Digitalize Your Business with a Digital Experience Platform
Tags
Digital Experience Platform, Digital Strategy, DXP
Digital Transformation with Digital Experience Platform
Technological advancement has been the base of success for numerous industries, Nowadays, undergoing digital transformation with a Digital Experience Platform is one of the best options for numerous companies.
The digital transformation itself ensures that any specific company will be able to successfully use new, fast, and rapidly changing digital technologies to solve their issues and improve themselves.
A Digital Experience platform is a key factor for delivering richer, real-time, connected, and more personalized customer experience to ensure the success of your company. You can also read another article to understand – “How Digital Experience Platform Can Improve Your Brand’s Performance”.
Components of Digital Experience Platforms
Digital Experience Platform (DXP) has several important components that make your job easier and more productive. First of all, you can manage your content and assets more easily. Asset management of course includes managing digital assets, like images, videos, etc.
You can use it for E-Commerce and make online shopping and payment processing better, in order to increase customer satisfaction levels. You can also experiment a bit to discover more about your capabilities, and options and just improve your company.
Also, you can track and manage customer data, have tools to analyze content and channel performance, and easily share your information and assets with other websites and devices.
Set Digital Plan for Your Business
Plan carefully what you want to achieve and how digitalization can improve your business in this case. Determine which aspects are more important for you and devise a business plan, that will not only ensure your digital transformation but will make you more competitive as well.
Using Digital Experience Platforms is a great way for numerous industries to improve their services and ensure their success on market. People always expect to see something different in your company, a new approach, a new vision. With the correct plan and digital experience platform, you can make them see your strengths and true value.
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Have Mobile-Friendly Support
Numerous people use mobile phones, so while talking about digitalization it’s important to ensure that no matter what you are doing, to make it mobile-friendly. People who are your loyal customers or are just browsing through the internet, find most of the information via their mobile phones and create first impressions about you.
Improve SEO with Digital Experience Platform
SEO management is crucial for companies, but you can use the systems that will include this component and make your website more visible. These kinds of digital experience platforms can help you to improve your business and expand your horizon.
For example, Adobe Experience Manager has numerous tools that can help you to set up a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy for your website. Bloomreach’s SEO can help you determine what your customers are interested in and help you to increase their engagement levels.
Key Features That Your Digital Experience Platforms Needs
Performance-driven Digital Experience Platforms should have several key features in order to work successfully for your business. Companies mostly use DXP to deliver more rich and personalized experiences for customers, but when you implement DXP in your digital transformation strategy you will see that it can do much more for you.
DXPs that can play the main role in the digitalization of your business, can do various tasks for you. Their rich ecosystem ensures that you’ll be able to create a specific product or develop a winning idea in one environment, without additional tools or systems. Data that is given to you by DXP, tells you more about the preferences of buyers, their behaviors, and their activities.
Despite the fact that most of the DXPs are able to fulfill all the requirements that you might have, you still have to go through them and choose the one that suits your needs best. You can read more about them in one of our articles – “Top Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)”.
DXP is a Logical Step in Your Digital Transformation
Customers actively search for better digital experiences, and that’s why companies try their best to fulfill their expectations with more innovative approaches. This is the digital era and businesses that have more digital aspects integrated into their strategies come on top.
Digital Experience Platforms are already replacing basic web content management systems, soon it might be only DXPs that will be used, so the rush to get them and use them isn’t really surprising. No matter what’s the business goal, or what’s the future of the company, DXP still will be a great advantage for anybody.
What We Offer
For more similar articles, make sure to scroll through our Publications on Edana. Your Swiss Digital Agency is ready to provide you with Expert-Level assistance built on customer loyalty, progressive ideas, and dedication. Our expertise includes Digital Strategy and Audit, and many more.
PUBLISHED BY
Marie
Marie is an expert in digital strategy and project management. She audits the digital presences of companies and organizations of all sizes and in all sectors, and orchestrates strategies and plans that generate value for our customers. Highlighting and piloting solutions tailored to your objectives for measurable results and maximum ROI is her specialty.
Health Data: Hosting Patient Records and Medical Data in Switzerland
Tags
dossiers patients, LPD, secret médical
Increasing digitalization in the healthcare sector
The importance of digitalization in the healthcare sector is undeniable. Organizations seek to optimize their processes, improve the quality of care, and enhance the confidentiality of medical information. The growing integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare also opens up new perspectives, with the collection of data from a multitude of medical devices. These data, valuable nuggets of information, allow for refining diagnoses and patient profiles, bringing medicine closer to a personalized approach.
Significant legal challenges in Switzerland
However, these technological advances, whether in telemedicine, connected devices (IoT), or business applications, software, or computerized patient records, raise legal questions, especially regarding the hosting of health data. Many providers of telemonitoring devices, patient record digitization, or custom application and software developers opt for storage on cloud servers. This raises questions about the legitimacy of outsourcing this data, whether hosting can be done in Switzerland or abroad, and also raises questions about security and regulatory compliance more generally.
