Due to the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses may require additional modifications to their existing operations. Therefore, in such a scenario, it is imperative for the IT divisions to concentrate on devising novel approaches that facilitate quick and efficient software development, which can support the enterprise’s evolving needs.
Adopting this strategy would guarantee that organisations maintain an exceptional level of service while proactively innovating. The IT divisions can leverage the available resources and also take appropriate measures to fulfil future requirements. The following are some of the potential entry points for implementing specialized innovation teams:
Robotic Automation of Tasks
Businesses can deploy ‘bots’ which represent Robotic Process Automation to automate various routine tasks across multiple departments. To illustrate, legal departments can employ bots to scrutinize contracts, while the Human Resources department could rely on them to expedite new employee onboarding procedures. This type of automation empowers staff to channel their efforts towards more integral avenues, thereby freeing up valuable resources and time.
Employing robots for iterative processes can lead to automation of various IT functions, and consequently, reduce costs for IT departments, as well as require lesser programmers to accomplish equivalent work. Here are some examples of IT tasks that can be automated using robots:
- Methodical data transfer through vigilant observation
- The act of providing access to new users and assigning them appropriate job roles and tools is referred to as “onboarding.”
- Efficiently handling patches by installing them at suitable intervals
- Supervision of antivirus systems through periodic software upgrades
- Managing data backups by repetitively scheduling them
- Maintaining the system by conducting regular checks
Take a look at this video to understand how RPA functions in real-life scenarios.
Introduction to Progressive Web Applications
Presently, software developers can choose to build Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) apart from native, hybrid, and cross-platform mobile platforms. This alternative presents an opportunity to leverage web-based principles and tools to create applications that mirror the aesthetics and functionality of their native mobile counterparts. Additionally, PWAs offer users a home screen shortcut that directs them straight to the website, rather than the actual app.
Other than the benefits highlighted above, PWAs also provide:
- Given a shorter time to mature,
- An increase in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic
- Development costs that are reasonable enough to not hinder the process
- Rapid Setup Process
- Compatibility with all browsers and devices
- Functionality whether online or offline, even with poor network connectivity
- A simulated native experience for users
- Real-time notifications
- Consistently up-to-date
- A safe and secure platform that safeguards user information
- This tool is not available on app stores, but can be shared through a URL.
Tools for Digital Transformation
Incorporating automation in an organization can yield benefits by converting manual procedures into digital processes. Businesses can establish the effectiveness of digitization by commencing with automating simple tasks, which can provide a basis for more complex undertakings.
Digital transformation can improve efficiency across various departments within an organization, including Sales, Production, and Support. The objective is to recognize opportunities that can enhance productivity, such as replacing paper-based manual processes with automated quoting systems.
Digital transformation also involves the management of data, and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for data collection. To maintain a competitive edge in terms of customer experience and innovation, businesses must learn how to leverage data to obtain meaningful insights.
Implementing digital transformation can result in enhanced efficiency in system administration and streamlined IT operations, among other benefits. This can aid in the acceleration of additional initiatives.
Low-Code Development Environments
Low-code development is a technique that allows non-programmers to design efficient processes and software by dividing code into modular components that can be assembled. This approach can also be advantageous for experienced developers as it can save time.
Deploying a low-code platform offers numerous advantages to IT operations, user interfaces, data models, business applications, and more. These platforms typically incorporate advanced features such as resource management, monitoring, direct connections, low-code API accessibility, drag-and-drop workflow designers, prototype capabilities, and workflow testing, among others, to ensure a seamless development process.
Listed below are some benefits of low-code development environments:
- Improved speed in creating new programs and processes
- Reduced requirements for developing, testing, and studying new scripts
- Lower familiarity requirements for different tools and technologies
- Cost savings
- Improved ability to quickly respond to business needs
- Increased efficiency and output
- Improved user experience
Future-Ready Applications
Business environments and markets are subject to constant change, making it crucial for companies to have the ability to respond quickly. While current technologies can be instrumental in solving present challenges, they may not be adequate to tackle future problems. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to ensure their adaptability.
For technology professionals, the following principles can be a starting point when creating solutions that are more resilient and durable:
Generating procedures,
containerization, automation frameworks, and utilising a unified programming language are effective approaches for managing hybrid cloud environments.Design for scalability,
creating opportunities for new product developments down the line.Develop for
Safety must be a top priority during both the design and development stages to ensure the highest quality end product. Additionally, security should be prioritised to provide maximum protection.Implement both continuous integration and delivery.
Embracing these practices can enable teams to create more secure and better-quality code, and to quickly adapt to any changes in the company.Develop dependable software,
where updates and fixes can be carried out with ease. Employ automated testing and fundamental design principles to accelerate the development process.
Effective Preparation
By investing in innovation and applying the strategies discussed in this material, you can lay the groundwork for future operational triumph. While it may require additional time and effort to distinguish the tasks involved, this will ultimately prove worthwhile, resulting in enhanced productivity.
