Learn from 7 industries that have rewritten their practices with a digital mindset
In the 2010s, many businesses started to build online infrastructures through the web or apps. That rush became an explosion when the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world into lockdown. Making money became a matter of whether your product or service was available online. The businesses that thrived instead of just surviving embraced their digital presence. The rush to digitize services and retail hasn't slowed down since.
People and industries now rely on online services that let us shop, stock, swap information, and conduct business with the touch of a screen. Here are seven digital transformation examples that changed the way we do business.
Find the best next steps for your company in Digital Transformation: A Guide for Modern Businesses.
1. Dining
The pandemic put eateries that had been slow to implement meal-ordering apps on the back foot. People still needed to eat, even if they couldn’t come in and sit down. The restaurants that entered the pandemic with integrations for DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar apps had a clear advantage.
The popularity of these dining apps has only increased since lockdown ended. It’s rare to see a new restaurant open without at least one of their logos in the window. The digital transformation of dining has had a huge impact on food supply chains as well. GPS and digital calendars keep the delivery of raw materials on-track, resulting in less food waste. It’s safe to say the entire dining industry has become a prime digital transformation example since 2020.
2. Retail
Amazon already had a head start as the internet's premier retailer. That left other retailers playing catch-up when the world moved even further online. Fortunately, smaller businesses have found some inventive ways to adapt and offer unique values.
Some eliminated their physical retail stores. Others found success with "hybrid" shopping experiences. These are fully online but also have stores or showrooms for customers who prefer the hands-on experience. For example, Casper primarily sells mattresses online. Yet it also lets customers head to brick-and-mortar showrooms to try before they buy. These digital transformation examples show there’s no one way to go digital.
3. Manufacturing
Cloud-based links between machines has had a significant effect on manufacturing. This Internet-of-Things (IoT) communication improves manufacturing by letting the factory's robotics and automated systems coordinate with each other and employees. This communication is vital for keeping production efficient and on-track. It can even allow for remote diagnosis of issues for better preventative maintenance.
Another example of digital transformation in manufacturing is centralizing document workflows. This makes it easier to keep important info, such as safety notices, consistent across locations. It also reduces the need to keep paper documents in areas with heavy machinery. Instead, workers can find all the info they need on tablets or other devices.
4. Medicine
The recent digital transformation in medicine has changed how patients are seen and diagnosed. Doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals have digitized everything from appointments to files.
This transition has been a boon for overburdened staff. It's much quicker to look up a person's name on a database than to dig around for their physical file. This results in a more efficient check-in and check-out process. Centralized information also makes it easier for providers and insurers to access what they need. That means more detailed treatment plans and faster billing.
It isn’t just more efficient, either. Patients appreciate having the option between a video call and an in-person appointment. Accessing health records and test results from online portals helps patients stay involved. They can answer more of their own questions and come to each appointment prepared.
5. Grocery
Store pick-up is the fastest growing form of grocery e-commerce. That’s sending more customers to grocery apps and websites. That growth is creating opportunities in related areas, such as the rise of retail media advertising. Meanwhile, improved data sources from user’s shopping habits and store supplies allow for more efficient ordering.
It’s safe to say that the digital transformation of grocery stores is affecting every part of the grocery business.
6. Finance
Businesses big and small have been able to make transactions online since before the turn of the millennium. The steady advancement of financial tech ("fintech") has given businesses more ways to manage their money online. It’s contributed to greater data accuracy, which means financial institutions can make better decisions on loans and credit. For companies interacting with finance firms, it can mean faster processing of loan applications.
On the consumer side, fully digitized banks such as SoFi don’t even have physical branches. This business strategy would not be possible without digital transformation. Consumers can handle the vast majority of their needs through apps or websites. If they need to deposit a check, they simply use their smartphone camera.
7. Government
As of September 2023, only 2% of government forms were digitized. Nearly half of federal websites weren’t designed for use on mobile devices. These are two of many reasons digital transformation in government is a valuable project for the United States.
The federal government is working toward a smoother, more unified system. Better accessibility and usability will let private organizations work with the government more effectively. Government employees also could stand to benefit from the process. Digital, centralized recordkeeping among agencies will enable better collaboration. It may even reduce bottlenecks to open up new efficiencies.
How to join the digital transformation
You’ve seen how several industries are bringing their businesses into the digital space. If you're ready to join them, you don’t have to go it alone.
Ricoh has spent decades developing technology and processes that help businesses like yours adopt a digital-first mindset. For many organizations, that starts by overhauling information systems. We’re proud to recommend our professional grade fi and SP scanners to get all your documents online. Our digital transformation experts are ready to help you get started.
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