In this article, we will explore what Swiss law says and what the best practices are for managing and hosting patient and health data. We will also address crucial points for securing a server intended to host sensitive data in Switzerland. Examples of secure digitizations carried out by our teams will also be provided.
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Respect for medical confidentiality and data protection (LPD)
Article 10a, paragraph 1 of the Swiss Data Protection Act (LPD) authorizes the processing of personal data by a third party under certain conditions. However, the question arises regarding compliance with medical confidentiality (art. 321 CP) in the transfer of data to third parties, especially to IT service providers.
The majority doctrine considers IT service providers as “auxiliaries” of healthcare professionals, allowing them to subcontract data processing without violating professional secrecy. However, this qualification poses a problem when the provider hosts the data abroad.
Hosting health data abroad (Azure cloud, AWS, etc.): A legal puzzle
Article 6, paragraph 1 of the LPD prohibits the transfer of personal data abroad if the personalities of the individuals concerned are seriously threatened due to the absence of legislation ensuring an adequate level of protection. However, the transfer may be authorized under certain conditions, such as sufficient contractual guarantees.
However, doctrine emphasizes that hosting medical data abroad may result in a breach of professional secrecy. The risk is exacerbated by the uncertainty regarding the applicability of art. 321 CP abroad and the possibility that a foreign authority may request the disclosure of this data.
This is one of the reasons why cloud services offered by web giants such as Amazon and Google such as Azure, AWS, Digital Ocean, Linode, etc., are generally to be avoided for hosting such sensitive data. Although some of these giants are starting to establish data centers in Switzerland, they are still controlled by foreign parent companies. From a purely ethical point of view, it remains safer to turn to a completely Swiss provider.
Our customized solution for Filinea and its data management
As experts in custom business software development and digital transformation, we have assisted various Swiss companies in storing and handling patient data and sensitive data as well as increasing their profitability and optimizing their operations.
Filinea is a company mandated by the state of Geneva to support young people in difficult situations. To optimize the daily work of its thirty or so employees, the company entrusted us with the development of a custom internal software. The management and storage of sensitive data (including medical data) were included, all of which are stored on a secure server located in Switzerland that our engineers deployed and manage according to appropriate security standards.
In the following sections of this article, we will provide various technical and administrative recommendations regarding the protection of health data that we apply when designing our projects handling patient and health data in Switzerland.
Recommendations from our experts for prudent management of patients and medical data in Switzerland
Faced with these challenges, recommendations emerge to ensure the security of health data:
1. Prefer hosting in Switzerland
Opt for hosting providers in Switzerland as much as possible, benefiting from a strong reputation for data protection.
2. Ensure anonymization of health data
In case hosting in Switzerland is not possible, ensure that data is anonymized end-to-end, with the private key held by the data controller.
3. Obtain patient consent
If transfer abroad is unavoidable, obtain explicit consent from the patient for the transfer, thus lifting medical confidentiality.
4. Risk assessment
If transferring to a provider outside of countries recognized as offering adequate protection is the only option, carefully assess the risks and obtain explicit consent from the patient as well as lifting medical confidentiality.
5. Avoid violating medical confidentiality at all costs
If none of the previous options are possible (or in case of patient refusal), refrain from transferring data to avoid a breach of medical confidentiality.
How to secure a server to host sensitive data such as patient data?
Hosting a server within a Swiss data center is not enough. Securing such a machine intended to host medical data is a crucial task that requires a rigorous and attentive approach. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data must be guaranteed to comply with security standards and protect sensitive information in the medical field. Here are some recommendations for securing a web server hosting medical data:
1. Encryption of communications
Use the HTTPS protocol (SSL/TLS) to encrypt all communications between the web server and users. This ensures the confidentiality of data transmitted between the server and users’ browsers. Be sure to use advanced encryption protocols and avoid weak encryption such as 128-bit whenever possible. Also, use a recognized and reliable certification entity.
2. Regular update of the operating system (OS) and software
Regularly apply security updates to the operating system, web servers, databases, and any third-party software installed on the server. Known vulnerabilities are often addressed by these updates.
3. Firewall and packet filters (Firewall)
Set up a firewall to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. Limit server access to authorized IP addresses and block any unnecessary traffic.
4. Strict access control
Implement rigorous access control mechanisms. Limit access to medical data only to authorized users. Use individual user accounts with appropriate privileges.
5. Server monitoring
Implement server monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities, intrusion attempts, or abnormal variations in traffic. Well-configured activity logs can help identify potential issues.
6. Regular backups
Regularly back up medical data. Store these backups in a secure location, ideally off-site, to ensure recovery in case of data loss or a major incident.
