How has Covid-19 changed the consultancy market?

The obvious answer to how Covid-19 has changed the consultancy market would be down-turn and uncertainty. However, actually the picture is more positive than that in some sectors, due to digital transformation.

Digital transformation can enable revival

Many companies had digital transformation on their agenda pre-Covid. We were on the cusp of a fourth industrial revolution as the acceleration of technology, automation and AI brought huge change to the workplace. 

Enforced lockdown meant companies had to quickly adapt and enable their whole workforce to work from home. A feat that, for some, would have been unthinkable in such a short time-frame. The companies that were most successful were already adopting an agile approach and could flex their working models quickly.

Now, the move to remote working has changed the mindsets of employers and employees alike. A recent report from Westfield Health found that less than a third of home workers want to go back to the office.

As businesses adpat to a new world, where Covid-19 is still very much a threat, they are rethinking their future. From their office requirements to the technology they require to operate safely and effectively. That means digital transformation is higher up the agenda, with businesses recognising the benefits of SaaS and cloud-based services. Businesses know that they can’t rely on old ways of working and, most importantly, they want to move quickly. 

The impact on the consultancy market

The days of needing on-premise solutions and expensive servers are long gone. Businesses appreciate the need for real-time data that can help them make informed decisions, but don’t want the additional costs of on-premise solutions. That's why Business intelligence solutions such as Qlik Cloud and Microsoft Power BI are so popular.

However, post-Covid, some companies have much catching-up to do and don’t want to layer additional large scale projects on their in-house teams. Experienced consultants can help businesses rapidly deploy projects, while ensuring their in-house teams are able to focus on BAU activity.

In our experience, the sectors that rely on real-time data to run effectively and have strict SLAs to meet, are focusing more on digital transformation. We've seen an up-turn in enquiries from businesses that have prioritised projects that were originally planned for 2021 and beyond.

By calling on business intelligence experts like ourselves they can benefit from external expertise and resources that can be mobilised quickly. We always work in partnership with clients to understand business requirements, and design and implement solutions that meet business objectives.

Covid-19 has shown businesses that the unthinkable can happen. Now they have weathered the initial storm they are focusing, more than ever, on preparing for the future. The consultancy market is ready and willing to help.

We can help

If you want digital technology and data to do more for your business, while ensuring you can flex your operations quickly, get in touch. We'd be happy to talk through past projects that we have delivered for clients just like you.