The Pros And Cons Of Digitizing Your Entire Business

Julie Starr • November 19, 2020



Over the last three decades, businesses have been getting increasingly more digital. There are now office-based companies that handle their entire business through a computer from bookkeeping to taking phone calls. Some manufacturing companies meanwhile are reliant on robots for their production process. Moreover, most companies use Business phone systems to streamline communications on any device and CMS systems while allowing them to transcript voicemails into emails, losing the need to write anything down on paper. There can be great benefits to going wholly digital and there can be drawbacks. This post weighs up some of the pros and cons.

The Pros

Improved speed

Digital technology makes things a lot faster by automating processes. Tasks like accounting have been dramatically sped up with the help of software. Less time doing tasks can also result in lower running costs because less manpower is required.

Improved accuracy

Digital technology can also result in increased accuracy. Many types of digital machinery can carry out tasks more accurately than traditional machinery – this includes everything from digital cutting machines to digital scales as found at https://www.arlynscales.com . Digital cash registers and accounting software can meanwhile help to prevent counting errors.

24/7 monitoring

 

Digital technology can allow processes to be constantly monitored. This is particularly thanks to the cloud and the internet of things, which have allowed business owners to monitor factory machinery and security cameras any location with an app on their phone. Businesses can also use a Siemens 6AV2124-0MC01-0AX0 touch screen display unit to enhance operational control and facilitate real-time data analysis. These touch screen units provide a user-friendly interface that lets operators quickly access system statuses, alarms, and actionable insights without the need for extensive training. By integrating such advanced hardware with IoT devices and cloud computing, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce downtime, and predict maintenance needs before failures occur.

 

No paper

Digitizing everything renders paper obsolete . There are many drawbacks to using paper – it requires more physical storage space, it has the potential to be damaged, and it’s not particularly environmentally friendly. Digital records are much easier to organize and can be shared more easily and efficiently than paper documents. 

The Cons

Initial cost

Going digital costs a lot of money. While you may save money in the long run by automating processes, you need to be able to afford the upfront costs of adopting the technology without taking out large debts. This puts off a lot of people from switching to digital processes.  

Security concerns

Digital technology is often connected to the internet, which opens the door to cybercrime. While there may be security benefits to switching to digital methods (digital records cannot be as easily burgled), you also need to be wary of the new security risks that come with an entirely digital business. Some companies still send sensitive documents by fax for this very reason. 

Increased energy usage

While less paper consumption means less deforestation, increased use of computers means higher energy usage. Not only does this have a negative impact on the planet, but it also means higher bills. Fortunately, computers are becoming more energy-efficient and so this is becoming less of a problem.  

Dependence on working technology

When everything is done digitally, you become dependent on technology. If this technology fails, your business could come to a standstill until you can fix the problem. Digitally-reliant businesses are often forced into downtime if there’s a power cut or internet problem. There may be ways to keep technology alive such as maintaining it well and having backup power generators on-site, but there may still be a risk of technology failing.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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