7. Vulnerability management
Conduct regular security scans to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Intrusion testing and security audits help ensure system robustness.
8. Strong password policies
Implement strong password policies. Require complex passwords, encourage frequent password changes, and use two-factor authentication mechanisms.
9. Isolation of services within the secure server
Isolate services on the server as much as possible. For example, run the database on a separate server and limit access to other services only to necessary machines.
In summary: managing and hosting patient records in Switzerland
In conclusion, the dilemma of hosting health data in the era of artificial intelligence and digitization of companies and organizations raises complex issues, requiring a thoughtful approach in line with Swiss legal requirements. Respect for medical confidentiality and data protection should guide healthcare professionals’ choices in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Hosting on a server located in Swiss territory and securing this server with reinforced cybersecurity measures is imperative to comply with current legislation and protect patient data as well as any sensitive data in general.
How to Ensure Data Security with Your Enterprise Software?
Data security has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With the proliferation of cyber threats and the increasing value of data, it is imperative for organizations to implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive information. Enterprise software, often the guardian of valuable data such as customer information, financial data, and trade secrets, is a prime target for cybercriminals. Therefore, ensuring data security within your enterprise software becomes a top priority to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust.
In this article, we will explore different strategies and best practices for enhancing data security with your enterprise software. From risk assessment to establishing a robust security infrastructure, managing access and permissions, data encryption, and employee awareness, we will provide practical advice to help you effectively protect your critical information. By understanding potential threats and adopting a proactive approach to security, you can reduce the risk of security incidents and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your essential data.
Understanding Risks: Threat Assessment and Vulnerabilities
Before implementing effective security measures, it is essential to understand the risks facing your enterprise software. This involves a thorough assessment of potential threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and intrusion attempts, as well as identifying vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. By understanding these factors, you can better prioritize your security efforts and focus your resources where they are most needed to reduce risks and strengthen your data protection.
Once you have identified threats and vulnerabilities, you can develop a security strategy tailored to your organization. This may include implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, regularly updating software to address known security flaws, and continuously monitoring network activity to detect suspicious behavior. By taking a proactive approach to security and remaining vigilant against emerging threats, you can better prevent attacks and protect your data from cybercriminals.
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Notable Data Breach Example: Yahoo
Let’s look at an example that highlights the devastating impact a data breach can have on a company and underscores the crucial importance of implementing robust security measures to protect users’ sensitive information.
In 2016, Yahoo confirmed it had experienced a cyberattack in 2014, compromising data from over 500 million user accounts. This attack was considered one of the largest data breaches in history at that time.
The stolen data included sensitive information such as names, email addresses, hashed passwords, and in some cases, security questions and their associated answers. Additionally, Yahoo revealed in 2017 that another cyberattack, occurring in 2013, had affected all existing Yahoo accounts at the time, totaling around three billion accounts.
These incidents had a significant impact on Yahoo’s reputation and also had significant financial consequences for the company, including a reduction in the purchase price during the acquisition by Verizon.
Establishing a Robust Security Infrastructure
Establishing a strong security infrastructure is essential to effectively protect your data from potential threats. This involves defining clear security policies and implementing appropriate tools and technologies to monitor and control access to sensitive data. Key elements of a robust security infrastructure include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), as well as identity and access management (IAM) solutions to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical information.
Additionally, careful planning for data redundancy and regular backups can ensure the availability of information in the event of a disaster or system failure. Network segmentation and securing entry and exit points are also important measures to limit the scope of damage in the event of a security breach. By adopting a multi-layered approach and combining multiple security technologies, you can strengthen the resilience of your IT infrastructure and protect your data from a variety of potential threats.
Some of Our Case Studies
Our software engineering teams are dedicated to creating robust and secure business solutions specifically designed to meet your unique needs and challenges. We are committed to providing solutions fully tailored to your use cases, with a particular emphasis on data security. Below, we present two examples illustrating our expertise in creating secure business solutions for Swiss companies that have invested in advanced digital transformation.
Access and Authorization Management: Principle of Least Privilege
Effective access and authorization management are essential to mitigate the risks of unauthorized access to your sensitive data. The principle of least privilege, which involves granting users only the access privileges necessary to perform their specific tasks, plays a central role in this strategy. By adopting this approach, you reduce the potential attack surface by limiting the number of users with extended privileges, thus reducing the risks of misuse or compromise of sensitive information.
Furthermore, implementing granular access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometrics, can enhance the security of your systems by adding an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. By regularly monitoring and auditing access to sensitive data, you can quickly detect suspicious behavior and take corrective action to prevent potential security breaches. By following these best practices, you can better control access to your data and reduce the risks of security compromise.
Data Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Information
By using robust encryption algorithms, you can make your data unreadable to anyone unauthorized who attempts to intercept or illicitly access it. Encryption can be applied at various levels, ranging from encrypting data at rest on servers to encrypted communications between users and servers, as well as encryption of backups and external storage devices. By adopting a holistic encryption approach, you can ensure that your data remains secure even in the event of a security breach or data theft.
