The time has come when digital transformation is moving from being a nice-to-have compelling technology concept for many, to a business critical must-have necessity for all.
Gartner and IDC both predict that in a multiplied innovation economy built on emerging technologies, both IT and business leaders must reinvent and redesign the IT organization, systems, processes and workflows, to enable the enterprise to take advantage of the most powerful wave of the digital transformation. We need to move the technology discussion from theory to implementation and adopt best practices from leading edge companies across the world in industries ranging from healthcare to food, manufacturing, financial services, retail, public sector and the environment. It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent-it is the one that is most adaptable to change.
In most cases, the actual technology is the easy part in the digital transformation journey. It is the continuous process improvement involving the efficient collaboration of people, processes, systems and strategy, built on a strong foundation of technology. There are many examples where blockchain technology is transforming health records by making them more secure, easily accessible, verifiable and shared.This ultimately puts patients more in control of their data and ensures that they receive more efficient, value-driven and timely care and assistance.
By 2020, baby boomers who currently fill skilled trade positions will hit retirement age, resulting in over 30 million vacant positions, according to a study by Adecco, USA. With a shrinking number of experienced employees available to train new generations, VR & AR become critical. Beyond time and cost savings for employers, virtual and augmented reality technology opens up skills training to those who may not have had access to it. It also makes the training more comprehensive and advanced and more conveniently delivered absorbed and implemented. Marine simulators and flight simulators are examples of how this technology innovation is making a big difference in re-skilling and upgrading human capital. We’re moving faster and faster, and if you can’t quickly access information and train yourself to learn and execute, you’re going to fall behind.
Another example is how drones are saving lives by delivering once-unattainable, life-saving supplies, medicines, vaccines, blood and foodstuffs to undeserved areas, shaving response times in the process. These airborne ambulances are making a huge impact in Tanzania, Rwanda and the US and literally saving lives. There is also a defibrillator drone delivery service that brings people in rural Nevada access to critical medical supplies and AED’s(Automatic External Defibrillator), that will enable bystanders to begin administering care while waiting for paramedics to arrive. In this instance, seconds can make a difference between life and death.
These are exciting times to live in. Technology innovation and digital transformation are literally turning industries on their head-new business models are emerging and countries are leapfrogging their erstwhile advanced cousins. Human progress is being positively impacted and overall societal welfare is being increased. What role can you play in this- are you ready ?
