Across industries, the past two decades have signalled a huge transformation or turning point. Traditional business methods that were rooted in physical space and relied on face-to-face interaction and habits that had been built over previous decades suddenly were reshaped by technology.
Whether it be how we shop, handle our money or entertain ourselves, organisations have adapted with technology and the changing needs of customers. It has signalled not just a new era for companies but for customers too.
Online Entertainment as a Pioneer of Online Transition
The gaming sector is a clear example of this shift, especially when we consider games like bingo. Once a staple of community halls and social clubs up and down the country, bingo has been reinvented for the digital age. It moved onto our screens in the 2000s and has continued to adapt to our digital preferences since. Take, for example, Paddy Power Bingo, which has emerged as a market leader. It has improved upon the traditional game with new features like themed rooms and chat functions. This integration of social features has been crucial, as it mirrors players’ experiences in local community halls. This success for the company has been replicated across their gaming and sports betting features and has proved how companies can completely transform into an online structure without losing their appeal to customers. A similar shift has been seen across other industries too.
Retail, Finance, and the Broader Business Shift
In retail, famous examples include Zara and H&M who have created successful models on their websites and have embraced the digital age. They have integrated apps and click-and-collect services as well as in-store digital processes. This improved the customer experience and is something that has been successfully recreated in the banking sector too. Powered by online banks like Revolut and N26, traditional high-street operations have been forced to rethink their strategy and quicken the pace of their development. All providers offer apps, online identification features and more digital services, taking away the need for some face-to-face interactions.
The businesses that are successful are those that have restructured their processes around the digital revolution. They have taken the opportunity to improve their product offering for customers. Paddy Power was completely redesigned for a digital audience, and similarly, supermarkets like Tesco and Aldi have done similar. Both have revamped logistics and delivery systems to meet the differing demands of customers who want more and more convenience during the purchasing process.
Workplaces and Cultural Adaptation
While the digital age has meant a better customer experience, how does life look for workers? Remote working has become the norm, powered by technology from Zoom and MS Teams. Once used primarily as emergency measures, they have been integrated into the everyday operations of companies. Although there has been an increase in working from company offices, hybrid working still remains, meaning companies will continue to invest in these digital technologies.
As illustrated by examples from a range of industries, the success of digital transformation has powered companies to grow and improve their processes. If even games that were seemingly only suited to in-person play, like bingo, have been moved online, it means that other companies can make the move online while still respecting their tradition.