Additionally, effective management of encryption keys is essential to ensure the integrity of the encryption process and prevent unauthorized access. By using secure key management practices, such as regular key rotation and separation of responsibilities, you can enhance the security of your data and minimize the risks of compromise of encryption keys. By incorporating data encryption into your overall security strategy, you can create an additional barrier against potential threats and ensure the protection of your most sensitive information.
Employee Training and Awareness: The Human Element of Security
Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, as they can inadvertently compromise data security through human errors or negligent security practices. Therefore, it is essential to provide regular training on best security practices, including identifying threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks.
Furthermore, raising employee awareness of the importance of data security and the potential consequences of a security breach can encourage them to adopt secure behaviors in their daily use of company computer systems and data. Effective awareness programs may include phishing attack simulations, interactive training sessions, and regular reminders about company security policies. By investing in employee training and awareness, you strengthen the human factor of security and reduce the risks of security incidents related to human errors.
Conclusion
If you are looking to ensure the security of your data, our Swiss team specializing in strategic consulting and custom development is ready to support you in this endeavor.
Edana provides expertise to design personalized solutions that go beyond conventional standards in data security. By integrating security at every stage of managing your complex projects, our goal is to create memorable and secure experiences, surpassing simple business interactions.
In a constantly evolving digital landscape, Swiss and international companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their productivity, accelerate their delivery times, and remain competitive in the market, whether it’s for internal projects or those carried out for clients. This is where agile project management comes in, a dynamic approach that we at Edana consider crucial for the success of digital projects (such as software development, mobile application design, branding, digital transformation, or marketing).
In this article, we delve into the world of agile project management together, understanding what it is, how you can successfully get started, and why a hybrid approach can sometimes be the key.
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What is Agile Project Management?
Agile project management is an iterative and collaborative approach that focuses on flexibility and responsiveness to change. Agility is often a catalyst for the success of projects in general (not just for IT and digital projects). This approach promotes continuous collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and the client, ensuring a better understanding of requirements and expectations.
Fundamental principles of agility
Client-team collaboration
Agility, by placing the client at the center of the development process, promotes continuous communication and close collaboration. This dynamic approach allows for constantly adjusting priorities based on the evolving needs of the client, ensuring quick and effective adaptation to changes throughout the development cycle.
Rapid iterations (sprints)
In agile methodologies, projects are subdivided into iterations called “sprints.” Each sprint, typically of short duration, focuses on delivering a specific functional deliverable. This iterative approach offers several advantages, including the ability for stakeholders to regularly assess progress. Indeed, at the end of each sprint, a partial or complete product is delivered, providing a concrete opportunity to gather immediate feedback from stakeholders. This rapid feedback fosters close collaboration between the development team and end-users, allowing for adjustments to features along the way and ensuring constant adaptation to the changing needs of the project.
Adaptability to changes
Unlike more rigid methodologies, agility takes a proactive approach to changes. It encourages teams to remain flexible and constantly adjust their plans based on the experience gained throughout the development process. This means that agile teams are not only open to adjustments but anticipate and actively integrate them into their way of working. By relying on stakeholder feedback and staying attentive to market developments, agile teams can make informed decisions to ensure that the final product optimally meets the client’s needs. This ability to embrace change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle strengthens the resilience of agile projects, making them better suited to the realities of an ever-changing environment.
Agile frameworks: A range of options for successful projects
Within the Agile universe, several frameworks offer specific structures and guidelines to guide project management. At Edana, we advocate diversity and are ready to guide you to the framework that best suits your objectives, whether it’s agile, non-agile, or a hybrid of agile and non-agile solutions (because the world is sometimes too complex to be confined to narrow boxes). Here are the main agile frameworks.
1. Scrum
Scrum represents an Agile project management framework that relies on time-boxed iterations, called sprints. Each sprint is structured by four distinct ceremonies.
The process begins with sprint planning, which provides an overview of the work to be done. In the Scrum universe, two types of backlogs are present: the product backlog (under the responsibility of the product owner), which constitutes a prioritized list of features, and the sprint backlog, fueled by addressing items from the product backlog until reaching the capacity of the next sprint. Scrum team members are assigned specific tasks corresponding to their role in the process. Typically, a cross-functional team includes a Scrum Master, or Scrum methodology champion, the product owner representing the voice of the product, as well as other members responsible for task execution.
The four Scrum ceremonies are as follows:
Sprint planning: A team meeting to define the tasks to be accomplished during the next sprint.
Sprint demo: A sharing session during which the team presents its achievements for the current sprint.
Daily stand-up: Also called a stand-up, it’s a brief 15-minute meeting allowing the development team to coordinate their activities.
