How the pandemic helped firms digitize internal processes

Blog | April 19, 2022

Reading time: 11 min
Many businesses have turned to digitalization during the pandemic to keep their operations running smoothly. Learn what they’re doing and how you can adapt!

The pandemic has significantly impacted companies worldwide, forcing them to digitize their internal processes to keep operations running smoothly. This trend began before the pandemic peaked but has accelerated in recent months as firms struggle to deal with the increased demand and lack of staff, with finance and fintech companies being among the most impacted as they rely heavily on digital processes to run their operations.

As businesses rapidly digitize to maintain operations during the Covid-19 outbreak, it’s crucial to consider the impact of digitalization on business continuity. Overall, digital technologies can help to improve business continuity by enhancing communication, efficiency and supply chain stability. However, some potential risks are associated with digitalization, such as cyberattacks and IT infrastructure disruptions.

What does this mean for corporate America?

Businesses must carefully weigh the pros and cons of digitalization to determine whether it is the right solution for them during the Covid-19 pandemic. By doing so, organizations can ensure that they can maintain continuity during these uncertain times. Read on to learn how the pandemic has already helped firms digitize their internal processes and how you can meet the challenges head-on.

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Watch the video to learn how 2020 pushed businesses to digitize their accounts receivable processes.
Watch the video to learn how 2020 pushed businesses to digitize their accounts receivable processes.

What does corporate digitalization mean?

Corporate digitalization, in short, means moving from traditional analog systems to digital systems in the workplace. This can be seen in almost every sector as firms adopt new technologies to improve performance. Fintech is one area that has seen significant digitalization in recent years. In addition, banks and other financial institutions have quickly adopted new technologies, such as mobile and email payments and cloud-based storage. 

What exactly has this looked like?

The pandemic has accelerated corporate digitalization, as firms have been forced to digitize to maintain efficiency and continuity of operations. For example, many firms have adopted cloud-based storage to allow employees to continue working from home. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years as firms look for ways to digitize to improve efficiency and resilience.

The pandemic has also forced firms to rethink their approaches to digital business and information security. In the past, many firms have been lax in their approach to security, as they did not believe that an attack was likely. However, the pandemic has shown that any organization can be vulnerable to an attack. As a result, firms are now investing more in security technologies, such as encryption and firewalls.

Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the process of corporate transformation and has led to a rise in the use of new artificial intelligence technologies. This is likely to continue in the years ahead as firms look for ways to improve efficiency, security, ease and resilience.

Importance of business digitalization during the Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 has, over the past couple of years, forced companies to digitize their internal processes to minimize the risk of infection. As the world copes with the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are turning to digitalization to maintain productivity and efficiency as firms seek new ways to streamline their processes. The digitalization of businesses is also helping them become more efficient and competitive in the global marketplace. 

In times of crisis, it’s more important than ever for companies to be able to connect with their customers and suppliers through digital channels. Additionally, businesses need to be able to quickly and easily share information internally and with other organizations. Companies of all sizes are rapidly digitizing for these key reasons: 

digitalization during the pandemic

Maintain and grow operations

During the pandemic, a growing trend of corporate digitalization is adopting digital technology by businesses to maintain and grow operations. Overall, corporate digitalization has many benefits that help companies achieve their goals. By adopting digital technology, companies can expand their borders far beyond what was previously possible and for a fraction of the cost.

Rapid, reliable communication

It’s more crucial than ever for businesses to have reliable and fast communication channels with their employees, customers, and suppliers in a crisis. By going digital, companies can ensure that they can quickly and easily send out critical updates and messages to all relevant parties.

Connect with customers in new ways

One of the most apparent benefits of corporate digitalization during the pandemic is the ability to connect with customers in new and innovative ways. Customers are increasingly expecting companies to have a robust online presence and those that do not risk losing out to their competitors. A well-digitized company can provide an engaging customer experience through its website, social media channels and other online platforms. Additionally, customers can benefit from corporate digitalization through improved product offerings and services.

Streamlined efficiency & productivity

Digitization also helps businesses become more efficient and productive. For example, digitizing documents and processes can help reduce time spent on administrative tasks. Additionally, AR software that automates specific tasks can free up employees to work on more critical projects. 

Another reason for the increase in business digitalization is the need for efficiency during a time of upheaval. To keep up with demand, businesses need to operate at peak efficiency. This means having streamlined workflows, using cloud-based software and automating as many tasks as possible.

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Supply chain disruption reduction

The coronavirus outbreak ushered in a wave of unprecedented supply chain disruptions across industries. Thankfully, as more businesses embrace digitalization during the pandemic, they can better monitor and manage inventory levels, shipping times and supplier relationships by digitizing their supply chains. This helps ensure that if there are any disruptions, they will be able to mitigate the damage and keep their businesses running smoothly and quickly.

Consumption and waste reduction

Corporate digitalization can also help companies cut down on unnecessary expenditures and resources. For example, digitalization reduces paper and other tangible materials, which helps businesses save money by reducing energy consumption and waste.

Automation

Automating tasks can save time and money, as well as improve accuracy. Having a digital system in place can also make it easier to track and analyze data, which can help businesses make better decisions. In addition, automating processes can often improve communication and collaboration between employees. Automation can provide a better customer experience.

