Digital transformation has fundamentally changed the business world. The recent emphasis on access to digital tools and technology enabling employees to operate from anywhere continues. Business owners and executives are rethinking the way they do business entirely. Now, these digitally transformed (or transforming) businesses must develop a digital ecosystem to accommodate these new technologies and ways of operating.
Businesses that have recently transformed digitally – or are still in the process - may struggle with the development of a digital ecosystem. Learn what a digital ecosystem is - and how can your business benefit from establishing one.
Digital Transformation: What’s Next?
According to PwC, 91 percent of companies are invested in the creation of digital tools and technologies to carry out their core business functions. That number will only increase as we adapt to the changes brought in 2020 and 2021. With businesses operating with a hybrid workforce now, it's time to leverage that transformation to increase automation and accelerate business.
However, identifying ways to modernize a business and its functions is part of digital transformation. The overall process involves updating hardware and software and improving data security. Businesses must now apply digital technology to automate business operations, enhance the customer experience, and help employees get their jobs done from home, on the road, or in the office.
This point, according to McKinsey, is a key reason why many digital transformations fail. It’s not enough to simply introduce the latest technology into an office. Selecting the tools and devices for your business must be done strategically – with specific goals and metrics in place. When applied strategically, digital transformation enables the creation of a digital ecosystem.
What is a Digital Ecosystem?
A digital ecosystem is a series of interconnected IT resources that help a company create, organize, and manage its business activities. They may involve project management tools, collaboration tools, content management platforms, public-facing websites, file sharing, and anything else that a team needs to work in a digital environment.
Digital ecosystems deliver enhanced value to customers by creating an environment with collective advantages through symbiotic relationships between platform owners and users. For example, Google has created a digital ecosystem by inviting third-party developers to create apps and add-ons that integrate with its platform (Google Office). Similarly, solutions like Laserfiche alleviate operational stress and help industries like Government, Education, and Financial Services continue operating from anywhere by offering cloud-based access to critical data and processes they need.
However, creating a digital ecosystem can only happen after digital transformation - when the infrastructure to support the ecosystem has been created. Here’s exactly what that means.
How to Create Digital Ecosystem in Your Business
Creating and maintaining a digital ecosystem requires strategically interconnecting a company’s digital resources to create a seamless environment through which data flows. To do that, you must:
1. Have the Technology in Place
A digital ecosystem can only develop after the company’s underlying processes have transformed. Therefore, when undertaking digital transformation, do so with the end goal of building a digital ecosystem in mind. This mindset will help identify what your business needs to move away from paper-based processes and legacy technology to reach true digital transformation and business automation.
2. Embrace a Culture of Collaboration
More interconnection means more contact between various departments in your business. The natural silos of information that exist in each department break down to provide more communication, insight, and automation. Encourage a culture of collaboration. Empower your employees to reach out to the people with expertise regardless of their department or position.
3. Get Employee Buy-In and Input
At the end of the day, top-down digital ecosystem construction is difficult. Gather input from those who will use the ecosystem every day to identify what they’re doing now, what they need to increase agility and productivity, and what will work throughout the workforce.
How ImageNet Can Help You Create a Digital Ecosystem
Creating a digital ecosystem relies on having the right infrastructure in place. However, with the vast array of options and combinations available, discovering the technology to fit your business can prove challenging. Working with experienced technology experts like ImageNet Consulting simplifies the experience. The benefits of partnering with an expert technology consultant include:
- Assessments and insights: Get an assessment of your company’s digital transformation strategy and receive customized, professional insights on the best devices or solutions to fit your business now – and the business you’re building for the future.
- Access to managed services: Managed services, such as Managed IT services, Enterprise Content Management services, and Managed Print services streamline the creation of new IT infrastructure while ensuring they remain safe.
- Guidance on platform and technology selection: Whether embracing enterprise content management or department workgroups, ImageNet can help you explore the benefits of each option.
Businesses Trust ImageNet with Their Digital Ecosystem
Creating a digital ecosystem from scratch means a whole new world of possibilities. However, the first step is getting your digital transformation right. Only then can you unlock the true power of digitization.
Working with a technology solutions provider during this period can help set your business up for success. Work with ImageNet Consulting today to identify your specific goals and needs.
We specialize in helping companies achieve business automation with the right technology. Get your free technology assessment today and begin building your digital ecosystem.