By Elaine Vanessa
The digitalization and automation have become the topic of debate since their rapid usage during the pandemic.
Without any exception, the pandemic has boost and forced to use technological advancements innovatively.
Though these technologies were changing the global dynamics since the previous two decades, this one was dramatic.
In this increased usage, all the generation contributed equally by using different digital platforms.
Though the COVID is still prevalent globally and creates an impact on the globe, what are the possible impacts and trends of the digitalization and automation after pandemic?
Don’t worry; I’ll elaborate on all these aspects in regards to posting COVID era.
- Digitalization Rise in Pandemic and Post-Pandemic
There were many doubts about converting business and daily life practices to completely digital; the pandemic has ended these doubts.
During the lockdown businesses and professionals were forced to contact their potential customers and employees through digital channels.
The restriction on the activities of humans left no choice rather than present visually.
The digital transformation was not innovative or a story from Mars.
In the post-pandemic era, people were moving towards digitalization. The paradigm shift of the economies and business towards digitalization was in progress.
Though the progress was sluggish, it was constant. See the following illustration that reflects the internet users at the start of the pandemic.
Businesses were trying and testing digital technologies, and consumers constantly struggled between physical and digital platforms.
The above-mentioned details were the complete scenario of digitalization and automation before the pandemic.
Soon after the pandemic, the whole globe went digital. Shortly after the ban on movement and obligation of maintaining social distance, there were no other choices.
All of the digital platforms have witnessed a dramatic increase in their users. Ranging from business, tele-health to entertainment, every forum has witnessed immense traffic.
While observing both of the illustrations, it is clear that digitization and automation usage has increased extensively.
- Recent Change in Environment
We all are aware of the fact that COVID has increased the usage of digitalization. The main reason behind this was the social distancing and enforced isolation for curtailing the virus’s spread.
But what exactly were the changes? Which sectors were affected by this change?
There are few documents which specifically focus on the industries that are directly affected. Are you all confused about figuring the digital transformation?
Hold on tight; I’ll explain digital changes in every sector and elaborate its impact on digitalization and automation.
Remote Working
Among the diverse range of impacted fields due to the pandemic, remote working of employees belonging from the different business sector is on the top of the list.
Before the pandemic, only 17% of the population work more than five times a day as a remote worker. In other words, you can say that only 17% of the total workforce was able to work remotely.
After the pandemic, this percentage rises to 44%. I knew that is a whopping rise in the remote workers.
The reason behind this is evident as there was no other possible way to continue business practices.
This massive transformation from physical to digital was more challenging for many organizations.
Though the outcomes were dramatic, majority of employees believe that they were more productive during remote working, and employers also acknowledged this claim.
Since then, most workers are willing to work remotely for the rest of their life.
The digitalization was impacted directly, as the remote workers use cloud technology, digital devices, Internet of things and other software.
Multi-Channel Commerce
With the rapid shutting down of the physical stores, consumers shift towards online shopping. This rapid shift and home delivery service have even forced the market leaders to change their business practices.
During the first quarter of 2020, almost 37.8 billion apps were downloaded. Like; Tesco initiates the home delivery services of grocery.
Businesses are forced to use multiple channels to facilitate their customers. The enterprises use blends of physical and digital media.
This blend has increased the usage of QR code, scanning machines, Artificial Intelligence, and renewable packaging, ultimately increasing digitalization and automation usage.
The concept of the fully automated warehouse is the best example of excessive automation use.
Digital Platforms
The use of digital channels for every purpose has been increased significantly. A larger segment of consumers is attracted towards the digital content providers. From entertainment to shopping, everything is being used by different digital channels.
More than half of the population has switched towards digital entertainment options. There are 16 million new sign-ups at Netflix.
This has also burdened the usage of mobile phone. These cell phones have served as the ultimate medium for performing every action. Even, mobile commerce also reached to the highest level.
