5 factors to successfully adapt the business processes in the face of new waves of COVID-19

How do I adapt my business in the face of new waves of COVID–19?

According to Charles Darwin, the ability to adapt to change is the secret to survival. This concept is 100% applicable to the business environment.

In the first wave of the pandemic, many transformations in the business world have accelerated, especially digital transformation. In this context, collaboration and communication tools such as LumApps collaborative social intranet or Google Meet from G Suite, have played a fundamental role.

Thanks to these transformations, the impact of coronavirus on organisations has been greatly reduced. Digitalisation has facilitated remote working (or teleworking) and collaborative working, driving the modification of some management processes to adapt successfully to the new reality.

In this post we tell you about 5 essential factors so that companies can adapt their business processes successfully in the face of new waves of the pandemic:

Step 1. Ensure communication between teams

Whether from the office or from homes, communication between teams is fundamental, both in carrying out day-to-day activities and working on the definition and application of measures in the face of potential new waves of coronavirus, as well as reacting in a coordinated way to incidents that may arise.

It is therefore necessary to have internal communication tools (for example, LumApps, a collaborative social intranet solution) which enable teams to work in real time regardless of their location or the devices used, sharing the same online resources and guaranteeing their correct alignment with the strategy and objectives of the company.

Factor 2. React quickly to problems in the supply chain and customers

In many companies, the pandemic has changed the working of their supply chain. Among other things, the following have occurred more often than anyone would want:

• Delays or interruptions in the supply of raw materials
• Increases in costs
• Logistical problems that delay planned deliveries
• Closure or minimum operation of customs on imports and exports

For the purpose of safeguarding the brand image and displaying maximum transparency, many companies quickly inform their customers of these situations so they are aware of the willingness to serve and the limitations imposed, as well as the measures taken to minimise their final impact (for example, the modification of management processes). They also contact suppliers to find out when they expect to be able to overcome these difficulties, to inform their customers of this information as managers of the organisation (for example, of Manufacturing, Warehousing or Purchasing).

In these situations, the following are of great use:

• Communication and collaboration tools: G Suite, LumApps…
• CRM and marketing automation solutions: SugarCRM and Salesforce

Factor 3. Have effective contingency plans available and execute them

According to a recent risk management survey carried out by Deloitte, only 49% of companies have drafted contingency plans and carried out preliminary testing based on emergency scenarios.

All employees must be made aware of these emergency action plans or contingency plans (for example, they should be available for everyone on a collaborative social intranet such as LumApps). With the aim of ensuring continuity of the business, these plans set out the measures that should be taken to ensure:

• Maintenance of the activity and adaptation of the necessary processes
• Hygiene and asepsis of the premises, with disinfection protocols.
• Maximum health and wellbeing of employees: action protocols, PID and other resources.
• Quality and safety of the products/services
• Alignment with the recommendations of the health authorities

An emergency or safety committee should ensure its correct application, as well as take the correct actions if required. This way, continuity of the company’s activity is guaranteed with the least impact possible.

Factor 4. Have flexible and quickly adaptable management systems

One of the points where the changes in business processes need to be reflected first is in its management systems. Both the ERP and CRM solutions of organisations must have a high capacity of customisation and adaptability, to reflect the required modifications in the company’s management rules with as much speed and precision as possible.

A standard and easily adaptable management solution, like those marketed by the main players in the market (Salesforce, SugarCRM, etc.), can be modified and adapted easily, quickly and at a very affordable cost for the company.

Factor 5. Train employees quickly on the new changes

Once changes have been made in the management processes, it is necessary to notify people of them as soon as possible and, if needed, train the employees involved.

Since it may not be possible to carry out face-to-face training, it is essential to do so through specific e-learning platforms, or otherwise, through communication and collaboration tools (such as LumApps, Google Meet, etc.). This way, there is a guarantee that the employee acquires the knowledge needed to carry out their work in the new conditions.

At Intelligence Partner, we recommend LumApps as one of the fundamental tools to adapt quickly and precisely to changes that may arise from potential new waves of COVID-19. This internal communication tool, also defined as a collaborative social intranet and 100% embeddable with G Suite and Microsoft Offices 365, facilitates the development of the business activity in any type of situation, and accelerates the digital transformation of organisations.

Our experts have in-depth knowledge of this solution, and we also have experience in projects of implementation, maintenance and support.

Contact us and explain your current situation and your objectives. Our professionals will analyse this information to then design together the best way to adapt your management processes and successfully compete in this new environment.