Digital challenges professionals must tackle

We’ve seen widespread digital innovation that has enhanced businesses processes, but at the same time it has also caused disruption digital professionals have had to overcome. Whether it’s managing remote teams, engaging consumers through disruptive experiences or achieving digital sustainability, professionals will be looking to capitalise on their digital transformation in 2022. Here are some factors which professionals will be looking to overcome in the immediate future. 


Taking customer experiences to the next level 


The back-end of 2020 and the course of 2021 was an important time for ecommerce leaders to really focus on driving the best customer experiences. Leaders understand consumer habits have changed, and as a result, creating channels to accommodate them. In 2022, the best leaders will be looking to take their customer experiences to the next level. 

As personalisation continues to play a vital part in retaining and attracting new customers, we’re seeing the influence of Augmented Reality acting as a unique tool in enriching the customer's view of the existing physical world. More companies will be looking to successfully address personalisation through web apps.


Adopting automation with care 


With robot processes and low-code technologies set to make application development smoother; leaders must continue to be aware if they adopt these innovations, that they come with security and reliability standards which must be met. Due to the increase in automation, this means that IT professionals will spend more time with engaging and overseeing activity. Along with IT teams, leaders will have to ensure that the rest of the workforce are in-tune with the automation changes, ready to take responsibility. 


Manage data, security and governance effectively     


With hybrid working becoming normal in 2022, perhaps the security of data has become vital for operating businesses; ensuring security breaches are prevented. Organisations have access to and continue to collect large amounts of data. The importance of GDPR has been highlighted and in order for businesses to build trust and loyalty with consumers, security of data is without question. 

Cyber threats are never-ending and as a result, a businesses’ financial and reputation damage could be in question due to an attack. Digital leaders and chief IT professionals  will need  to scope a high-quality security personnel to prevent this from happening; even if automation is reducing the IT operational activities.


Consider how the Metaverse will expand 


There’s no doubt that the Metaverse is expanding and perhaps will be the key trend throughout the next decade. We are already seeing elements of the Metaverse existing; whether it’s virtual reality  headset experiences, or touchless technology, companies if not already, are beginning to invest into this area. As digital leaders are taking into consideration how to maximise customer experiences, the Metaverse should certainly be on the forefront of their minds. 


Keeping an eye on cloud-computing trends 


According to a Statista Consumer Survey in the UK, 42% of respondents have used a cloud storage service in the past year. Over 80 per cent of those organisations already using cloud services are expected to increase their commitment to this new supply model over the next year; this is according to findings issued by the Cloud Industry Forum. 

Although digital leaders have been helping their companies’ install cloud-based systems over the years, there is still much to do. Due to the change of working over the last two years, professionals have become quick to implement more cloud services, making access to data and documents easier. Leaders will have to expand these platforms in the next few years especially. 

By 2026, Gartner predicts public cloud spending will exceed 45% of all enterprise IT spending, up from less than 17% in 2021


Driving sustainability is key


Concerns for the planet’s wellbeing has been highlighted even more during 2021. As world leaders gathered to discuss what’s next in producing a healthier planet, digital professionals and leaders will be looking to address the part their playing in growing sustainability. There are a few points which leaders can think about when making their digital transformation more sustainable. 
 

  • Sharing sustainability information across the business 
  • Reusing technology when possible 
  • Assessing KPI’s and adding sustainability as a key metric