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Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of our working and living environment, and will continue to be an important resource for business, government and society at large. By combining information, knowledge, processes and technology, ICT is driving efficiencies and fuelling innovation – and it will play a crucial role in helping organisations of all sizes to connect, collaborate and compete more effectively.
The initial benefits of ICT are improved development and production efficiencies. However, as we move forward, these technologies are radically transforming the business landscape in numerous industries.
The three primary drivers to digital transformation are that we see more change in technology, change in competition, and changing customers. Companies born digitally have changed customer expectations. This is sometimes referred to as the GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) experience.
During a Digital Transformation forum organised by Ericsson in Lagos recently, Rutger Reman, Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria said that telecommunications companies and vertical industries such as software developing companies need to remain relevant in the world’s fast changing ICT environment.
According to him, there are three major areas of transformation which are; Digital engagement – Interact consistently with customers and partners through all channels. Leverage data to understand and capture the business, digital services – Innovate to launch new offerings and business models with third-parties. Become a service provider for the digital society (IoT, Cloud) and digital operations – Respond quickly with real-time processes and technology. Reduce cost through automation and consolidation.
“All these must be taken into consideration and leveraged upon in order to reach a new kind of consumer who thrives on digital interaction,” Rutger said.
He added that; “As a digital transformation partner, Ericsson understands the challenges faced by organisations in the digital era. We have double digit years of experience helping operators transform and concluded 69 significant transformation contracts in 2016 alone.
“We use a proven engagement framework that embraces people, processes, technology. We deliver on a global scale with more than 17,000 consulting and systems integration professionals delivering on over 1,500 projects every year,” He said.
Panel members who represented different telecommunications operators in Nigeria blamed the government for the slo technology development in the country as the federal government is yet to create a clear road map on its digital transformation agenda for the country.
Akin Yusuf, Special Assistant to the Minister of Communications on Digital Resource optimisation said that the government has always had intentions to promote good governance that would drive development, create jobs and boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but will need support from the private sector especially the telcos.
The telecoms operators said that they would remain relevant in the fast changing ICT environment if the Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of various organisations begin to think in line with digital transformation.
