Digital transformation has become a game-changer for businesses across the world, with hybrid work environments and remote communication now the norm. As a result, consultants must be well-versed in digital transformation tools to remain competitive.
In 2023, we expect the following trends disrupting the consulting industry in 2023 and onwards.
- Remote Communication and automation tools will continue to thrive.
Tools used to accelerate and automate transactions between consultants, clients, and the market will have higher demand. In-person and onsite transactions will only be considered as the last option especially when remote and other automation tools are available. - Businesses Adopting a Lean Digital Transformation Strategy
Efficient businesses with lean strategic, tactical, and operational improvements of organizations create more value for their customers with less cost. Lean offers a more efficient organization with larger growth and greater innovation even during a recession. - Increased Demand for Expertise In Niche Areas
The shift in focus from high-value short-term projects to longer-term strategy development makes the role of specialists more valuable and vital. They are especially in high demand in workplaces requiring a technical approach to operations and culture. - Combine Your Niche With the Right Digital Solutions
When technology is used correctly, it can help companies achieve their business goals and deliver measurable results. Leveraging the benefits of digital transformation requires creating a strategy, getting the input of stakeholders, and deeply understanding business needs. - Clients’ ROI is often made with Sustained Margins
The promise of Sustainable Return on Investment (S-ROI) is a rigorous financially oriented framework that combines well-established analytical techniques with a proven approach to collaboration and dialog. S-ROI identifies and weighs critical potential impacts of a proposal, and engages stakeholders in a process of non-adversarial analysis and optimization. - Increased Demand For Automation and Technical Consulting Firms
Automated decision-making, predictive analytics, machine learning, and codeless software will play major parts in creating strategy, alongside the need to streamline and automate repetitive administrative tasks in order to improve productivity and efficiency. - Clients Will Seek Consulting Advice To Focus On Core Vs Non-Core Activities
Organizations are having a fundamental rethink of the core/non-core issue, and that will have profound consequences for consultants and consulting firms in the future. “Core” activities are generally defined as strategic tasks that improve customer value and drive profits. “Non-core” activities are generally defined as day-to-day routine tasks that add little value and are not a profit center.
The reason behind this shift to core activities is largely technology-driven: in the past, technology was up against the corporate wall, it was generally considered a non-core activity, handed over to third parties to deliver a better service for less. But today, technology is more likely than any other factor to be a core activity. This means that organizations will increasingly rely on third parties to do core work. - Digital Transformation for Core Consulting Activities
To remain competitive, consultants must develop skills to deal with and adapt to the fast-evolving digital and technology market. As more and more companies seek digital transformation, today’s successful consultants excel at highly adopted technological implementation – from project start to finish.
In 2023, we expect to see an increased demand for SMEs, lean digital transformation, niche expertise, digital solutions, ROI, strategic consulting, and a shift in focus from non-core to core activities. Consultants who can adapt to these trends and leverage technology to provide value to their clients will be at the forefront of the industry.
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