Retrospective : An evaluation where the team reviews what worked or didn’t work to improve the flow of the next sprint.
The Scrum board
A Scrum board visualizes all the work for a given sprint. During the sprint planning meeting, the team moves items from the product backlog to the sprint backlog.
Scrum boards can include multiple visible workflow stages, such as To Do, In Progress, and Done. They are an essential element to increase transparency in Agile project management.
2. Kanban
Kanban represents an Agile project management framework focused on aligning work with team capacities, aiming to promote rapid progress and increased responsiveness to changes compared to the Scrum methodology.
Unlike Scrum, Kanban typically does not employ backlogs. Tasks are instead listed in the “To Do” column. Kanban teams thus focus on continuous deliveries, achievable at any time. All work is visible, clearly defined, and ready to be undertaken. When a task is completed, the team immediately moves on to the next one. Work volume is aligned with team capacity through work-in-progress (WIP) limits, a predefined threshold for tasks that can be in one column at a time (except for the “To Do” column). The Kanban framework includes four key components: the task list (or stories), columns or lanes, WIP limits, and continuous deliveries.
The task list, or stories, is detailed as tickets or tasks to be completed. Columns or lanes are used in a Kanban board to differentiate tasks according to different workflows, users, projects, etc. WIP limits are rules governing the volume of work based on team capacity. The team manages stories within WIP limits and can make deliveries at any time.
The Kanban board
A Kanban board visualizes all completed work. It also serves to plan resources, providing project managers with a view of the work and the ability to schedule accordingly.
The Kanban board is organized into columns and lanes, representing the passage of stories to completion. Stories start in the “To Do” column until the WIP limit allows for the next task. The work list must be subdivided into relatively small tickets and organized by priority.
3. Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme Programming focuses on continuous improvement of the development process. It promotes practices such as test-driven development (TDD), pair programming, and frequent releases. XP aims to ensure optimal quality throughout the development process.
4. Lean Agile
Inspired by Lean principles, Lean Agile seeks to maximize value while minimizing waste. It emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and customer satisfaction. By eliminating non-essential processes, Lean Agile aims to create an efficient value chain.
5. Crystal
Crystal is a family of Agile methodologies, each tailored to specific contexts. The different Crystal methods share a philosophy focused on individuals, collaboration, and adaptability, while adjusting based on project size and complexity.
Balancing Agile and Waterfall: A hybrid approach
Although Agile and waterfall approaches have their distinct advantages, it is crucial to recognize that each project has its own unique requirements. A too rigid approach can sometimes be counterproductive. Too much agility can lead to constant instability. This is where the hybrid approach comes in, combining the best of both worlds.
The hybrid approach allows for a more structured initial planning while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to inevitable changes. Edana specializes in creating tailored approaches, skillfully combining elements of Agile and waterfall methodologies to meet the specific needs of each project.
Example of the Swiss HERMES method
The HERMES project management method, developed in Switzerland, is characterized by a structured and standardized approach. It divides the process into clear phases, emphasizing detailed documentation and rigorous governance. HERMES offers modular flexibility while maintaining a solid methodological foundation, allowing for adaptation to different projects. Unlike agility, which favors maximum flexibility, HERMES relies on planned processes but can also integrate agile elements based on the specific needs of the project and organizational preferences.
More information on the hybrid project management method HERMES on the admin.ch website.
Discuss your project with our software development, mobile, branding, and strategy experts
At Edana, we believe that success lies in flexibility and adaptability. Agile project management, enriched by the diversity of available frameworks, offers a flexible and adaptable approach. However, the hybrid approach can often be the key to getting the most out of each method, thus creating an optimal balance between initial structure and responsiveness to changes. With our experts by your side, explore the best solutions that apply to your project and make it a success.
How an Intranet or Digital Work Space Can Transform Your Business
Tags
application d'entreprise, digital workspace, espace de travail numérique, ETN, intranet, outil de collaboration
In today’s dynamic business world, digital transformation has become imperative to remain competitive. Swiss companies and organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to optimize their operations, improve collaboration, and enhance their agility. It is in this context that intranets and digital workspaces emerge as essential tools to transform how businesses operate and interact.
At Edana, we specialize in digital transformation and the development of intranets, business tools, and digital workspaces. In this article, we will explain how such a tool can radically transform your way of working, improve your competitive advantage, enhance employee happiness, and increase your company’s valuation.
Before we begin, here are two intranets we have designed for Swiss companies:
A well-designed intranet or digital workspace provides a centralized platform that promotes seamless connectivity among team members, regardless of their geographical location. This eliminates traditional barriers related to distance and enables employees to work together efficiently, whether for specific projects, virtual meetings, or real-time updates.
Document sharing functionality facilitates collaboration on complex projects. Teams can access relevant information, collaborate on documents in real-time, and track progress, thereby promoting seamless collaboration and increased productivity.
