5 technologies to make your digital transformation a success

According to Forbes, companies that have embraced digital transformation are 23% more profitable than their competitors. There was a time when business digital transformation was an option for those who wanted to stay competitive in the market. But as the world continues to develop and today’s business environment revolves even faster around digital tools, it is becoming a must-have. 

CEOs and CIOs need to adopt, or at least be aware of digital transformation technologies. A successful transformation goes through the proper steps and with the right tools. 

In this article, we would like to introduce you to 5 of these technologies that can help companies accelerate their digital transformation process and make it more efficient.

Digital transformation and its technologies

Did you know that despite the time devoted to discussing digital transformation, it still confuses many people? It can be a very complex process for those in established companies because if you don’t have a clear understanding of what you aim to achieve, you’ll have difficulties perceiving a clear ROI, and according to HBR, spending trillions of dollars on the wrong resources, all for no result. 

So, what is digital transformation?

Straightforwardly, it is the process of incorporating digital tools into a company for a profound change in business operations to meet customer expectations. But business digital transformation is not just limited to an operational method change alone; it also involves a shift in organizational culture and anticipating some setbacks. 

However, there are signs of a good digital transformation that should guide the journey. 

Why do you need technologies for it to be a success?

According to a 2023 publication by Forbes, digital transformation is not that much about technology as it is about people, and even the definition above proves this. For CEOs and CIOs, it's crucial to understand that while technology is a facilitator, the real value comes from aligning technology with business strategy and teams to meet organizational goals. 

But within the goal is the strategy (facilitating the outcome). While technology is not the goal, it is the process of reaching the goal. If you want to take the lead, you need to use some technologies to impose digital transformation further. So, what are these digital transformation technologies? 

5 technologies worth investigating to help you in your digital transformation process 

Before we jump right into it, you must know that this isn’t an outline of brand listings. While it would be faster just to give you a list of brand technologies to adopt, it is not the best route. Companies differ in sectors, pace, and position in the business transformation journey. Hence, you might not all benefit from the same ‘brand.’ 

But one thing’s for sure: every business needs modern digital technologies, and these tools are there to help you achieve five main tasks:

• To meet your goal (creating more customer value);
• To manage your data;
• To save costs;
• To improve business efficiency;
• To improve team collaboration in team settings. 

Mobile Technologies

The number one digital transformation technology you need is mobile integration technology. Most people now own a mobile device, and even while they would prefer to view some content using a desktop computer, mobiles are the quickest and most convenient way to do so when on the go. Because of this, companies that don't have a mobile version—either an app or a mobile-friendly website—fall behind.

For your company, mobile technologies offer real-time insights, decision-making capabilities on the go, and the ability to stay connected with teams, stakeholders, and customers from anywhere in the world.

Consider investing in mobile technology if you want to increase the value you provide to customers or if you want to achieve your digital transformation goals.

But get this:

Mobile technologies are not just about your customers or improving your brand's image. It's also about your employees because they'll benefit from a better business mobile integration. 

By improving the mobility of your business operations, your employees and you can access files, conduct minor business operations, and connect from their mobile devices and tablets, even when they are working remotely or in hybrid mode. Not only will you be able to connect better with your customers (which is one of the goals), but you'll also be able to work more efficiently. Remember to teach your employees to use any new technology you have adopted. 

API-based Integration technologies

API-based integration is another technology that will surely make any business digital transformation a success. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are technologies that help you connect two or more pieces of software easily. It not only saves time, but it also saves costs. Let’s consider how it is crucial to CIOs and CEOs.

For businesses aiming for scalability and integration, APIs offer a seamless way to connect disparate systems, allowing for data-driven decision-making at the executive level. Also, API allows you to make seamless data changes in several systems at once, with the tap of a single button.

If you wish to make a change on your many mobile apps, for instance, you don’t have to change things all over the place. You can operate from one single API-integrated platform or alter any data on a single system. 

Also, APIs have the potential to foster innovation by generating new product offerings and business models, thereby extending your business’s influence into both new and established markets. Many large companies have adopted API-driven strategies, transforming conventional businesses into multi-billion-dollar powerhouses. One of these companies is Amazon. 

By relying on API integrations, you can boost your revenue, save time, improve productivity, and save costs. 

Cloud technologies

Cloud computing is the fastest and easiest way to manage your data for better accessibility and efficiency. 

It also helps you scale your business without looking for a bigger traditional office or storage box. Usually, most CEOs have already adopted this technology. The only problem is that many have yet to invest further in it.

