There is a time for change coming.
The pandemic has disrupted the operating models of many industries and changed everyday life. Communities and businesses around the world have had to reduce face-to-face contact to fight the pandemic, creating negative effects for students, workers, and organizations of all kinds.
Many large companies and SMEs were pushed into difficult conditions, reducing branches or even facing closure. Businesses that survived had to adapt to changing times and transform quickly. Many companies have now realized the importance and urgency of digital transformation. Using technology, IT systems, and digital operating models is becoming the future direction.
During work from home periods, many employees complained about unclear company instructions, lack of face-to-face communication, and slower work progress. I also heard from many employer friends that HR departments found it difficult to monitor attendance records. In reality, digitizing these records is not difficult. With the right technology, management can check employee attendance records anytime and anywhere, maintaining essential operations with fewer manual resources.
For service-focused industries such as food and beverage, retail, and hotels, work from home is often not possible. Staff may face unpaid leave or dismissal. I understand that many employers are trying to save resources, but they can also respond positively to adversity by using this period to digitize existing manpower-based operations, reorganize and simplify procedures, save unnecessary long-term costs, and improve cost efficiency at the root.
When discussing attendance management, access control systems must be mentioned. In Hong Kong, many companies commonly use password locks, card access systems, fingerprint technology, or facial recognition to manage entry permissions. Around the world, many organizations and new hotels have already started using QR codes instead of traditional access control systems, although this is not yet widespread in Hong Kong.
QR Code access control systems can be managed through a web-based backend. They can record attendance time and location and restrict access by date and time. More importantly, access control systems can be integrated with Human Resources Management systems. Employees can use a mobile app to check work tasks, access the office with electronic employee profiles and QR codes, review payroll records, apply for leave, and receive urgent notifications instantly. This effectively solves communication problems caused by a lack of face-to-face interaction.
The pandemic has undeniably changed consumer behaviour. As social activities decreased, consumption around the world moved to e-commerce platforms. According to a global survey by Standard Chartered, 42% of respondents preferred online shopping, compared with 31% before the pandemic.
The changes caused by the pandemic were sudden, thorough, and unprecedented, leaving businesses and even national leaders unprepared.
“Now or never — digitalization is the fundamental way forward. Acting flexibly and turning crisis into opportunity is the right path.”
Lucas Mo
COO and Co-founder, technine
Published article: https://issuu.com/cathy.cheung/docs/thinktank_10_final_14102020__1_
Translation supported by AI.