Centralized information management
One of the major advantages of a well-established intranet is the centralization of information. Companies generate vast amounts of data and information on a daily basis. An intranet acts as a central hub where this information is stored, organized, and made available to team members in a structured manner. This reduces the time wasted searching for scattered information and enables faster and informed decision-making.
Effective internal communication is key to organizational success. Digital workspaces provide integrated communication tools such as forums, company blogs, and discussion threads, facilitating the rapid and efficient dissemination of important information. Employees stay informed about the latest news, company updates, and policy changes, thereby reinforcing a sense of transparency and belonging within the company.
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Enhancement of corporate culture
Intranets are not just functional tools but also catalysts for corporate culture. They provide a platform to share company values, celebrate successes, and recognize individual contributions. Digital workspaces contribute to creating a virtual environment where employees feel connected to the company’s mission and vision, thereby strengthening cohesion and engagement.
Customized intranet adaptability and scalability
Flexibility is a key feature of modern intranets. They can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each company, whether it’s diverse business sectors, different team sizes, or unique organizational structures. Furthermore, with the constant evolution of technologies, digital workspaces can be updated and improved to remain relevant and competitive.
Increase in company valuation
Integrating a custom intranet or digital workspace is a powerful catalyst for increasing a company’s attractiveness to investors, especially in anticipation of a potential exit. These technological tools offer increased visibility into operational performance, allowing investors to make informed decisions based on accurate and real-time data. The centralization of information and ease of access to strategic data reduce risks and increase investor confidence.
Moreover, optimized collaboration and transparent communication within the company strengthen cohesion and efficiency, key aspects for investors looking to maximize their return on investment. By establishing a solid digital infrastructure, the company enhances its perceived value, thus strengthening its position for successful exits or strategic partnerships. By investing in these innovative technologies, companies demonstrate their commitment to operational efficiency and profitability, factors that do not go unnoticed by potential investors.
Benefits of an intranet / Digital workspace for HR
Centralized management simplifies administrative tasks for the human resources department. Administratively, many activities are streamlined, including account creation, password generation, access rights assignment, information consultation and modification, as well as management of various types of documents.
This centralized approach also extends to the organization of internal events, encouraging content sharing among employees via the intranet. This practice promotes employee upskilling by facilitating access to training resources. Additionally, the intranet provides a platform conducive to knowledge sharing, best practices, and the provision of internal guides and procedures within the organization.
Why microsoft SharePoint and pre-packaged solutions are a bad investment
While SharePoint is a popular platform for creating intranets, opting for a custom-built intranet offers significant advantages that may better meet a company’s specific needs, particularly from a user experience, task optimization, as well as investor and potential exit standpoint.
Rigid and ill-suited to company processes
Firstly, a custom intranet is designed to align precisely with the company’s processes and goals, offering a more suitable and flexible solution than SharePoint, which inevitably requires compromises due to its predefined features. This increased customization allows for a more intuitive and efficient user experience, which is crucial for maintaining employee productivity and engagement, factors that directly impact company performance and valuation.
Non-scalable and non-agile
Secondly, a custom-built intranet can be scalable according to the changing needs of the company. As the company grows and evolves, a custom intranet can be adapted and updated without the constraints often associated with prepackaged solutions. This agility is particularly appealing to managers, employees, and investors who all appreciate companies capable of quickly adapting to a constantly changing business environment.
Proprietary and non-free
On the other hand, the intellectual property associated with a custom intranet can also be a significant asset in merger and acquisition negotiations, capital exits, and company resale. Owning a unique solution, perfectly integrated with the company’s processes and culture, can strengthen the company’s position in strategic discussions, thereby helping to maximize the potential exit value.
Lackluster return on investment
Finally, the cost of a SharePoint solution can be prohibitive for many companies and organizations, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, and makes little sense for larger companies capable of developing their own software without any limitations and having ownership and associated freedom. Indeed, licensing, installation, and customization fees can quickly add up, making SharePoint unaffordable for businesses. In comparison, developing a custom intranet often offers a more cost-effective solution for smaller companies, allowing them to benefit from a platform tailored to their specific needs without incurring the high costs associated with prepackaged solutions like SharePoint. This personalized approach can also offer a better return on investment, as it avoids unnecessary expenses related to features that a company may not need.
Conclusion: Create your own intranet / digital workspace now to reap its multiple benefits in the future
In summary, investing in a well-designed intranet or digital workspace can radically transform how your company operates. By fostering collaboration, centralizing information, improving internal communication, and strengthening corporate culture, these tools become essential elements of any organization’s digital transformation strategy.
At Edana, our custom software development agency in Switzerland, we understand the importance of leveraging digital technologies to propel your business into the future. Contact us today to explore how we can customize an intranet or digital workspace that meets your specific needs and significantly transforms your company.
