Increase your company's agility through digitization

Advice General

It's no secret that businesses need to digitize. For years, there's been a call to embrace innovation in order to survive as a company. And it's true; recent years have only demonstrated how agile you can be when you stay ahead in terms of digitization. Has your organization been investing in (technological) innovation in recent years? Or is it high time to convince your management?

Digitization among SMEs in Belgium

Due to rising costs and labor market tightness, efficient operations are becoming increasingly important. As is customary annually, software company Exact conducted their "SME Barometer" survey this year (conducted by an independent research firm). They examine technological developments among SMEs in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their study shows that 53% of SMEs in Belgium see digitization as a high priority in 2023. 20% consider digitization important for improving the quality of their services. 30% state that digitization helps automate processes to work more efficiently. Conclusion: approximately half of the companies recognize the necessity of digitization. However, it also indicates that the other half still needs convincing. What makes digitization worthwhile?

What are the benefits of digitization?

1. More Efficient (Collaborative) Work

As an organization, it's good to occasionally reassess your current business processes. Often, over the years, you operate on autopilot and find yourself in a way of working that may not be the most efficient. By mapping out processes, you'll know which repetitive tasks can be automated using new technologies and innovations. Additionally, digitization also leads to better collaborations among colleagues regardless of their location, as employees become less dependent on physical components.

2. Cost Savings

According to Gartner, two out of three companies prioritize digitization with cost savings as the main goal². How does digitization save costs? Think about more efficiently utilizing your staff and reducing overhead and production costs by automating various business processes. But digitization also helps to gain more insights into your energy consumption, enabling energy savings as well.

3. More (Informed) Insights

Machine learning and AI integrations are constantly improving. This enables you to have faster and easier access to real-time data (using IoT, for example). Analyzing data on your own can be very complex. Therefore, integrate programs that convert your data directly into tangible figures in a clear visual dashboard. This way, you can more easily gain new insights that you can then use to make data-driven decisions, because numbers don't lie.

4. Fewer Human Errors

By automating business processes, you reduce the chance of human errors. As long as your computer is well configured, of course. While a computer can perform routine tasks exactly the same way 24/7, this may not be possible for humans, as we lose focus throughout the day. If you still need people for certain tasks, you can also use digital processes for control to minimize errors.

5. Better Security

An IBM study found that organizations with complex infrastructures are 52% more likely to experience data breaches than companies that prioritize simplification³. And that's somewhat logical because simpler processes provide a better overview of your IT environment and enable you to ensure optimal security. Furthermore, it's also important to incorporate security into your digital transformation. According to VOKA, 46% of companies had a digital security strategy in 2022. Do you belong to that percentage?

6. Increased Attractiveness on the Job Market

Digitization enables remote work and provides more flexibility in your workday. Especially younger generations attach great importance to a good work/life balance. The ability to work from home or any location enhances your position in the job market.