Adopting Digital Transformation:
The Path to the New Normal

The importance for your company to go digital now and how we can help you

The New Normal

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts nearly every aspect of life, it sure is changing our way of life – how we live and work in ways we would not have possibly imagined weeks or months ago. The worldwide implementation of social distancing keeps people physically apart, although with genuine intentions, this has unintentionally created the ‘new normal’ amidst the chaos.

It was just a couple of weeks back when we were able to shake hands when meeting people, when we had the luxury to shop in brick-and-mortar stores, when kids were able to go to school and play with their friends. Things have changed now, everyone is slowly embracing technology – famous artistes are conducting concerts online, learning institutions are conducting online-based classes, meetings are conducted virtually, fresh groceries are purchased online, etc. Evidently, people are beginning to get used to the new normal by staying home and connecting with others through the internet.

COVID-19 Impacts on Businesses

The new normal has definitely impacted the world of business too. From manufacturing to service industry, 2020 has seen shifts in the way businesses and organizations operate in the wake of the deadly virus. Today’s new normal for businesses includes disrupted supply chains, cash flow challenges, work-from-home difficulties, etc. While people are shutting in due to social distancing, businesses are shutting down in response to the pandemic. Brick and mortar businesses can no longer be in full operation, factories are forced to shut down, people are losing jobs.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to paralyze all industries and businesses, it is tempting to delay digital strategy amid the high implementation in business continuity and resiliency efforts. Many leaders have the same set of questions:

• How should I operate my business moving forward?
• How can I pay off my liabilities?
• When will this be over, when will we return to “normal”?

The big question is, do you really want to put digital initiatives for your business on hold? Bad idea.

The Need to Go Digital Now

If anything, the current crisis should eliminate any uncertainty at all about the urgency of fundamental digital transformation. The economy is going under siege by city-wide shutdowns and disrupted supply chains. The coronavirus pandemic has indefinitely spurred businesses in the country to accelerate their digitisation efforts.

Digital technologies push the production and provision of products and services ever closer to the moment of demand. Customers want what they want, when, where and how they want it. No matter how many incremental steps you take, you will never get to an exponentially better solution. In other words, digital technologies enable companies to respond exponentially faster whilst staying ahead of the competition.

At the end of the day, companies that continue to invest in their digital strategy while balancing their short-term efforts with long-term measures, will emerge from this pandemic even more competitive. Digitally savvy organizations are shifting faster than the traditional ones in terms of how they respond and remain resilient – remote work, re-organising stressed supply chains, supporting customers and partners in crisis mode.

Digital Solutions

Many local businesses have been relatively slow to adopt digital strategies. The move towards driving digital transformation could essentially be a vital test for a broader, long-term move to an innovative culture beyond the new normal.

Managing the digital transformation accelerated by this crisis will be a multifaceted push, at times complicated by remote working arrangements and other challenges. While these may seem daunting, it is recommended that businesses speed up in shifting towards digital with the help of experienced technology partners and IT experts. Ultimately, businesses that take proactive steps can increase the company’s resilience, deepen customer relationships, seize new opportunities, and emerge better prepared in the post coronavirus world.

DIGIFIV is the go-to partner for all things digital, offering a wide range of digital solutions such as software development (mobile app and web), digital consulting and B2B2C e-commerce platform, amongst other services.

Some relevant approaches:

Don’t wait anymore, speak to our Digital Consultants now. Contact us for more information today!

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Article written by:
Weiye Lee – Digital Go-to-Market Manager
Jim Koay – Digital Consulting Trainee