Digitization Is The Future: Mistakes Big Brands Have Made Along The Way

In an ever-evolving digital era, businesses around the globe are racing to keep up with the pace of technological change. A 2019 McKinsey report suggests that 92% of companies believe that their business models would need to change given the rate of digitization. What was once seen as a competitive edge has swiftly become a survival imperative. However, it’s not just about making the shift; it’s about how you make it. Learning from the mistakes and successes of others is crucial in navigating the digital landscape.

Why Is Digitization Essential For Businesses?

The ubiquity of digital technology in modern life cannot be overstated. From online shopping to remote working, digital interactions shape our daily experiences. With 4.88 billion internet users worldwide in 2021, businesses that haven’t yet embraced digital transformation are effectively invisible to a vast market of potential customers.

Digitization offers enormous potential for businesses. Greater efficiency, improved customer service, enhanced communication, and the ability to reach a global audience are just a few of the benefits. By 2024, an IDC report predicted that 65% of the world’s GDP would be digitized, with growth in every industry driven by digitally-enhanced offerings, operations, and relationships. This forecast underscores the economic power of digital transformation.

Digitization Setbacks

Despite the compelling case for digitization, some businesses are hesitant, largely due to misconceptions about the costs and complexities involved. While the transition requires an investment of time and resources, the cost of inertia is significantly higher. Kodak, a giant in the photography industry, serves as a cautionary tale. Ignoring the digital camera revolution led to their eventual bankruptcy in 2012. Had they capitalized on the digital trend they actually helped start, they might have avoided such a fate.

Yet, digitization is not without its challenges and pitfalls. There have been several instances where a lack of safety and security in the digital transformation process has led to significant data breaches, compromising the personal information of customers. Yes, you can remove your data from sources like Google searches, but data information companies have about you still remain. Mark Zuckerberg’s latest scandal, now with a $1.3 billion bill to its name, where Meta user data leaked, highlights the risks of a digital transformation.

The Rush Creates Risk

One glaring example is the Equifax data breach in 2017. As one of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies, Equifax held an extensive amount of sensitive personal and financial information. In their rush to digital transformation, they overlooked critical vulnerabilities in their security systems. The result was a catastrophic data breach, affecting 147 million consumers. Equifax’s error wasn’t just in having a vulnerability—it was in their slow response to fix it when alerted.

A data breach can have devastating consequences for a business, including loss of consumer trust, damage to brand reputation, and hefty financial penalties. In Equifax’s case, they agreed to pay up to $700 million in fines and restitution.

The lesson from the Equifax breach and others like it is clear: a focus on security must be an integral part of the digital transformation process, not an afterthought.

Moving forward, businesses should remember that successful digitization is a blend of technology and strategy. It requires an understanding of the current business model, customer needs, and potential opportunities. Organizations need to define their digital strategy and then align it with their overall business objectives.

Finally, it’s vital to prioritize data security. An IBM report found that the average cost of a data breach in 2021 was $4.24 million, reaching a 17-year high. This indicates that the risks of not securing data are not only about reputation but also carry substantial financial implications.

As more businesses embark on their digital transformation journeys, they must embrace the opportunities that digitization presents while being mindful of the potential pitfalls. Recognize the strategic importance of security, be agile, be adaptable, and most importantly, be prepared to continuously learn and grow in the face of new digital trends. Remember, the journey of digitization is not a destination but a continually evolving path.