It can be all too easy for companies to run into roadblocks with new technology implementations, especially when they're on a similar scale to digitisation – the process of converting analogue information to the digital medium.
Like many new trends, digitisation requires effective management from the outset, in order to avoid running into issues further down the line.
With digitisation on the rise, it's now time for businesses to consider implementations and the most effective forms of management.
This article will take a look at the proliferation of digitisation in the Asia Pacific and how PRINCE2 can be effectively utilised to manage the change.
Digitisation on the rise
Digitisation is currently experiencing growth in the Asia/Pacific, according to a new report from the International Data Corporation (IDC). This is even as consumables shipments (printer ink) remain stable.
Greater numbers of vendors are now recognising the advantages of digitisation and are starting to offer managed print services in response.
Pankaj Chawla, an IDC research manager, explained the current reasons for digitisation growth and the likely effects of such a shift.
"Digitisation is an emerging trend in Asia/Pacific as corporations as well as government sectors in Asia/Pacific countries are trying to reduce their printing needs," he said.
"Educational institutes are evaluating the adoption of tablets; hospitals are digitising patients' records; and governments are going to digitise government records."
He went on to explain that digitisation policies will in turn lead to lower usage of paper records and printing, though it could be some time before digital alternatives are in full effect.
Governments pushing ahead
In Australia, institutes such as the State Library of Victoria are recognising the benefits of digitisation and converting paper records and historical artefacts into digital alternatives.
According to the library, hundreds of thousands of objects have now been converted, including photographs, maps and rare artworks.
Once these objects are uploaded into a computer system, it's easy for anyone to view them even if they're not physically in the library. There is also the element of preservation, as priceless objects are kept secure and records are retained for future generations.
Businesses can see similar benefits with digitisation, especially when older records and files are place into a cloud server. Staff are able to access files without having to trawl through physical filing cabinets and there's no risk of damage to originals.
So with digitisation offering such a significant number of advantages for businesses, what's the best way to implement such a strategy?
Managing the change with PRINCE2
Digitisation is obviously a large project for businesses, especially when thousands of records and files need to be converted.
It's easy to see how without proper management such a process could derail, failing to accomplish any pre-determined objectives.
We've covered the benefits of PRINCE2 before, but it's time to take a look at how it can be put to use in a digitisation strategy.
Using a capable project management method to carry out the transition means nothing is left to chance and the digitisation shift occurs seamlessly.
As the method can be flexible, businesses of all sizes should find it easy to tailor a specific digitisation strategy.
What's more, PRINCE2 can be used time and again on various projects, helping to ensure any endeavours within the business are guided correctly.
Digitisation is certainly the future of file management within organisations, but it's important that businesses proceed with implementations with the utmost care.
PRINCE2 is the perfect tool in this regard and is certainly the best possible option for businesses undertaking the digitisation process.