Even though you might have already acquired a cloud computing platform, you still need to invest further in it because of the many benefits you stand to gain. First, it will be easy for you to scale and control your business. Also, it will be easier for your remote workers to access on-demand data from anywhere worldwide. 

And regarding digital transformation, it would also be easier for your employees to back up essential data, access new data, and track progress, leading to the end goal. But most of all, cloud computing is the safest way to keep your data and work information. 

Collaborative tools and technology

Another digital transformation technology you need to adopt is collaborative tools. Many CIOs unfairly undermine these tools, but the truth remains that a business can only succeed if the employees are engaged. 

The aim of digital transformation is indeed the customer and their provided values. But have you thought about who can provide them with these values? Your employees are the heart of your business, and on top of that, their feelings matter. And you can certainly achieve optimum employee engagement with collaborative tools. 

Collaborative digital tools are technologies that aim to engage users to drive the success of business goals, improve productivity, and save costs. With the right collaborative tool, you can also protect your data and encourage seamless enterprise mobility (where employees can connect and work on the go). 

With the right collaborative tool, you can ensure your business’s digital transformation process will succeed. For your company, these tools not only enhance team productivity but also facilitate cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Klaxoon is one visual digital collaborative platform that comprises various tools needed for team collaboration. From online whiteboards to brainstorming templates and even online workspaces, there is no limit to the possibilities on this digital platform. 

Artificial Intelligence

Finally, AI is on this list of the top five digital transformation technologies you should invest in. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a new word. AI provides actionable insights, predictive analytics, and automation capabilities that can drive operational efficiency and open up new avenues for innovation.

AI involves a computer’s capacity to replicate human thought and behavior. While this can be used to speculate consumer behavior and thought patterns for easier customer value creation, it goes deeper.  

CIOs also use AI to meet customer needs without putting too much pressure on employees while focusing on other aspects of the company for growth and overall success. Some ways you should incorporate AI include using voice assistants, live chatbots on your websites, NLPs (Natural Language Processors), smart devices, and so on. 

With artificial intelligence integrated into your business operations, you would be able to automate tasks that your team would have done manually. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also be able to create value faster. Other benefits include more effortless customer engagement and quicker goal achievement.

Why is having the right digital tools complementary to a good strategy for digital transformation?

The right digital tools provide a competitive edge, ensuring that the organization is agile, responsive, and able to pivot in the face of market changes. However, as mentioned earlier, companies differ, and the tool that works for a certain CIO might not work for you. It doesn’t necessarily mean the technology adopted is bad, it just means this option is not adapted for you. You need to ensure you’re picking the right tool for the following reasons:

1. Alignment with business goals;
2. The right tool significantly improves your team’s productivity and efficiency;
3. Only the right tool can ultimately lead to enhanced customer experience;
4. Picking the right digital transformation technology helps your business evolve even more;
5. Finally, the right tool empowers data-driven decision-making. 

While it is essential to choose the right tool, you must also understand that it is a challenging task. 

Why is it hard to choose the right technologies to help you in your digital transformation? 

The challenge lies in aligning technology choices with business strategy, ensuring ROI, and managing the change process effectively within the organization. There are two main reasons about why picking the right technologies can be challenging. 

The first is because of the abundance of tools. These technologies are numerous because of the various business needs each tool caters to. While some cater to the finance industry, other technologies cater to the IT world. Therefore, because of the many technologies available to you, it might lead to decision fatigue.

Also, you need to ensure that the technology you’re picking aligns with your goals, company cultures, and work process. It’s not just about the industry or field of your company but also about your unique operation process. These are what make it even more challenging to find the best tool. 

So what should you do?

When you come to a cross-road like that, you can follow these guidelines to choose the best technology for your business's digital transformation.

How to choose the best digital transformation technology for your company’s needs

It's essential for you to be actively involved in this decision-making process, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term vision and strategic objectives. The following steps will help you find the best technologies to make your digital transformation a success:

1. Define your objectives and set your business goals;
2. Access your current state and what you lack; 
3. Research the options available to you in each needed technology (mobile, API-based tools, cloud computing, collaborative tools, and AI); 
4. Check the tools' alignment with your company’s culture;
5. Seek expert advice to streamline your options; 
6. Run a pilot test and analyze your results. These results should include the cost & resource analysis;
7. Ensure the technology meets security and regulatory requirements;
8. Estimate the potential return on investment (ROI) and assess whether it aligns with your business case;
9. Brainstorm with your employees to know their thoughts and reach the final results;
10. Decide on the technologies for your company’s digital transformation.