Digital Development in Switzerland: Understanding & Optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Tags
Costs of digital transformation, Digital Transformation, Software costs, Total cost of ownership (TCO)
In the vast world of technology and software, where every choice matters, this article aims to explore an often overlooked but crucial aspect for the success of any Swiss business looking to digitize: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Edana invites you to delve into the complex landscape of financial management related to IT, shedding light on the nuances of TCO and its decisive role in budget planning.
At Edana, as a privileged partner for Swiss businesses in the development of custom business software, mobile applications, and web tools, we are committed to meeting the specific needs of our clients by providing relevant and sustainable solutions. That’s why we never overlook the total cost of ownership in any of our projects and always guide our clients towards a solution tailored to their unique requirements.
Understanding TCO is not merely a technical process; it is a strategic lever enabling businesses to make informed decisions regarding their IT investments. We will explore why mastering the cost of possession is essential, how it can optimize your expenses, and how a reliable IT provider (software development, apps, web, IT infrastructure, and hardware) can, and indeed must, support you in this endeavor, turning each of your investments into a step towards the lasting success and competitiveness of your company.
Definition of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) represents a holistic approach to evaluating the costs associated with owning and using software or a technological solution. Beyond initial expenses, TCO encompasses all direct and indirect costs that may arise throughout the lifecycle of an IT system.
To be clearer, TCO provides a comprehensive view of costs related to an IT investment, going beyond initial purchase or development costs. It also includes operational, maintenance, training, and any other costs associated with the daily use of the solution. In other words, TCO aims to quantify all actual expenses over the lifespan of an IT project.
Distinction between direct and indirect costs
Direct costs of TCO are easily quantifiable and typically include initial expenses such as software license purchases, custom development, or hardware acquisition. Indirect costs, on the other hand, are often more challenging to measure directly. They encompass maintenance costs, updates, staff training, technical support, and other factors contributing to the daily operation of the system.
Concrete examples of costs included in TCO (licenses, maintenance, training, technical support, etc.)
Licenses: Initial costs of purchasing software licenses necessary for using the solution.
Maintenance: Recurring fees related to software maintenance, including patches, updates, and enhancements.
Training: Expenses related to staff training to ensure effective and optimal use of the solution.
Technical Support: Costs associated with technical assistance, including support contracts and interventions in case of issues.
By clearly understanding the definition of TCO and distinguishing between its different components, businesses can make informed decisions regarding their IT investments, avoiding budget surprises and optimizing long-term profitability.
The Benefits of Understanding TCO
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is not merely a financial metric; it is a powerful strategic tool offering numerous advantages to businesses seeking to maximize the value of their IT investments.
Budget Optimization: How does TCO help businesses plan and allocate their financial resources effectively?
TCO enables more precise budget planning by considering all costs associated with an IT project. By understanding the extent of expenses, businesses can strategically allocate their financial resources, avoiding underinvestment or excessive spending. This ensures overall budget optimization, ensuring judicious use of funds and maximizing return on investment.
Informed Decision-Making: How does knowledge of TCO facilitate the software and IT solution selection process?
Understanding TCO provides crucial clarity during the software selection process. By evaluating not only initial costs but also long-term operational costs, businesses can make informed decisions. They can compare available solutions holistically, considering functional benefits and associated costs. Thus, decision-making becomes oriented towards the real value brought by the solution rather than just its initial cost.
Anticipation of Hidden Costs: How to avoid financial surprises related to unforeseen costs during software implementation and continuous use?
TCO allows anticipating often overlooked hidden costs. By identifying potential costs for maintenance, training, and support, businesses can avoid financial surprises during software implementation and continuous use. This proactive anticipation minimizes financial risks and contributes to more stable and predictable resource management.
In summary, understanding TCO goes beyond simple budget considerations; it becomes a strategic asset for businesses seeking to optimize their IT investments and ensure long-term profitability.
Next, we will look at a concrete case of a Geneva-based company that we assisted in mastering its total cost of ownership and developing a custom software suite to digitize its activities.
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Case Study on Total Cost of Ownership Optimization (Filinea GmbH) in Geneva
In this section, we delve into a concrete example of success: the digital transformation of Filinea GmbH, a Geneva-based company and member of the Social and Solidarity Economy Chamber, specializing in support and training through its three business units. Edana was the chosen partner for this digital transformation, and the results obtained are significant.
Filinea, with around forty employees, had a mission to optimize its performance, modernize its data processing processes, and improve the quality of its teams’ work. Edana intervened as a consultant, UX designers, and software engineers, orchestrating the change from strategy to implementation. The results obtained had a significant impact, as evidenced by the performance indicators:
+31% Increase in job satisfaction (Net Promoter Score)
+46% Faster integration of new employees
1000+ Hours of automated work per year
-50% Reduction in IT intervention costs
These figures illustrate the success of the collaboration between Filinea and Edana, with a notable improvement in job satisfaction, faster employee integration, significant task automation, and a marked reduction in IT intervention costs.
