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Top 5 Digital Transformation Current & Future Trends in 2024

Top 5 Digital Transformation Current & Future Trends in 2024Top 5 Digital Transformation Current & Future Trends in 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in every sector, and companies are forced to rethink their digital strategies. As a result, the investment in digital transformation is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by the end of 2022 and $2.8 trillion by 2025. It has become crucial for business leaders to stay aware of new trends and technologies and adapt to the changes accordingly.

This article presents 5 digital transformation trends and recommendations which can better prepare companies for their digital transformation journey. 

1. Emphasis on cybersecurity

The pandemic caused companies to rush into digital transformation, increasing their vulnerability and cybersecurity risk. 2021 had almost a record high of security breaches, which is why organizations are now paying more attention to improving their cybersecurity.

Companies are now leveraging AI (artificial intelligence), ML (Machine learning), and RPA (Robotics process automation) to improve their cybersecurity to mitigate this security threat.

Recommendations: 

Leveraging AI in cybersecurity through sophisticated algorithms can help detect malware and ransomware before it breaches the system. Trained ML models fueled with historical data can help detect and take actions against potential threats. However, even though AI and ML systems speed up malware and threat detection, they can also do false positives. Therefore, a combination of traditional methods with AI/ML would be a better approach.  

Additionally, companies need to change their overall strategy towards cybersecurity. Cybersecurity mesh is a trending new approach to implementing cybersecurity technologies in a modular way to achieve more flexibility and scalability to cater to the increasing complexity of businesses. Company managers should also add cyber security experts to the team who are experienced in mesh architectures for better results. 

RPA also has various implications in automating cybersecurity in your business. For more, check out our article on RPA in cybersecurity.

2. Preparing for 5G

As shown in Figure 1, the adoption of 5G technology is projected to increase in the future significantly. 

5G technology can provide more strength to companies through its 10-20 times higher speed, significantly larger device connectivity, and 10 times lower benefits. Companies can leverage 5G to speed up the implementation of digital solutions and significantly improve their internet-based software. 

Recommendations:

Company managers should focus on creating a strategic 5G plan to better prepare the business for future implementation. Another focus should be to create an implementation strategy that includes details regarding the current IT systems, relevant security considerations, and budget details based on ROI. Additionally, companies can also start educating their employees about the technology and the company’s expected results after the implementation.

Figure 1. Global 5G adoption forecast 2020 to 2026

 Source: Statista

Watch how Aerial Applications, a software company, can leverage 5G to improve their operations

3. Customer data platform (CDP) storm

Customer data is abundantly available for companies to use for optimal decision-making. CDP software is a unified customer database that provides easy access to real-time customer data. The pandemic has intensified the market of CDP, which is projected to reach more than $3 billion by 2025.

Recommendations: 

Businesses can leverage CDP to facilitate digital transformation by providing relevant data regarding customer transactions and behavior (in the form of customer profiles) and fueling the implementation and improvement of digital solutions. For example, automotive companies can combine customer and weather data to create an AI-based predictive model to provide driver accident risk insights. Prior to the implementation of CDP, managers should consider which systems already exist in the company so that seamless integration of CDP can be achieved. It is also important to clearly define your customer data strategy and the budget that you are willing to allocate for the CDP implementation project.

4. The boom of Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI has significantly impacted businesses and industries around the world. The AI market is projected to reach $126 billion by 2025 as companies of all sizes invest in the technology. Figure 2 illustrates the major investors in artificial intelligence worldwide. 

AI-based tools allow businesses to recognize trends, make optimal decisions, produce accurate forecasts, and improve operations. 

Recommendations:  

Considering your business needs is important before implementing AI-based tools. While some businesses have the resources to implement expensive AI solutions, others with limited financial resources can leverage AI-as-a-service or AI solutions by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon (AWS).

Implementing Generative AI in creative and R&D departments can also help companies create better content. For example, by using generative AI techniques in pharmaceuticals, a drug was successfully created to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in less than 12 months. Gartner also predicts that more than 30% of new drugs will be discovered using generative AI by 2025. In addition, Generative AI can also be used in creating designs. For instance, jacobs engineering created a spacesuit using generative AI techniques. Company managers should focus on understanding and studying generative AI to identify potential implications in their business.

Figure 2. Major investors in AI technology

Source: Statista

Feel free to check our article on AI transformation for more.

5. Automating the business

Automation is another technology that is transforming businesses worldwide. More businesses are now investing in RPA (Robotic Process Automation) to enhance their business processes than ever before. As shown in Figure 3, the global RPA market is projected to increase to $13 billion by 2030, which is a ~1200% increase from 2020. Hyperautomation is another discipline that enables digital transformation in businesses.   

Test automation is another area that can create digital transformation by shifting manual testing to automated testing.

Recommendations: 

Companies can leverage hyperautomation to efficiently identify, examine and automate numerous business and IT processes. To effectively implement RPA in your business, check out Prepare and Implement RPA Successfully

To reduce automation maintenance costs, companies can implement autonomic systems to dynamically modify algorithms and optimize process automation behavior within a workflow.

However, implementing process automation can be expensive; therefore, companies need to have a complete understanding of the scope and ROI before deciding to implement and choose a solution.

Figure 3. Global RPA market size from 2020 to 2030

Source: Statista

Watch how DHL uses RPA to improve its supply chain and logistics operations

Further Reading

You can also check our sortable/filterable list of digital transformation consulting companies to find the fit that best suits your business needs.

If you have questions about digital transformation trends, let us know:

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Access Cem's 2 decades of B2B tech experience as a tech consultant, enterprise leader, startup entrepreneur & industry analyst. Leverage insights informing top Fortune 500 every month.
Cem Dilmegani
Principal Analyst
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Shehmir Javaid
Shehmir Javaid is an industry analyst in AIMultiple. He has a background in logistics and supply chain technology research. He completed his MSc in logistics and operations management and Bachelor's in international business administration From Cardiff University UK.

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