Top Digital Transformation Trends For 2021

Digital transformation is no longer just a buzzword – it has become a necessity. As organizations scurried to respond to real-time risks during the onset of the pandemic, many had to take drastic measures to either revamp their business model or implement a digital transformation strategy immediately.

There has been more focus on digital transformation in the past year than there has been in over a decade. Some of the most integral technologies headlining include artificial intelligence and data analytics but newer technologies are measuring up as well.

While some digital transformation trends aimed to leverage disruptive technologies, others were focused on delivering higher value to customers. It’s not just about boosting a more favorable digital presence but thinking about long-term impact and business growth.

Let’s take a look at some of the top trending digital transformation trends in 2021 that are defining the post-digital era.

Digital security

Cybersecurity became even more relevant during the pandemic as the number of cyberattacks on multiple companies increased all over the world, on multiple banks and some cloud servers.

One of the reasons why it was easier to do so was because several employees had shifted to remote working. With the lack of control over having multiple employees on the same secure network, companies have to adapt their cybersecurity strategies.

It’s no longer about protecting digital assets at the workplace but shifting them to the networks at home for remote employees as well as mobile internet devices.

From firewalls to active directories, intrusion detection, and more, businesses are brushing up on their digital security to secure their products and services.

Customer data platforms and data analytics

As businesses progress toward a customer-centric model, there is a greater need to create customer data platforms to gather and manage data with sustainable infrastructure. A customer data platform makes it easier to collect the data and organize it to make it more usable. The capability to leverage data and use it more efficiently to target the consumer base and keep up with customer awareness helps businesses skyrocket their growth.

Emerging platforms that steer away from traditional CRM and DXP models are more unified and integrated allowing larger data interfaces to be processed and implemented from both online and offline channels.

Data is prime online real estate and spearheads the movement toward digital transformation. It’s also one of the only ways for businesses to survive in the current digital ecosystem which is getting more competitive.

Multi-cloud integration

Say hello to the multi-cloud system which not only removes the hurdles for barriers but also reduces vendor lock-ins. Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud systems are transforming the business structure by distributing cloud computing asses, various software, and applications on diverse cloud platforms. It also enables the move to a hybrid cloud system that supports multiple data centers in public and private cloud systems.

It has several benefits including making it easier to price and negotiate at a service level and make more room for innovation within new and emerging services. Moreover, it also supports mergers and acquisitions for rapidly growing startups and it’s relatively easier to implement because it complies with data sovereignty regulations.

Most public cloud vendors recognize and understand the benefit of multi-cloud integration in sustaining better relationships with larger enterprises.

Let’s talk about culture

A business can’t introduce digital transformation initiatives into the organization without unprecedented shifts within the culture. As leaders implement the agile practices that mobilize the cultural shifts they will observe several changes.

They will have to create diverse agile teams with heads from multiple departments like marketing, operations, HR, sales, and finance. Transformation programs will be spearheaded to engage more customers and stakeholders in the development process.

Most organizations are adopting a flexible operational model with remote work a permanent possibility for employees. This is a crucial factor that accelerates the digital transformation journey and will continue to do so in the near future.

What are some of the biggest challenges to successfully implementing these digital transformation trends?

Going down the path of digital transformation is no longer about the “why?” but more about the “how?”

So how can organizations avoid a chaotic deployment of these strategies and make the process more seamless?

It’s very important to communicate the next steps of digital transformation to all the employees so they can get accustomed to the changes in digital culture, tools, and technology. Invest in top talent and technology to build a skilled team that can innovate and expedites the strategies. Be clear about your budget for digital transformation so you can outline which measures you want to take and make the decision-making process easier as well.