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The Future Means Reimagining How We Work, Not Just Adding Technology

I keep hearing people use the terms “digital enablement” and “digital transformation” interchangeably.

Some just like to repeat the latest buzzwords. Maybe they think it’s a corporate goal or a measure of progress. But the way they talk, they clearly are missing a crucial distinction between the two.

Yes, they sound similar, but the terms represent fundamentally different approaches to modernizing our work environment.

Digital transformation changes what we do with technology. Digital enablement changes how we work.

There’s a big difference.

What Is Digital Transformation?

For years, companies have focused on digital transformation, or the integration of digital technology into business operations. And many have done a successful job.

But here’s the catch: Digital transformation focuses primarily on “what” we do with technology. You implemented new software, upgraded systems and digitized processes. While important, this approach only scratches the surface of what’s possible.

What Is Digital Enablement?

Digital enablement, on the other hand, represents a complete reimagining of “how” we work. You’re not just giving employees new digital tools, faster computers, the latest apps. Digital enablement fundamentally changes the way your employees approach their jobs, maximizing their potential.

Consider how online shopping revolutionized retail. The shift from traditional retail to eCommerce wasn’t just about moving products onto websites. It created an entirely new shopping paradigm.

In the store, you have the feel of trying on, picking up, seeing and smelling what you are about to buy. It’s a very tactile and sensory experience.

You get to see true colors, as well. Face it, how many times have you bought something online that was red, but it looks more orange once you open the box? Your monitor, photo lighting and dozens of other variables affect what you see on your screen vs. what you see in reality.

Online, on the other hand, has the convenience of never getting out of your chair. You can compare prices across a wide range of etailers and retailers while still in your pajamas enjoying your morning coffee. It’s the ease of finding the lowest price without leaving the house (online) vs. the convenience of trying things on and seeing, in real life, what you will take home (in-store).

But you can’t try that shirt on. You can’t smell that candle.

Yet consumers are continuing to opt for online shopping. ECommerce growth is forecast to grow 53.79% by 2029.

So, the eCommerce transformation didn’t just digitize shopping. It completely changed how we think about, approach and experience the act of purchasing goods.

In the same way, digital enablement will change the experience of how we work. Digital enablement will help your employees maximize their contributions to the company’s success while improving profitability and efficiency. 

Digital Enablement in Action

Your new business model of digital enablement goes beyond making work easier. Your contributions become more meaningful and impactful. When implemented effectively, it: 

  • Reduces time spent on routine tasks
  • Enables data-driven decision-making
  • Increases employee satisfaction and engagement
  • Drives innovation through improved collaboration
  • Improves customer experience
  • Boosts company profitability

For example, back in the day, supply chain managers spent hours entering manual data entry or sifting through inventory spreadsheets. (Sadly, some still do.)

Already, digital enablement can give your supply chain pros real-time visibility into global logistics, predictive analytics that flag potential disruptions before they happen and artificial intelligence-driven tools that optimize routes and delivery times.

Your people can go beyond managing supply chains to continually improving the business processes for agility and resilience.

Or imagine a marketing team. Currently, the team uses digital tools to automate campaign management. Digital enablement can leverage AI-driven insights to help them predict market trends and personalize content for thousands of customers in real time.

Such are the differences between simply transforming workflows vs. enabling teams to work at an entirely different level.

Other entirely new operating models could include:

  • Project planning: The old way used static Gantt charts, weekly status meetings. The enabled way would include dynamic project boards, real-time progress tracking, predictive analytics for resource allocation
  • Customer Service: The old way used phone queues, standard response templates. The enabled way would use AI-powered chatbots to handle routine inquiries. Predictive support could solve problems before they occur.

The Future of Work Could Yield Unlimited Potential

The future of work is about reimagining how you can leverage technology to work smarter, not harder. Digital enablement can unlock this potential, helping your organization move beyond simple digital transformation to achieve true business transformation.

Our future of perpetual disruption will continually change market conditions, shift consumer demand and increase the pressure to find competitive advantage.

Digitial enablement can be your differentiator. Applying the right tools and technology can unlock the full potential of your workforce. The journey can make your business more resilient, more profitable and better equipped to meet future demands. 

Are you ready to go beyond digital transformation and embrace digital enablement? If you are prepared to embrace the future, let’s talk. I would love to hear your ideas.