Manila, Philippines, September 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shifted the way businesses around the world operate. Businesses have shifted to either a fully work-from-home set-up of their workforce or a limited number of employees are allowed back to the office under staggered shifts. Despite changes in how companies operate, the need for business continuity highlights the role that digital technologies play in the “new normal.”
With many employees working from home, the spotlight is now on cloud and service providers to ensure that work continues seamlessly. Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability, is helping companies ensure continuity of business operations by supporting cloud and service providers.
“Schneider Electric has a unique domain expertise in building, power, and information technology, and we are able to support cloud and service providers by providing an open architecture platform that delivers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity,” explains Tony Kang, Business President for Secure Power at Schneider Electric Philippines. “We foresee significant growth in this area, given the rise of cloud computing, the internet of things, mobility, video streaming, and artificial intelligence.”
Ensuring business continuity also means having the proper equipment to support companies. “We are able to help companies ensure business operations by keeping their staff protected and connected while they work from home. This is through our Back-UPS series of solutions designed specifically for power back-up and protection for IT and electronics devices,” Kang adds.
This new set-up of working appears to be anything but temporary. Dispersed workforces mean greater reliance on digital solutions. An increasing number of companies are realizing the need to hasten digital transformation—not only to guarantee smooth operations, but also to enable companies to take advantage of opportunities presented by a changed business landscape.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced industries around the world to rethink strategies and fast-track digital transformation initiatives. We support this digital transformation by helping companies through the Schneider Electric Exchange, our digital ecosystem and business, platform,” shares Kang. “Through the platform, we make it easier for companies to solve specific business challenges. In a ‘business unusual’ scenario, we’re able to help companies in their journey toward becoming competitive in the digital economy.”
Schneider Electric has been able to partner with companies in their respective digital transformation journeys, because they have adhered to the foundations of digital transformation: focusing on solving customer problems; building an innovation culture by attracting and growing talent; establishing digital business models; creating a digital ecosystem of disruptors, academics, and strategic partners; and strengthening cybersecurity across the digital ecosystem.
Partnering with Schneider Electric for a company’s digital transformation journey has its benefits.
“Investing in digital allows companies to reduce capital expenditure, lower operating costs, increase speed to market products or services, mitigate risks, and improve customer satisfaction. We partner with companies to realize increased efficiency and sustainability by providing available and reliable infrastructure and mitigating risks associated with design, construction, and operation,” Kang explains.
The imperative for a digital transformation journey cannot be further underscored.
“Companies should consider embarking on a digital transformation journey and adopt a strategy that works. Now is the time to put a concrete strategy into action in achieving real change. Digital transformation is not only a strategy that you formulate. It is also a necessary path and an actionable plan toward thriving in this new business landscape, one that is marked by the rise of the digital economy,” Kang says.
