Digital transformation has become a prominent and widely discussed topic across various industries, as organizations actively plan and implement strategic changes. In this article, we undertake a thorough examination of this subject with the esteemed industry expert, Sharat Endapally, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate aspects involved in this transformative process.
Digital transformation, as the term implies, encompasses significant alterations to an organization's processes, systems, and connectivity. Although often associated with the implementation of digital services, its scope extends beyond that purview. It involves a comprehensive transformation of internal processes, system automation, and the expansion of service offerings in the online realm.
Sharat Endapally is a distinguished technology leader and healthcare technology solutions expert who has led many teams and has spearheaded many digital transformation and cloud enablement solutions. With extensive experience in the Life Sciences industry, he has played a pivotal role in innovating and implementing solutions to enhance and optimize outcomes. Throughout his illustrious career, Sharat has served as a mentor and advisor to numerous organizations, guiding them towards achieving their digital transformation goals.
During his tenure at Exact Sciences, Sharat has led cross-functional teams with a primary focus on developing a patient-centric platform. The patient's journey commences long before a diagnostic test is even requested. It begins when patients express their interest through various channels, such as websites, social platforms, or advocacy groups. Sharat emphasizes the significance of providing support to patients throughout their journey, offering relevant information, and facilitating an understanding of the available options for diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, this comprehensive approach encompasses post-treatment surveillance, aimed at early detection of any potential recurrence.
The question naturally arises: Why is digital transformation particularly relevant now? The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic has induced a transformative shift in our lives, compelling us to rely more heavily on digital interactions rather than traditional face-to-face encounters. Conventional in-person meetings have transitioned to online platforms, and customers now exhibit a preference for accessing information through digital channels, eschewing reliance on printed materials. This shift provides us with unique opportunities that were previously unavailable. Information about all the patient touch points can now be digitally recorded, allowing for a holistic understanding of customer interactions. This data can then be leveraged and converted into actionable tasks by different supporting teams, including Sales, Marketing, Order Management, Customer Service, Compliance, Speaker Programs, Feedback Portals, and more.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have played a transformative role in reshaping organizations. Gone are the days of email blasts and irrelevant marketing campaigns, for we now understand that "Too much communication is the same as no communication; we simply lack the time to read it all." Targeted campaigns and communications based on user patterns have replaced such approaches, all made possible through digital transformation.
Sharat's success in the industry is due in large part to his deep understanding of the importance of technology in driving business outcomes. He recognizes that IT solutions are not just about technology, but also about the impact on people, processes, and culture. This is why he has always taken a holistic approach to solving business problems, combining his technical knowledge with an understanding of business strategy, operations, and customer needs. One of Sharat's greatest strengths is his ability to communicate complex technical ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand way. This skill has helped him build strong relationships with executives, stakeholders, and team members, enabling him to lead successful IT projects across different business domains.
