By: Andrew Conway, CTO, Proteus developed by Xergy
Sustainable technology innovations are constantly developing. As we know, digital transformation tools are powerless without adoption, and change has been met with some resistance.
We must embrace the digital economy as our partner of choice to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The benefits don’t stop at operations and the environment. Modern technological processes can mitigate frustrating processes and slow decision-making, creating an attractive workplace that will retain employees and engage prospects.
Outdated systems and structures running on old, inefficient technology are preventing companies from moving forward. We need to both accelerate and lead the changes in our corporate processes and individual commitments for environmental progress.
Many of the sustainable endeavours of companies have been obsolete for the past 18 months. Engaging a shift in operations now should be the focus as we settle into a new working world.
Connecting remotely:
The pandemic has created a unique opportunity for companies to look at the coexisting relationship between sustainability and business growth. Continuing the digital acceleration witnessed over the pandemic and harnessing the innovation happening daily will enable businesses to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Now many workforces are no longer confined by locality, reduced infrastructure has reduced office emissions significantly. To meet net-zero goals, we need to break down the barriers of reliance on physical office engines and embrace the capabilities of sustainable tech to power the office of tomorrow.
Digital tools can automate planning, execution and tracking. Crucial paperwork such as contracts, expense forms and invoices can be digitised to reduce waste. Collaboration channels and platforms can foster connectivity. The opportunities to get us closer to our goals to a greener world have never been richer.
Big data:
Understanding business’ role in building a more sustainable world is fundamental. The pandemic has pushed companies to leverage digital capabilities, and now it’s time to integrate this into daily operations.
Transforming operations to meet low carbon benchmarking requires strategies around deployment to be reviewed. Data capture, process digitalisation and digital connectivity are essential to delivering safe and efficient sustainable solutions for the future.
For example, when engaging and attracting talent, data can drive efficiencies in profile and skill-based matchmaking. People can look for work just as effectively with the support of technology. The simplification of a resource-intensive process will make savings across the board that will benefit companies long term.
From work to the interactions between colleagues, the data capture opportunity is fruitful. This knowledge can create solutions that encourage a productive and streamlined workforce. Companies that can take advantage of this disruptive technology to gain a significant competitive advantage on the road to zero.
Digital transformation
One of the biggest trends for sustainably transforming operations is work management automation. The pandemic has forced us to be innovative and limit our structural dependency on traditional systems. Delivering tomorrow’s office as a hybrid hub, open to flexibility, will maximise the benefits of remote work and maintain the necessary collaborative human interactions.
Centralised technologies such as automation or cloud platforms enable companies to be distributive and maximise productivity. Organisations can create end-to-end visibility of projects and utilising these digital means delivering outputs optimised at every level. Businesses are not only working at their most productive level and widening the competitive gap but monitoring their footprint in doing so.
Other technological capabilities such as AI and machine learning can refocusing efforts in businesses that need immediate human attention. AI can make companies more productive by streamlining efforts and learning processes to simplify efforts. The result? Better stewardship of resources, assets and emissions led by evidence-based decisions.
Conclusion:
As we start to move back to the office and hybrid models of working, we must collaborate across different business departments to deliver on green goals. Connectivity is fundamental, and without the correct digital infrastructure, this could be detrimental to business growth.
There is a new generation of highly motivated and skilled talent are prioritising eco-stability. This group demands technical solutions that enable connectedness to improve the efficiency of the way we work. They want solutions that empower employees and satisfy the needs of the planet. Businesses have some work to do.
We must continue to evolve to lead the energy transition and the needs of a global low carbon economy. We have an opportunity to reinvent how businesses operate and change the narrative; become part of a solution that merges energy efficiency and digital transformation.
Andrew Conway, CTO, Proteus developed by Xergy
