journey.
02
Understanding Digital Transformation
Digital transformation includes the adoption of new technologies, but it hinges on efforts to transform how the business operates. It also involves replacing non-digital processes with digital ones in almost every aspect of the business.
For example, if your current process for generating reports involves manual data extraction and data entry, there is likely an automated process that can streamline it. With the right solutions in place, you can automatically extract data from your systems to generate spreadsheets and data visualizations, which can then be used to drive strategy sessions. This is just one example—there are thousands of business processes that can be transformed with the right technology.
Digital transformation can also refer to the adoption of a “digital-first” approach to business. This means approaching every challenge or opportunity under the assumption that the solution should be digitized, or at least become as digital as possible. This prevents your teams from falling back into old habits involving manual processes.
03
The Digital Transformation Process
Digital transformation requires a sustained effort to both execute and manage change across the entire organization. For most companies, it can be a long process that requires buy-in not just from leadership, but also from those employees who will be most affected by the changes.
Although the beginning of the process is mostly cultural, it’s important to partner with digital transformation experts to manage expectations and drive results. It starts with a willingness to change for the betterment of the customer experience. This cultural shift may begin with those in leadership, but it can also be spearheaded by advocates in other levels of the business.
Next comes the planning stage. Leadership will work alongside their partners to determine a roadmap for the future. These plans may change as time goes on, but visualizing what the organization will look like after the transformation is paramount to managing expectations.
From there, leadership will drive technology decisions. The change will be managed so that everyone in the business can adapt to new tools and processes, always with a focus on the customer experience. Technology can be adopted to improve every aspect of the business, from supply chain and logistics to data security and the way products and services are delivered.
Once the transformation has been realized, the company can focus on leveraging its new capabilities to innovate and drive additional value.
Digital Transformation Statistics
Companies are pursuing digital transformation not just to keep pace with their competitors, but also because it drives real business results.Here are some statistics that highlight the importance of modernization and digital transformation:
$84.6 billion
Global digital transformation spending in logistics is expected to reach $84.6 billion by 2027.
20% – 30%
The costs from running cloud applications are 20% to 30% lower than before their migration.
39%
39% of US family-owned businesses claim they already have strong digital capabilities.
Digital Transformation & Modernization with Uvation
Uvation helps you jumpstart your digital transformation initiatives, then works alongside you from start to finish. With our wide knowledge of enterprise technologies, we’re in a unique position to help you assess your current technology stack, select tools for adoption, and create a step-by-step map for your transformation.
Our digital transformation services follow a simple process:
Audit Existing Technologies
We’ll conduct an audit of your existing technologies and do a strategic assessment of your current operations to determine your baseline. We’ll identify quick wins for technology modernization, so you can start seeing results immediately. We’ll also help you determine which new technologies are “must-have” and which are “nice-to-have,” so you can set priorities from the beginning.
Develop a Transformation Plan
Once we gain an understanding of your technology stack and your current operations, we’ll help you develop a transformation plan. This plan includes strategies for obtaining buy-in from the rest of the organization, managing change, identifying core technologies, and executing change at an incremental level. We’ll also incorporate contingencies into your plan to keep it flexible in the face of disruptions.
Execute Your Transformation Journey in Steps
Once you’re ready, we’ll execute your digital transformation step-by-step. We pride ourselves on providing hands-on service through this process,so that you always have the support you need.
Challenges may arise during the transformation process. We’ll work with you to address them and maintain your momentum. We’ll work to check off key objectives incrementally until the vision for your company becomes a reality.
Transformation & Modernization Technologies
Transformation and modernization are driven by many different technologies, including computing systems and software applications. But other important technologies can transform your operations, as well as the customer experience.
Mobile and Cloud Technology
Mobile and cloud technologies are now a necessity for running a successful business. Customers of all stripes expect companies to provide a mobile customer experience, and cloud-based solutions will be an essential factor in your digital transformation.
Cloud-based technology can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection, and even through a mobile network, in some cases. When all your enterprise solutions are cloud-based, your staff can engage with the business from home and abroad. This keeps your operation agile in the face of disruptions.
IoT
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects that make up a remote computing network. These objects are typically embedded with sensors, software, and other types of hardware to enable them to communicate with other objects in the network. The key component of IoT technology is data—IoT devices allow companies to collect data through objects, which can then be leveraged to drive efficiencies.
For example, IoT technology is now an important investment for manufacturers and other companies in the supply chain due to its ability to generate data about objects and their physical environments. Sensors on IoT devices can relay data on a machine’s operations back to a central database, allowing the company to be proactive with repairs and maintenance. Companies have also used IoT devices to track equipment, improve physical security, and even monitor human health.
Automation and RPA
Automation refers to a machine’s or computer’s ability to perform tasks automatically, whereas robotic process automation (RPA) refers to a machine’s or computer’s ability to perform tasks that once required human intervention. These technologies may involve physical robotics, as would be the case in a manufacturing plant, or computer-based robotic processes that are repetitive.
Automation is one of the cornerstones of digital transformation. Adoption of a digital-first mentality means approaching new processes under the assumption that they can be automated, at least to a degree, to encourage efficiency.
AI and ML
Machine learning (ML) refers to a machine’s ability to learn and adapt through inputs and experiences. It is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), which refers generally to a machine’s ability to execute tasks that would typically require human intelligence.
One of the most common and recognizable applications of AI is the AI-powered chatbot, which can respond to users based on an analysis of their messages. But AI can also be used in other contexts, such as eCommerce, human resources management, cybersecurity, and logistics. For example, an advertising solution with an onboard AI can serve advertisements to shoppers based on their shifting shopping and browsing history, among other inputs.
Machine learning is still relatively new and experimental, but companies are already discovering unique applications. For example, technology companies have trained machines to recognize images and speech patterns, make predictions, and diagnose technical problems.
To leverage these advanced technologies, you must first digitize your operations through a robust digital transformation initiative. Once achieved, you’ll be able to innovate and help drive the next generation of digital business applications.
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