4 Businesses that Embraced New Technology and What You Can Learn From Them

Digital transformation, or the integration of digital technology into all aspects of a business, has proven to be the key to success for many companies around the world. It simplifies processes, drives growth, and enhances customer experience using technology like Artificial Intelligence, big data, and machine learning.  

In a recent survey, professionals shared that the top benefits of digital transformation include uplifting operational quality by 40%, faster time to market by 36% and meeting consumers’ expectations by 35%. Among the organizations that took the survey, 74% say that digital transformation is a high priority. 

Here are prime examples of local and international businesses that have embraced digital transformation and have used technology to stay ahead of the competition.

Nike

Nike’s digital transformation has been a key driver of growth for the brand throughout the years. They have consistently kept a strong online presence and engaged with customers through mobile apps such as the Nike app, Nike Run Club (NRC) app, and the Nike Training Club (NTC) app, which were responsible for increasing sales in China by 30% over the pandemic. 

The Nike app in particular allowed customers to shop online and used the data gathered to customize their products and receive personalized recommendations. The brand utilizes data and analytics by monitoring trends and consumer behavior to develop new products and give their marketing team data to inspire marketing campaigns that resonate with their target audience. Because of this, their return on investment increased by 20%, and they noticed a 10% increase in consumer engagement. Their commitment to engaging with their customers was made possible through continuous improvement of their apps and developing software that can satisfy their customers’ changing needs. 

Another effort that directed them to invest in software development is creating an omnichannel experience that ensures all customers will have access to a seamless personalized experience, whether they shop in-store or online. Nike also utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to simplify the purchasing process and assist customers in finding their ideal shoe size with Nike Fit, a feature readily available in the app. 

IKEA

IKEA has been a top player in the home and furniture retail industry for more than 80 years. In 2018, they began their digital transformation putting their customers at the center and influencing the decisions made about product development, marketing strategies, and e-commerce. 

Giving importance to adaptability and turning to data analytics have made their growth and transformation possible and sustainable throughout the years. The company utilized qualitative and psychographic data to better understand its customers and create personalized experiences and marketing plans. IKEA’s digital strategy relies heavily on customer data. They even launched the Customer Data Promise to communicate with their customers how the company will use the data provided. Equipping themselves with highly skilled data analysts to strengthen their digital capabilities and effectively adapt to the evolving retail landscape has made IKEA stay on top of competition. It has also helped more customers return because of their seamless experience both online and offline. 

Another notable step in the company’s digital journey is creating Demand Sensing, an advanced AI-based tool that accurately forecasts the demand of products to optimize stock levels and improve customer satisfaction with product availability. 

In addition to these, IKEA also utilizes Kreativ, a virtual and mixed-reality room design technology, that brings together machine learning and 3D technology hosted by the Google Cloud Platform. With the help of powerful AI technology, customers can use the app to scan and design their space with available products, add everything to their cart, and check out for delivery or pick up in-store. 

UnionBank

UnionBank of the Philippines (UBP)  began their digital transformation in 2016. Their digital strategies only strengthened their commitment to provide unmatched customer service, ensure a seamless banking experience for all their customers, and most importantly, safe and secure digital banking. 

In 2017, UnionBank launched The Ark, transforming their branches into digital banks that offer an efficient way to fulfill bank errands without the long queues and typical inconveniences one experiences. The Ark was done with assistance from NCR Corporation, a leader in omnichannel solutions, and their proprietary Interactive Teller Machine and NCR SelfServ 83 technology. Utilizing this technology allows centrally-located bank tellers to remotely assist customers as well as intelligent cash deposit and multi-currency deposit respectively. 

They also revamped online banking channels like their mobile app to offer a better experience to their customers, providing them with basic services that can be fulfilled in-app such as opening an account and depositing a check. Due to the shift of their services online, cybersecurity measures of UBP were amped up, and they partnered with Palo Alto Networks to secure both on-premise and cloud infrastructures, as well as to detect cyber threats in real-time and in the most efficient way possible. With the rise of cyber threats, UBP has and will continue to invest in network and cybersecurity to fulfil their commitment to customers for a safe, secure, and simple way of digital banking. 

Bebang’s Halo Halo

Aside from having a top quality product, the success of Bebang’s Halo Halo stems from numerous factors including listening to and applying customer feedback, creating their own automated ordering system, and using a chatbot powered by Manychat to handle customer’s questions and concerns. 

Owners Sam Karazi and Daymae Salubides started the business in 2021 backed up by their extensive experience in e-commerce and marketing. They are one of the first businesses in the Philippines to use AI for customer support, order processing, and data analysis. They simplified the ordering process with just a few clicks via Messenger, an instant messaging app by Meta Platforms, and their automated chatbot. With these tools, customers can receive updates about their orders immediately, making their ordering experience smoother and hassle-free. Their strong social media presence was also key to their success, making sure that their marketing strategies stayed relevant to their target audience and would be top of mind when one thinks of halo-halo. 

Overall, Bebang’s Halo Halo not only invested in developing a tried and tested product, but also adapted to the evolution of doing businesses in a tech-driven world. Their commitment to digital marketing and entrepreneurial skills has led them to stay ahead of competition and have since grown to multiple physical stores around the metro. 

How You Can Grow Your Business Too

Digital transformation is key to growing a business and has now become a non-negotiable when it comes to scaling, creating efficient processes, and engaging with the target audience. Because of this shift, more working professionals who are equipped with both basic and advanced digital skills are needed and more valuable in the labor pool. Skills and knowledge in software development, network and cybersecurity, data analytics as well as marketing technology and entrepreneurship technology are key to adaptability and driving digital transformation of businesses. 

Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) taps into this opportunity and offers fully online courses and college degrees that are easily accessible and affordable to cater to the demand of the tech and business job market. MMDC’s BS Information Technology has launched new specializations categorized into development-focused and business-focused. Development-focused specializations include Software Development and Network and Cybersecurity, while business-focused specializations include Data Analytics, Marketing Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology. These new specializations aim to give students the edge to be on top of the competition as they learn the latest technologies and software that they can utilize in their future careers as social media managers, digital marketing specialists, innovation strategists, and tech entrepreneurs, to name a few. 

Certification programs are also available, which are likewise fully online, flexible, and in-demand courses that both working professionals and working students can enroll in. Courses include Virtual Assistance, Meta Social Media Marketing, Adobe Content Creation, Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce, and IBM Data Analytics. 

Develop the right skills, learn from top industry leaders, and build lasting confidence with modern, tech-driven education. Working students can thrive in the industries shaping tomorrow with MMDC. Experience it yourself and enroll now!

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