We live in a highly digitized world, and the push toward going all-digital seems to be moving faster than ever. Many businesses have already gone fully digital by moving everything they can to the cloud, including documents, contracts, images, manuals, and even their daily operations.
Are you thinking about undergoing the same type of digital transformation? Whether you’ve already started or you’re in the process of going digital, try these helpful tips to get the most out of your efforts.
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Start collecting electronic signatures
Are you currently requesting electronic signatures from your clients, customers, and employees? If not, it’s worth making the switch. If you have any paperwork that needs to be signed, like contracts and employee handbooks, digital signatures will make life easier.
With the right software, electronic signatures are highly secure and come with tamper-evident controls. If you’re using a file-sharing application like Box, you’ll get high-level security and convenience at once.
For example, when you share a file through Box, the recipient can sign the document right inside the folder. This eliminates the need to download a document, sign it, save a new version, and reupload the file.
Are you working in an industry regulated by certain data privacy laws and wondering if you can use e-signatures? Whether you’re bound by regulations like HIPAA, SOC, FedRAMP, DoDIL, or ITAR, you can use e-signatures, provided the signature service is secure.
Once you eliminate inked signatures and move to digital, you’ll start to see the benefits. You’ll have less paper waste, your employees will be able to find documents faster, and they’ll be more productive throughout the day.
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Create a digital transformation plan
Just like any other new journey, you’ll need a roadmap for creating your digital transformation. However, you’ll need more than just a to-do list full of tasks. There are actually multiple stages to a digital transformation, and each one carries some hefty responsibilities.
For example, the first stage is to define the value of your digital transformation. You’ll need to get senior management on board with your ideas, set clear goals, and secure the capital you’ll need to make the transition to digital. It’s absolutely critical to get management on board with your goals.
Next up is the launch stage. This is where you’ll begin to create the foundation for your digital transformation. For instance, you’ll transition your team over to new digital applications for their daily tasks and ask for feedback along the way.
The final stage is where you’ll scale your efforts. This comes after you’ve worked out the bugs in your existing system, and you’re in a place to define an entirely new operating model for your business in digital form.
Your plans may not go exactly as you define, and that’s okay. Plans are never one-hundred percent. However, try to stick to your plans as closely as possible, so you don’t get too off track.
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Focus on training
When you’re going digital, you’ll need to place a heavy focus on training your employees. Anytime you change the tools your employees use, or when you introduce something new, you’ll get some pushback.
People like doing things how they’ve always done them. Routine is comfortable, and many employees will immediately reject using a new piece of software, even when that software is superior to what they’ve been using.
The only way to combat resistance to adopting new tools is to provide training. First, you’ll want to train your employees to use the new digital tools and systems you’re implementing. However, you’ll also want to train them to understand how and why your new tools support the company’s goals for a digital transformation.
There will always be one or two people who will grumble about the changes, but most will turn around given enough time.
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Consider remote workers
While you’re thinking about how you can turn your company digital, have you thought about hiring remote workers? With remote workers, you’ll decrease the cost of running your business, and you’ll have access to a wide variety of talent from across the world.
According to stats published by findstack, about 16% of companies are now fully remote. If you’re going through a digital transformation, you may as well join the ranks of those who have already discovered the benefits of remote employees.
Don’t wait to digitize your business
Completing your digital transformation will benefit your business and your bottom line. The sooner you start digitizing your business, the sooner you’ll see those rewards.