The weight of COVID-19 introduced an opportunity for businesses to either thrive, struggle, adapt with innovation or – at worst – demonstrate their true characters and values.
The world has seen the transformation of business and were prompted to follow suit. The pandemic gave many a first-hand experience of the modification of business models, way of work and cultural shifts in the world of work. These are the shifts which will be theorised for years to come in history, to give business owners an opportunity to equip themselves for such events in future.
The call to adapt has led to significant improvement in the running of many components in the world of work. The most successful businesses did everything necessary to retain their employees while making it their mission to rise to the occasion and arm themselves with knowledge. The omnipresent cycle “learn–unlearn–learn” was amplified in importance during this time.
Business in the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the ICT environment went through tough change as sales could no longer be done through face-to-face interaction, which presented a revenue drop in some cases. This serves as an example of how the restructuring of business was vital in the survival of business.
The most successful businesses saw the need to re-train and protect their employees, which required a level of trust from both parties. This introduced an opportunity for every member of the workforce to exercise their capacity to interrogate and relearn what the nature of work is, in the context of the COVID-19 new normal.The nature of the modern world is ever-changing and those able to adapt are the most successful long term. Although humbling at times, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow, as nobody enters their particular industry or field with all the knowledge. The best in their fields are also those who are consistently up to date with ways to advance and revolutionise their respective industries.
The modification of business models coincided with the change in which many engaged with the way they consume or acquire goods and services. This progression is fantastic and speaks to the pliability of structures thought to be rigid in the past.
Coupled with the expansion and transformation in some business arenas, others were sadly left with no choice but to completely close their doors. This was due to many factors such as lack of innovation and acceptance to a forced change, or the business simply no longer being viable anymore.
Few OEM businesses in the ICT environment now use software audits as a way to increase their revenue. Can we say the recent articles that we have seen of Oracle in South Africa versus Eskom is one of those cases where they seemed to have used audits as a way to force purchases with the fear tactic of punitive measures if one doesn’t comply?
The answer is unclear – only time will tell in the courts, and it didn’t need to end up there. Most OEMs are now pushing audits consistently and increasing the number of businesses to be audited or reviewed just to increase revenue. How would we define the character of these businesses in these cases?
So does it mean we can’t work with them at all? The answer is no. The solution is to be proactive and have proper knowledgeable advice on the audits before or during the process, control the process, demonstrate to them that you know what is correct and not.
Can we just rip them off the system and replace them? Sadly, the answer is no in most cases, because they became part of the company’s DNA; while in some cases, there are better options you can explore. All you need to do is to ensure that you get the best value from the relationship and mitigate your risk.
On audits, most of the time they get the audits wrong and there are a number of companies that are paying for services/products that are not required based on previous or current audits.
Make sure your arguments with OEMs are contract based and factual, with insight into processes, including implications of each step, action and consequences.
We can help to make a meaningful impact.
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