Embracing the Future: Harnessing People, Process, Technology, and Data in a Post-Pandemic World

Blog Updated: 27/07/2023

While the phrase ‘new normal’ may have run its course, the transition it signifies for our workplaces post-pandemic is undeniable. Core themes like hybrid working, business continuity, and cybersecurity for remote workers continue to shape our operations. However, as we've settled into these patterns, it's high time we cast our gaze ahead – to the future re-imagined.

In this future, we invite you to re-evaluate your business models and modernise them in harmony with four key elements: people, process, technology, and data. Yes, you've read it right, 'data' now warrants a position in this framework, alongside the conventional 'people, process, technology' (PPT) triad, transforming it into the PPTD framework.

Data and the PPTD Framework

Traditionally, the PPT framework, also known as the Golden Triangle, has been the cornerstone of organisational change, tying together people, process, and technology. We propose an evolution of this timeless model, placing data at its heart. Why? Because data is pivotal in guiding decision-making around people, process, and technology. By integrating a data-first strategy, businesses can reduce rework, enhance quality, make data-driven decisions, and deliver superior customer experiences.

The modern business landscape demands a reduction in data silos through technology integration, making the same, up-to-date information available throughout your organisation.

Re-imagining the PPTD Framework in the Post-Pandemic World

The after-effects of the pandemic have reshaped the facets of the PPTD framework.

People: With hybrid and flexible work structures becoming mainstream, businesses need to rethink how they connect teams and support employees working from home. Striking the right balance between office and home, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and fostering a culture where successes are evaluated on outputs rather than hours spent at a desk are crucial.

Process: The pace of change has accelerated during the pandemic, forcing businesses to reassess their approach to processes. The focus now is on leaner operations, eliminating redundancies, and reducing waste. Automation, particularly in the face of supply chain disruptions, is key in streamlining processes, enhancing customer service, and allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

Technology: As technology has enabled hybrid working, the future will focus on leveraging open APIs for easy integration of systems. This includes integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, process automation, workflows, and bots with backend systems like CRMs.

Data: Often dubbed the 'new oil,' we view data more as the water in your organisation's pipelines. It needs to flow effectively throughout your systems, providing a single, reliable source of truth. Leveraging technology to transform unstructured data into structured data can significantly enhance this flow, thus optimising data utilisation.

Re-imagined Future: Key Takeaways

As we steer towards this re-imagined future, here are some considerations for businesses:

• Optimising Hybrid Working - Businesses must focus on supporting and motivating their remote employees, ensuring mental health checks, and optimising the use of cloud technology and API-centric tools to enhance communication and integration.
• Building a Culture of Change - Embracing change is crucial. This involves fostering transparency, promoting employee engagement, offering necessary training, and learning from implementation mistakes.
• Enhancing Digital Customer Experience - With customer interactions increasingly moving online, the focus should be on delivering a seamless, omnichannel experience. Utilising bots can automate processes, leverage data, and streamline customer interactions.

Our focus must be to learn from our experiences during the pandemic and to reshape our businesses to thrive in the future. It's a time for agility, innovation, and a renewed commitment to our people, processes, technology, and data. As we look ahead, we're not just imagining a new future; we're re-imagining a future that's resilient, adaptable, and primed for growth.

Want to know what we (and other businesses) have learnt since the Coronavirus Pandemic? Download our whitepaper now. Alternatively, if you have any questions on how your business can implement the PPTD framework, speak to one of our specialists now.