Analysis of steps taken to assess and reduce TCO
Before initiating the digital transformation, Edana conducted a thorough evaluation of Filinea’s organizational readiness level. An in-depth analysis of the internal structure was conducted, highlighting key strategic points and specific needs to be addressed. Key steps included a careful examination of digital readiness assessment and identifying strategic points requiring tailored solutions.
Results obtained and feedback
Edana designed a dedicated, multi-platform, and secure business solution that addressed Filinea’s specific needs. This solution encompassed a variety of tools, from artificial intelligence to email systems, document management, and dynamic dashboards. Edana’s software engineering optimized key processes, promoting better operational efficiency and enhanced collaboration among teams.
Cybersecurity was proactively integrated to protect Filinea’s sensitive data. A private and secure environment, including firewalls, data encryption, antivirus protection, and code security, was created to counteract growing threats.
Filinea also achieved a complete decoupling of proprietary systems and licensing fees, allowing for a significant cost reduction while gaining flexibility and autonomy.
In conclusion, this case study demonstrates how a strategic approach to TCO, combined with well-orchestrated digital transformation, can lead to significant performance improvement, process optimization, and cost reduction for a medium-sized Swiss company.
Learn More about Our Filinea Project and Explore Another Similar One
We specialize in designing business solutions for Swiss companies, so here are some examples of our work related to the subject.
Practical Tips for Managing the Total Cost of Ownership of Your Business
Effective management of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is imperative for companies seeking to maximize the profitability of their IT investments. Here are some practical tips for assessing and wisely managing your TCO, specifically tailored to medium-sized businesses.
Establish a Concrete Action Plan by Assessing and Managing Your TCO Effectively
To successfully control the total cost of ownership of your IT or software project, it is essential to establish an action plan. Based on our on-the-ground experience and 15 years of supporting Swiss companies in their digitization, we propose the following phases to manage your TCO without surprises and with simplicity:
Pre-analysis of TCO: Before making investments, conduct a thorough analysis of potential long-term costs. Identify direct and indirect costs, with a focus on maintenance, training, and technical support.
Regular Evaluation of TCO: Do not consider TCO as a one-time step. Regularly reassess your TCO to account for changes in your business, technological advancements, and new optimization opportunities.
Alignment with Strategic Objectives: Ensure that your action plan for TCO management aligns with the strategic objectives of your business. IT investments should support the overall mission and growth of the company.
Involve Stakeholders: Include key stakeholders in the TCO assessment and management process. Collaboration between IT, financial, and operational departments is essential for a holistic understanding of costs.
Discover best practices to minimize long-term costs
To lower your costs of digital transformation in the medium and long term, considering all implications of your IT contracts and needs, it is important to ensure that you benefit from the following points.
Informed Selection of Solutions: Before investing in software or technological solutions, carefully evaluate the available options. Opt for modular, flexible solutions that are tailored to your business’s growth.
Continuous Staff Training: Invest in ongoing training for your staff to maximize the effective use of IT solutions. Well-trained personnel reduce costs related to errors and improve productivity.
Well-Negotiated Maintenance Contracts: When negotiating maintenance contracts, make sure to fully understand the terms and conditions. Negotiate flexible and scalable contracts that suit the changing needs of your business.
Performance Monitoring: Implement performance monitoring tools to quickly detect inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Proactive management helps minimize costs related to disruptions and emergency corrections.
Planned Obsolescence Strategy: Anticipate technology obsolescence by planning regular upgrades. A well-planned strategy helps avoid significant costs associated with obsolete systems.
By integrating these practical tips into your TCO management approach, medium-sized businesses can not only minimize long-term costs but also optimize their IT investments to support sustainable growth. Proactive TCO management thus becomes a strategic lever for continuous profitability.
Conclusion on the Total Cost of Ownership of a Digital Solution in Switzerland
In summary, our in-depth exploration of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) highlights its crucial role in the success of medium-sized Swiss businesses. We’ve deciphered the ins and outs of TCO, distinguishing between direct and indirect costs, with concrete examples such as licenses, maintenance, training, and technical support.
This thorough understanding of TCO offers significant benefits, from budget optimization to informed decision-making, strengthening the competitiveness of informed businesses. The Filinea GmbH case study illustrated how a personalized approach, like the one offered by Edana, can transform the IT management of a company.
The shared practical tips emphasize the importance of informed solution selection, continuous training, negotiation of maintenance contracts, proactive performance monitoring, and a planned obsolescence strategy.
In conclusion, we make a strong appeal to all Swiss businesses: integrate TCO management into your IT strategy. Understanding and mastering TCO is a strategic imperative often underestimated. We invite interested stakeholders to contact Edana. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized advice for TCO management and optimization of your IT investments.
