Successful digital transformation can help organizations enter new markets, positively impact products and services, and provide new distribution channels. Making the change to digital credentials provides the infrastructure to positively change the way organizations do business.
What is digital transformation?
Digital transformation is the process of changing the way organizations do business through integration of digital technologies. Digital transformation affects all areas of the business, with the intent to deliver greater value to customers. Any transformation can be difficult, as represented by the fewer than 30%* of organizations that succeed in digital transformation. This percentage drops further for traditional organizations outside of technology services, such as automotive and healthcare, to between 4% and 11%.
To reduce the friction of digital transformation, organizations should consider the “why?” behind their actions. What are the current pain points of delivering services and where can digital transformation improve or solve pain points altogether?
Why are digital credentials high-profile digital transformation?
Digital credentials provide greater value than the simple implementation of digital delivery for certificates and badges. They open avenues to additional revenue, create access to new markets, provide additional marketing and distribution channels, and improve internal efficiency. Where the goal is to create an improved customer experience and deliver greater value, the implementation of digital credentials helps organizations to succeed.
Improve Internal Efficiency
Paper certificates and physical credentials require time to design, print, package, and deliver. In a case study with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), it was taking four staff members two days each month to complete and send batches of physical certificates. After implementing digital credentials, they were able to almost eliminate this time entirely. This helped move simple operational services (such as managing name changes) to the customer services group and free up the certification department.
Additional Marketing & Distribution Channels
Using physical certificates restricts an organization in terms of control over marketing and distribution once a certificate is in the hands of a recipient. The organization can ask a recipient to share their achievement but the journey isn’t succinct. Recipients must photograph or scan their certificate, and in many cases edit the image file before sharing to their preferred social platforms or via email.
Digital credentials can be shared in one-click via the live credential page, or encouraged from a clear call to action in the delivery email. By personalizing the journey via the delivery email CTA, organizations gain increased control over the visibility of their issued credentials to preferred social platforms.
Access to New Markets
The limitations of physical credentials creates difficulty for organizations looking to break into new markets. There are the time-constraints previously mentioned, alongside the cost of sending certificates out of the country or across continents. Physical credentials are also restricted in the amount of information they convey which influences the value of the award.
For example, a physical credential issued for competency of Microsoft Office products doesn’t translate effectively when issued outside of a native credentialing system. How does a hiring manager looking at a physical credential from Company A understand the value compared to one issued from Company B?
The simplicity of issuing digital credentials eases the process of expansion into new markets and scaling programs without creating additional labor. The space provided for evidence, transcripts, and comprehensive skill tags, better translates the efforts and capabilities of a potential candidate.
Generate Additional Revenue
One of the key benefits of the digital transformation impact on organizations is the generation of additional revenue streams. Organizations meeting the skill-gap demand through targeted programs and training can ease the process of scaling or offering additional learning opportunities. Associations and non-profits can automate membership renewals and increasing levels of affiliation and participation. Greater control over the validity of digital credentials provides options for expiry. This encourages candidates to return to renew their skills and remain up-to-date on best practices within target sectors.
Efficient redirection of existing revenue is another aspect. Digital credential analytics are used to identify underperforming programs or where additional transistional courses are needed to improve the completion rate of learning pathways. This contributes to increased uptake of courses that better meet the needs of learners. The time and cost savings of implementing digital credentials also allows greater focus on customer service and improving the core products and services.
In Summary
Digital transformation isn’t the future - it’s the present. Organizations need to assess where they can improve their own systems through transformation to remain competitive and visible. If not for the benefit of themselves but for the end-users of their products, services, and programs. Through digital transformation, organizations can better target the platforms their customers use to increase visibility, and improve internal efficiency for an enhanced customer experience.
The Accredible platform is more than just a digital credentialing tool, it’s supported by access to our helpful knowledgebase and incredible customer service and success teams. Your success is our success and we are well prepared to assist with the digital transformation of your organization. Whether you are just getting started with credentials or overhauling an existing credentialing program, Accredible is here to support the organization journey.
Get in touch with the Accredible sales team to book a demo, learn more about our digital credential management software, or sign-up for a trial issuer account to try the platform, tools, and features, for up to 20 unique recipients.
Further Reading
Gain an understanding of what digital credentials are, how they benefit users and issuers, and what to consider when choosing a digital credentialing platform in the Digital Credentials Buyer’s Guide. The comprehensive guide can be downloaded for free by following the link below.
*Figures based on BCG analysis
