The world has experienced exceptional and unprecedented circumstances due to the spread of the “Coronavirus pandemic,” which has had a clear and global impact on various sectors of life and different elements of the economy. However, this impact varied from one sector to another due to differences in resources and technologies used in each sector. The primary focus during the pandemic was to sustain the economy at a minimum level to ensure the continuity of vital sectors’ operations and meet the basic needs of citizens.
As we can see, the “Coronavirus pandemic” has imposed numerous rapid digital transformations in various fields, such as business, education, e-commerce, electronic payments, and many other areas. Our goal here is to discuss digital transformation technologies in most sectors to provide sustainable digital solutions and a new way of life system after the end of this pandemic, God willing.
In the field of distance learning, this method was unacceptable in many schools and universities since the idea was unconventional and required a lot of cultural and technical preparation, as well as the provision of electronic channels and integrated platforms for communication between students and their teachers. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive digital content for study materials, curricula, and specialized systems for remote testing makes it difficult to ensure the output of distance learning and emulate traditional learning methods. Despite all the aforementioned challenges and reservations from some educational stakeholders, the pandemic came to impose the necessity of this learning method and drive towards it surpassing all these challenges. Therefore, I urge educational authorities and institutions to combine their efforts after the crisis to build integrated digital education systems, prepare digital content, and create a sustainable direction for distance learning. Universities can target postgraduate studies (master’s and doctoral degrees) as a first step in distance education, then move on to the bachelor’s level (by targeting some elective courses). Schools can target some subjects in secondary stages initially and then progress to other stages.
Regarding remote work, many global companies have been shifting towards remote work systems and flexible achievement-based systems for a while now. They have employees in different cities and locations who work as a unified team, holding remote meetings and daily follow-ups to ensure business continuity. This relies on harmony between the team, wise management, and commitment to work ethics despite the physical distance. Therefore, I call on companies to build digital systems and a virtual work environment that allows partial and phased remote work, aiming to increase work flexibility, improve performance, and reduce costs, while considering implementing controls and mechanisms to avoid any potential negatives.
As for e-commerce, it is one of the sectors that have witnessed a rapid digital transformation globally in the last decade. The culture of online shopping has evolved continuously due to increased security measures on the Internet. Many reputable companies have shifted to marketing their products electronically. However, it is still in the growth stage locally due to several factors, including citizens’ concerns about the quality of goods offered electronically, the limited spread of electronic payment methods, and the lack of inclusivity in all services. I believe that the success of e-commerce locally depends on the presence of an integrated and credible chain from the customer through the store to the end of the supply chain, in addition to having integrated delivery platforms linked to that chain. This is an opportunity to build integrated alliances between supply companies, retail companies, and delivery companies so that there are integrated platforms to serve the buyer easily, comprehensively, and securely. As for the agricultural sector, it is still in the early stages of digital transformation, presenting golden opportunities for investment and development of these sectors locally using digital solutions. There is a need for smart irrigation systems using the Internet of Things to conserve water and monitor soil moisture. Additionally, utilizing artificial intelligence technologies (robots) for seeding and harvesting processes can improve product quality.
And in the industrial sector, which is considered the backbone of the economy and GDP, whether it is productive or transformative industries, the utilization of artificial intelligence technologies and the Internet of Things (IIOT) can enhance production processes, build smart supply chains, establish direct links between digital sales and production lines, use technology to bridge skills gaps, establish direct communication channels to receive feedback from customers to improve product quality and factory efficiency. As for heavy industries, digital twins can be built for continuous product development, cost reduction, and sustainability of these products in the work environment.
In the healthcare sector, the use of technology creates many opportunities for development and improvement of services. Technology can be beneficial in early detection of health problems such as high heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and blood sugar levels, remote patient diagnosis and monitoring. Artificial intelligence technologies can analyze X-ray images and diagnose tumors, contributing to early treatment, avoiding complications, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing healthcare services efficiency; such as facilitating remote patient monitoring, easily accessing medical history, and rapidly treating emergency cases.
In conclusion, to achieve a comprehensive digital transformation in all sectors, there is a need for parallel development in two tracks. The first track is the technical track, ensuring the provision of high-speed digital infrastructure, advanced communication systems, and integrated platforms supporting high speeds and low latency, enhancing the need to build fifth-generation networks to support digital transformation and to become business platforms for all sectors. The second important track, which lies with company leaders, is to develop new strategies that will build new business models, modify procedures, systems, thinking culture, and develop skills and tools to adapt to upcoming major digital transformations.
By Engineer: Belal Khalid Al-Hafnawi
Specialist in the telecommunications sector, information technology, and digital transformation
