Digital Transformation and Tech - Stepping Outside the Stereotype of What Tech Is

Ever since the invention of the internet, the rise of home computers and the introduction of the World Wide Web in the later half of the 20th century, the Digital Revolution has given way to the idea of mass production and widespread application of digital logic in business operations. Something, as we move through time, that cannot be avoided.

Beginning with the launch of today’s tech giants such as Google, Facebook, Apple etc., the ultimate tech industry geeky dream/goal was to work for one of them or other Silicon Valley companies that deal with computers, hardwares and programmes. They were the highest paying companies around, and were on the forefront of our 21st century digital revolution. Who wouldn’t want that?

As our society became more digital-dependent, technology has filtered its way through the cracks of all industries across the board. So much so, that it has embedded so deeply into business operations that are carried out every day. Examples include (but not limited to) Health-Tech, Edu-Tech, Agri-Tech, Fin-Tech, Insur-Tech, Automobiles and so much more. Every industry out there is dependent on technology and digital operations - there is no escaping it.

Now, humanity being so tech-dependent hasn’t exactly been a new concept; it has been boiling under the surface for years. [Arguably, the rise of e-commerce giants like Alibaba and Amazon has made us all that much lazier and too overly dependent on the convenience they bring; making brick-and-mortar stores redundant over time.] It is inevitable that businesses will ultimately have to have a digital transformation plan in place, so their operations can serve their customers from any location and at any time. However, the curveball that is the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to speed up their digital transformation plans, regardless of where in their timeline the plans are. For the businesses that already have a solid digital presence, the pandemic has forced them to reconsider their approach and efficiency in their online operations. Everything from online payment systems to managing a digital storefront, has been amplified due to the new ‘normal’ we live in now.

As a result of this, tech developers are in high demand for their skills and expertise. Gone are the days of the stereotype of what it is like working in the tech industry, tech developers are now open to work across all industries and still do what they love. Not only is this beneficial for businesses, it allows developers to have a larger breadth of what disciplines they can explore. For example, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers are finding new ways to tend to their patients and provide the services they normally do in person, via digital platforms. Developers are needed to build a platform that gives the wider population access to healthcare services, insurance coverage, emergency services etc. from a safe distance. The crossing of disciplines allows developers (and businesses alike) to have a better connection with the community they serve, a better understanding of global demands, and is an excellent way to encourage young women to consider a career in STEM fields.

Digital transformation and technology are changing the way we work as humanity and as a cohesive community, for better and sometimes worse. Without the technological advancements we have today, we would not be doing the things we are doing right this second. However, regardless of which way we look at it, digital technologies are needed and an essential part of our way of life moving forward. Like it or not, we’re slowly turning into robots. Pun intended. ;)