On the way to the future, companies cannot avoid digitalization. More and more processes are being handled electronically. Digitization in administration is of particular importance, an interface that has already been digitized, especially in large companies. But why not everywhere?
Transparency and relief
Away from huge stacks of files on desks, towards the e-file that can be accessed from any computer. Location- and time-independent, faster and more needs-based administrative processes should be carried out after digitization. In addition to the effect of relieving the burden on employees, there is also a networking of the various departments that can access the data digitally. An important keyword here is to increase transparency via data portals and improve quality for end consumers and users.
One in five companies without a digital agenda
It is true that around 60 percent of all companies nationwide believe that they will only remain competitive in the future if they take on digitization in administration. However, one in five companies currently refuses to have a digital agenda. Are the hurdles for the leap into the digital world too high?
Digitization in administration requires money and personnel
For example, if a company changes its HR department and finance, questions arise. Data security in particular is unsettling decision-makers. Who can really access the sensitive data and is the risk of data loss calculable? The phenomenon of big data does not stop at digitization in administration.
Small companies in particular fail when it comes to digitization in administration alone. They simply lack the necessary personnel to deal with the new processes and enter the existing data into the programs. So it is hardly surprising that 70 percent of large companies are at least strategically making their way into the digital office. For companies with fewer than 100 employees, this figure drops to just over 30 percent. This is the result of a representative survey by the digital association Bitkom.
On the cost factor: Digitization in administration, but also in other areas such as production and marketing, is not possible without appropriate investments. Although later cost advantages clearly speak in favor of digital work processes, the switch from analogue to digital initially swallows up a lot of financial resources. The necessary budget for the new infrastructure must be available in the company, because IT experts who take care of the archiving and maintenance of digital files have long since recognized the gap in the market.
Opportunity and threat from technical progress
But defending oneself will not be a solution sooner or later: Companies that want to counteract digitization will no longer be able to remain competitive in the future and will thus be pushed out of the market. Digitization is therefore an opportunity and a threat at the same time – depending on the attitude with which one approaches it and gets involved with the structures of the modern world. The sectors differ significantly. While companies from research and technology are open to technical progress, companies in which sensitive data is handled, such as in the pharmaceutical industry, have mixed feelings about digitization.
Those who digitize remain competitive
Whether it’s large companies that may have already started digitizing their administration, or small companies that are first observing the competition as they take this step into the future, digitization will continue to significantly change the economy in the coming years. Strategic plans for electronic data processing should therefore be present at least in the further planning of every entrepreneur in order to be able to withstand competition.
Boost in the outsourcing market
The challenge of digitization is giving the outsourcing trend in particular an enormous boost. The complex topic of technical progress requires specialist knowledge that companies buy from outstanding companies. Consultants specialising in this sector will show ways to electronically record processes in administration and also in other areas efficiently and in the long term. After an in-depth analysis, the experts create the solution approaches for the companies and accompany them on the way to Administration 4.0.
With the outsourcing strategy, all parties involved aim for the best possible quality, as each partner can focus on his or her area of expertise.
Are you already digitizing? What difficulties do you face? Have you already successfully implemented digitization projects? We look forward to your experience.
Image source: Fotolia.com, Photographer: Coloures-pic
