Digital transformation is no longer an over-looked element for businesses that plan to remain relevant in the upcoming years. In fact, a recent study showed that global spending on digital transformation will account for USD 3.4 trillion by 2026. This is evident given that businesses are facing multiple challenges on various fronts and will continue seeing bottlenecks and opportunities emerge in the years to come.

This blog is co-authored by Omkar Patwardhan, Content Marketing Manager and Karl Wightman, Designer.

This is why a strategic approach to digital transformation will help businesses stay relevant and competitive, all while having a sustained revenue model. It is worth noting here that digital transformation is not just limited to technology – it’s about shifting the mindset that allows organisations to reimagine their business models and benefit from potential opportunities created through emerging technologies.

Ali McKeand, Chief Technologist – Innovation at CAE shared his views – “We are seeing more organisations transform their energy consumption approach across their existing IT infrastructure, all driven by a change in mindset that predominately stemmed through a strategic digital transformation. New thinking, in consort with growing adoption of effective power monitoring and management tools, is reducing both financial and environmental costs. ”

How can digital transformation lead to a sustainable future?

Sustainability has become one of the biggest challenges that businesses are facing today. A report from Gartner showed that more CEO’s are recognising that environmental and social changes are among the top three priorities for investors, just trailing profit and revenue. While technology is often associated with growing sustainability issues, it will continue to play a key role in driving a sustainable and an equitable future.

Organisations will need to develop innovative solution to meet their sustainability goals amid a stringent regulatory outlook and evolving consumer demands. This is where the right technology partner can help businesses blend digital transformation with sustainability – to not only reduce energy consumption but also provide the foundation for continual improvement as well as innovation across any ESG strategy.

Through data-driven insights, an improved supply chain integration, and efficient technology frameworks, organisations can uphold their sustainability principles that drive change. This means going beyond an individual organisation and enabling more businesses to learn from each other.

Is an “always on” mentality in IT sustainable?

Continuous technological marvels have allowed IT systems to run 24x7, making it tougher to challenge the “always on” mentality. Ali offers a different approach that provides businesses access to frictionless solutions.

“It involves automating the switching on and off of systems and delivering critical information to support collaboration and change between digital and sustainability teams. With quick access to intuitive power information, businesses can enjoy quick wins that will not only save costs but also support green goals.”
– Ali McKeand.

Additionally, it is important for businesses to focus on continuous reporting. This makes it easier to measure the impact of their respective sustainable practices. Regular reports and updating everyone, from associates to executives, offers insight into understanding the progress achieved across a business’ ESG strategy.

How will the right technology partner support your digital transformation?

The right technology partner is vital for encouraging a collaborative approach between sustainability and IT. Businesses must work with a supplier that goes beyond selling digital transformation, but actively offers value realisation through green initiatives and carbon reduction strategies.

Any digital transformation will succeed when it is cost-effective, incremental, and sustainable. That means being outcome-focused through improved processes, innovation and new products can allow organisations to improve their capabilities and buy-in for the transformation, thus building their overall business value. With the right technology partner and the right plan, organisations can develop a flexible and adaptable business structure even if they are relying on existing capabilities.

To find out more about digital transformation in a sustainability-focused era, read Ali’s full opinion article and see how we can help you achieve your sustainable goals and bring in more good days.