The Digital Transformation Bottleneck You Didn't Know You Had

When you think about data, AI, and digital transformation, buzzwords like Generative AI and machine learning often come to mind. The humble world of document processing might seem like an afterthought.

Yet, as Lee Chee Seng, business transformation leader at FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore, eloquently reveals, it's a critical, yet often overlooked, cornerstone of successful digital transformation.

Meet the unseen backbone of transformation

Digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technologies. It's about reimagining how businesses operate, fueled by data-driven insights.

"The backbone of digital transformation is really data," Lee states, underscoring the fundamental role of information in shaping modern business strategies.

Much of this valuable data remains trapped in unstructured formats — paper documents, PDFs, images — creating a significant bottleneck in the digital journey. This is where intelligent document processing (IDP) comes in.

"Intelligent document processing is actually the... entry point for both physical to digital transformation," explains Lee, highlighting the importance of converting and extracting information from these diverse sources.

It's about creating a seamless flow of usable, structured data that powers decision-making and fuels innovation.

Fujifilm's unique IDP edge

While giants like Google and Microsoft offer document processing solutions, Fujifilm's IDP offerings stand out due to their emphasis on integration and real-world applicability. And Lee notes these advantages matter when it comes to transformation.

The company’s IDP solutions don't just digitize documents; they provide comprehensive solutions tailored to specific industries and workflows.

Lee cites the example of a project in India, where humble scanning machines played a pivotal role in digitizing tax collection from millions of individuals without access to digital forms.

"We are able to transform a very simple submission in the form of paper... to a digital form," says Lee.

It's a testament to Fujifilm's commitment to bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enabling businesses of all sizes to participate in the digital economy.

Lee also highlights another advantage: being platform agnostic. He notes that other vendors like Google and Microsoft run their document processing solutions in their environments.

Challenges in the digital frontier

Digital transformation is not without its hurdles. But Lee sees the primary challenge as not technological, but rather a lack of clarity on the 'why'. In other words, it’s a business alignment challenge.

“[It’s] the key question to be answered," he emphasizes. It's crucial for businesses to define their objectives and understand the value proposition of digital transformation before embarking on the journey.

Another barrier concerns data privacy and security in an age of frequent breaches and stringent regulations.

Fujifilm addresses this through a combination of secure solutions, compliance adherence, and a long-standing reputation as a trusted partner.

Lee admits the world of AI and document processing is evolving fast. So, Fujifilm maintains its competitive edge through a two-pronged approach: internal R&D and strategic partnerships.

"We work with an ecosystem of best-in-class partners," reveals Lee, citing collaborations with UiPath on RPA. Such collaborations ensure Fujifilm remains at the forefront of technological advancements, incorporating cutting-edge capabilities into its solutions.

Lessons from Fujifilm's transformation journey

A key strength of Fujifilm's digital transformation strategy is that it incorporates the lessons from its internal transformation journey.

Lee emphasizes the importance of a structured approach guided by a clear understanding of the desired value proposition. “It's essentially really [to have] a structured process of thinking and organizing ourselves," he explains.

It's a testament to the fact that successful digital transformation is not about chasing the latest trends but about aligning technology with strategic objectives.

Looking ahead, Fujifilm is gearing up to launch IWpro, a solution that integrates its diverse offerings, from data management to intelligent business automation. “It is an all-in-one secure platform solution for business digitization, provides a workspace for collaboration, workflow optimization, efficient document management of metadata and documents, and versatile cloud-based printing capabilities,” says the company’s website.

The company is already leveraging AI and NLP in its IDP solutions. They work to extract deeper insights from data, including emotion tracking. They are even venturing into the realm of video and audio analysis, expanding the scope of IDP beyond traditional text-based documents.

Don’t downplay document processing

In a world increasingly driven by data, the importance of document processing cannot be overstated. It's the bridge between the physical and digital realms, unlocking the potential of unstructured information.

Fujifilm's journey from a traditional film company to a digital transformation leader exemplifies the transformative power of intelligent document processing.

Their emphasis on understanding the 'why,' addressing security concerns, and staying ahead of the curve through innovation and partnerships serves as a valuable blueprint for businesses navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

As Lee aptly puts it, "Technology will always not be the first... it will be the last." It's a reminder that the true drivers of success are strategic vision and a relentless pursuit of value — technology, no matter how shiny, is just an enabler. 

Image credit: iStockphoto/Dragon Claws