Time and money savings

Digitization makes operations more efficient and can save expenditures and time. Automated systems are often faster and more accurate than manual processes, and they can help reduce mistakes. They can also make it easier for employees to access information and collaborate on projects.

Agility

Digitalization during the pandemic can help companies become more agile in the face of change. When processes are automated, it is much easier to make changes or updates, as there is no need to edit and print paper checks, forms or manuals. This can be especially important in times of crisis, such as the pandemic, when companies may need to adapt their operations to new conditions quickly.

Enhanced customer experience

Finally, digitalization can help companies improve the customer experience. By automating tasks like order processing or customer service, companies can speed up the transaction process and provide better service. They can also use data collected from digital systems to improve their products and services.

team members set up in a warehouse reviewing customer orders on a laptop

Business technology challenges and solutions during the Covid-19 pandemic

Many companies have begun digitizing their internal processes in response to the pandemic. This is mainly because many employees are now working from home, which has increased the need for digital solutions. In addition, firms are using digitalization to improve security and compliance. The digital transformation trend during the pandemic is likely to continue in the coming years as companies look for ways to operate more efficiently in a challenging environment.

While there are numerous advantages to digitizing internal processes, businesses face new and unique technology challenges as they rapidly digitize to maintain operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the biggest challenges include:

  • The need for increased bandwidth and storage capacity
  • A need for secure communications
  • 24/7 support
  • Potential cyberattacks and disruptions to their supply chains and IT infrastructure

Overall, businesses are facing several critical technology challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. By preparing for these challenges now, companies can ensure that they can continue operating smoothly during these uncertain times.

Fortunately, businesses can use many business technology solutions to help them overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. 

Some of the most popular solutions include:

  • Increasing bandwidth and storage capacity
  • The ease and security of cloud-based software
  • Automating tasks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Developing a solid disaster recovery plan in case of any IT infrastructure disruptions

Overall, businesses have many excellent business technology solutions at their disposal during the Covid-19 pandemic. By taking advantage of these solutions, companies can ensure that they can maintain communication, efficiency and e-commerce supply chain stability during these uncertain times. With its many benefits mentioned above, digitalization can help businesses overcome many of the challenges posed by Covid-19. 

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Will digital marketing help my business during the pandemic?

The short answer is yes. Digital marketing can help businesses connect with their customers and promote their products and services online. Additionally, digital marketing can help companies reach new audiences and build brand awareness.

How?

Covid-19 has proved a unique event requiring businesses to digitize to maintain operations rapidly. As a result, there is a need for innovative technology solutions that have not been seen before. Companies need to be prepared for anything during the pandemic, and this includes being ready for potential cyberattacks and IT infrastructure disruptions. In addition, businesses also need to have increased bandwidth and storage capacity to handle the surge in traffic expected during the pandemic.

What’s the solution?

Businesses need to be prepared to embrace new and innovative technology solutions during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Why?

Digital marketing can help businesses overcome many of these challenges posed by Covid-19. For example, companies can keep the public updated on the latest news and products by connecting online. Additionally, paid advertising can help companies reach new customers and boost sales. 

The bottom line?

Corporate digitalization offers many benefits to help businesses achieve their goals. By adapting digital technologies, companies can improve performance, connect with customers in new ways, and become more efficient and productive.

Digitizing your business

Covid-19 has presented many challenges for businesses. One of the biggest challenges has been how to adapt and embrace the digital world. With so much information changing so quickly, it can be difficult for businesses to know what they need to do to stay ahead of the curve. There are a couple of top-level considerations, however, that all companies can do to make the transition to corporate digitalization during the pandemic:

  • First, it is vital to have a clear goal and understand what needs to be digitized. Not everything needs to be digitized, and businesses should carefully consider the benefits and costs of doing so. 
  • Additionally, it is crucial to have the right team to manage the digital transformation. This includes individuals with the necessary technical skills and those with experience in change and cloud management.

Cloud-based work

As the world confronts the pandemic, many businesses turn to cloud-based solutions for help. Companies can continue to function and keep employees connected by moving operations to the cloud, even if in different locations.

There are many different cloud-based options available, depending on the needs of your business. Some popular solutions include:

  • Collaboration tools like Zoom and Skype for Business can help employees stay connected and productive, even working from home.
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Salesforce can help you keep track of your customers and interactions during the upheaval.
  • Automated accounting software, such as Billtrust automated AR software, can help you keep your finances organized and up-to-date.

If your business is looking for ways to keep operations running through digitalization during the pandemic, consider turning to the cloud for help, as cloud-based solutions can provide many benefits, from increased efficiency to improved communication!

Final thoughts

Pop culture has long viewed digitalization as a process that mainly affects personal lives, such as how people consume information and entertainment.

Corporations, however, have quickly realized the vast array of benefits of rapid corporate digitalization during the pandemic. For example, many firms have been forced to move to remote work arrangements, which has increased the need for cloud-based solutions. In addition, banks and other financial institutions have also seen a surge in demand for online banking and other digital services.

If you’re considering making a move, assess your goals and the benefits, challenges, and solutions that digitizing offers to ensure that you’re making the right decision for your business.