Wizrom Software: The 2020 effect. How the pandemic accelerated business transformation

The global coronavirus pandemic obviously had a strong impact on the companies present on the Romanian market. Some industries have adapted faster and better to the changes brought about by COVID-19, while others have been less prepared, responding late to this new context. However, we all learned some important lessons this year, notes Wizrom Software, one of the most important developers and integrators of business software in Romania.

In a top of the most important business lessons of 2020, without a doubt, the first place is the understanding of the need to use digital tools to support the activity. 2020 will remain the year in which the digitization process has accelerated in most areas of activity, whether private or public sector. This is an aspect without which businesses could not function in these months, taking into account traffic restrictions, social distancing, but also changes in people’s behavior regarding, for example, consumption and purchasing decision. Most managers understood the need for adaptation, almost independent of the industry and the business model, and emphasized digitalization, investing in technological solutions that allowed them to be closer to customers, to give employees the opportunity to work anywhere, even from the most isolated corners of the country, and deliver services and products with just a few clicks.

In fact, remote work, which can take place from any corner of the planet, provided access to the necessary IT equipment and infrastructure, is a second great lesson of these months. If previously, most managers and companies were reluctant about the viability of this way of working, at this time, this “Work From Home” came to be considered a normality for 80% of companies worldwide (according to the study PwC consulting company, conducted in October this year).

This year’s disruptions have determined businesses to be increasingly competitive, to find various solutions in an attempt to stay afloat, but also to stimulate innovation among employees – these being the third great lesson of the period. Companies have invested in IT solutions and technical equipment (laptops, tablets, smartphones) and offered employees the opportunity to use them remotely. Equipping companies with everything they need has never been more accentuated, all of them understanding the role of technology and preparing for the change generated by it.

At the same time, organizations have begun to shyly invest in HR software solutions, both due to the large volume of legislative changes, which no longer allowed HR managers to be up to date with all the news, and to track employee activity using timekeeping solutions.

In addition to creativity and the implementation of software to make everyone’s work easier and more efficient, the pandemic has also led to a real boom in online commerce and significantly increased the number of card payments, as well as bank card users. In the last nine months of the year, more than ever, consumers in Romania have chosen to purchase goods and services on the Internet, to the detriment of those in physical stores. In order to respond promptly to market demands, distribution companies have opted for software that supports their sales dynamics, protects the health of sales agents and provides customers with applications that allow them to manage themselves, remotely, anytime and from anywhere. , orders, but also customer account details. These companies have implemented mobile applications for agents, for technicians, have developed interfaces with sites for automatic order taking, have developed EDIs – with MarketPlace type solutions, interfaces with cash registers, hotel solutions, etc.

“The big players in real estate and construction, retail companies (FMCG) – those that deal with food production, especially bakery products and meat preparations – as well as those that operate in the medical area (laboratories and clinics) have invested more than ever in IT, digitization, e-commerce and distance working solutions, aware of the changes generated by COVID-19 and their major impact on the economy. These companies have managed to turn a difficult period into a ramp of preparation for success in the future “, says Adrian Bodomoiu, General Manager at Wizrom Software.

Moreover, the Wizrom Software expert claims that, currently, in Romania there are also SMEs that are interested in investing in software that integrates elements of artificial intelligence (AI). “Our solutions come with reports and predictions about the near future. They can provide you with information, based on history, for example, if there are customers who will be late for payment or who will leave you even for the competition “, explains the Wizrom Software representative.

Adrian Bodomoiu believes that, in the near future, many industries will choose the complete customization of business software, depending on the specifics and needs of each company. Customized digital solutions are outlined and developed according to various criteria, starting from the size of the business, the specifics of the activity, the location of the organization, to the business objectives and the way of working, but also the software already existing and used in enterprises.