Digi-Health
Majority of the healthcare systems across the globe have gone to digital channels. The concept of Digi-health or tele-health is the usage of digital channels by the health practitioner to treat patients.
The population highly accepted remote medical international partners; almost 65% were willing to get treated by telehealth service.
The fundamental advantage of preferring it was the treatment options from any remote location. In emergencies, it is considered more adequate than wait for physical treatment.
The 3D printers’ usage for creating personal protective equipment is the best example of automation and digitalization in tele-health.
- What to Expect in Future?
In the present situation, the impact of COVD is estimated to cost $1 trillion loss to the economy. Many business fields are on a seesaw to save their future. Travel and tourism industry is the most affected one.
But on the other hand, many digital channels and firms have also earned numerous benefits. The digitalization and automation have supported them, increasing their profit ratio.
It reflects that the lockdown’s overall impact was negative, but some also have earned, and others have retained their financial position.
The main focus now is on the future trends of this digitalization and automation adopted during COVID? Will these trends increase or decrease?
Don’t worry; I’ll elaborate you the future trend of digitalization and automation post-COVID.
Digital Healthcare will be the new normal
Since the pandemic, majority of the populations are more concerned about their health. Whether it is the suspected test of COVID or any other disease, the preference has significantly shifted. The physical visit can also increase the risk of contagion.
Therefore, in the near future majority of the physicians will prefer to treat their patients digitally. The Digi-health will become the new normal.
Now we call and book an appointment for the doctor to visit him. Then we will book an appointment and communicate with doctor digitally.
This claim is supported by the evidence that almost 41% of Generation Z prefer to get treated by Digi-health services.
Digital Business Models will be trending
The pandemic has frozen the supply chain of many market leaders. The freezing of the supply chain has created a significant impact on the revenue generation of the organization.
Therefore, many organizations are pressurized to re-design their business model. Now, the organization will be dependent on the more product-focused models with stable digital alternatives.
This may include selling data AI to other business. Many brands have already moved towards stocking more products in their warehouse and using it appropriately at the time of crises.
The extra storage business model may include a contract with supermarkets to assure the regulation of the products.
E-Commerce boom will echo
The potential fear of getting sick will be persistent among customers. Therefore, the majority of customers will prefer to shop online rather than visiting physical stores, as per do my coursework.
The increased online shopping preference will give more booms to the e-commerce platform and businesses.
The industry has already reached $25.6 trillion and will continue to increase in future.
Specifically, the businesses providing products like; tinned goods, regular grocery items, medicine and sanitary products.
Many e-commerce platforms like; Amazon HealthLake is an example of revised business practices to cope with the future situation, the logistic platform of Bringoz, which has already initiated the ramification of their business model. And have included best assignment writing service in their model.
Remote Entertainment will be the new theatre
As most organizations are going digital and everyone prefers remote working the entertainment will also be remote. According to Dissertation Help, the paid entertainment platforms like; Netflix and Amazon prime are the most preferred one.
Even movies are being released on these platforms, Netflix announce 70 mainstream movies to be released by their platform and has generated the revenue of $25 billion.
These platforms have become new theatres for the quarantine population. Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality gadgets support remote entertainment.
You can use the VR headset and can get better-animated movies like ‘Tom and Jerry’ made from AI.
Wrapping it up
COVID and the only solution self-quarantine have created a significant impact on the globe. Business sectors are in a continuous struggle to secure their future and finances.
In this condition, the most convenient and rapid solution was adopting the digitalization and automation process.
Many sectors were already in a struggle to transform digitally, but this era has triggered that shift. These adaptations were successful in many ways, and the employee satisfaction level was also retained.
But the future of these adaptations is still in a shadow. The acceptance of these transformations and working practices continuation in the near future is the main concern.
Hope you all agree with the digital transformations that I have mentioned above.
Author’s Bio
Elaine Vanessa is currently working as a Senior Research Analyst and blog writer at Dissertation Assistance, the organization popular for their buy dissertation UK services. She is a dedicated researcher and a passionate writer.