The Digital Makeover of The Service Industry

The age-old idea of treating customers as gods forms the ancient bedrock of the emergence of the service industry. Subsequently, following the growth steps the service sector has taken, speak a lot about its transformative voyage. However, this longstanding belief still resonates strongly, and the COVID-19 pandemic has additionally expedited the integration of digital technologies within the service industry with considerably greater significance by letting people realize the value of convenience and quality even more. While this has profoundly accelerated the adoption of digital transformation and automation within the industry for the providers, the digital wave has also invoked a need to build innovative bridges to pace up in the current global scenario and to meet the high bar of expectations in a way services are conceptualized, delivered, and experienced.

Digital shifts in the service sector

  • Servitization
  • DT-based service models and platforms
  • On-demand service marketplaces
  • E-commerce expansion

01

Servitization

Servitization, technically, in its real form, refers to when the traditional business models are transformed into an outcome-based, product-as-a-service (PaaS) model that enables customers to purchase and consume an outcome instead of purchasing equipment that delivers a “said“outcome. The two substantial products of ‘servitisation’ are Platforms and services, through which the service industry is taking an avatar of a digital personality. It involves some other technical integrals such as -

  • Data monetisation
  • Pay-per-use model
  • Customization and personalization
  • Subscription-based service model and SaaS

Ultimately, servitization is more of a business strategy, it must fit within a viable business model, which plays a crucial role in converting the value delivered to customers. This blog explores more on the take on digital trends and whereabouts in the service sector.

02

DT-based service models and platforms

The introduction and evolution of digital transformation in the service sector have transitioned without a hitch. This has enabled service providers and budding entrepreneurs to create new business models and create value chain processes. The core digital objectives of DT underscore the promotion and reinforcement of operational innovations for digital servitization and provide service firms with capabilities to develop customer-oriented business models. DT ( Digital Transformation) can, however, be called a strategic force that can enable innovations to create customer value.

The three prominent stages in the development of DT-based services comprise

  • Technology based
  • Web-based and
  • App-based

The above stages can further be simplified as

  • Inception: Technology-based services (digital trial) blend technologies with services or apply them to products.
  • Evolution: Web-based services (digital convergence) emerge through digital and network technology convergence.
  • Maturation: App-based services (DT) thrive as customers actively participate in mobile applications.

Carrying on, we will dig deeper into understanding how the digital makeover of the service industry is taking place.

03

On-demand service marketplaces

On-demand service platforms have thrived vigorously amidst the digital makeover of the service sector. The success of these on-demand service marketplaces in the service industry in India can be attributed to the increasing digitization, its capabilities, and extension followed by growth in digital providers across the sector. Digitally speaking, these are primarily app-based DT models, and the potential for innovation within these marketplaces is vast, encouraging entrepreneurs to identify underserved markets and craft niche platforms that deliver specialized and exceptional services. Rapidly ascending to prominence, Uber, Airbnb, Instacart, mobile beauty and laundry apps, car wash and service apps and virtual consultation are earning widespread attention for their unmatched conviction for convenience and service excellence.

04

E-commerce expansion

E-commerce expansion fits comfortably as a digital substitute for traditional retail and service delivery models. This is one such digital product that contributes significantly to service-based offerings, involving digital channels and technology to facilitate the purchase and delivery of various services, transforming the way consumers access and experience different service categories, whether it be B2C or B2B, it does fit nicely in fulfilling the purpose.

At Sumcircle Technologies, Our expertise extends to buialding and maintaining personalized e-commerce capabilities for businesses to thrive with their digital services through e-commerce and assisting in seamlessly integrating e-commerce channels with chosen providers, fostering a seamless collaboration. ( Click here to learn more about collaboration strategy and partnership )

How digital transformation is positively tied to competitive advantage in the service sector

There is a growing inclination to establish the entire world as a singular, competitive market, and the service sector is at the focal point of this anticipation and while we talk about digitalization, it's not just about connecting people, businesses, and communities at a technical level; it's about fundamentally altering our perspective on individuals as customers, users, and partners—viewing them as collaborative beneficiaries. This fundamental shift forms the core of digital transformation, intertwining with the transmission of positive values that underpin healthy competition in the service sector. In the same vein, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence ( All about AI in e-commerce), Machine Learning, IoT, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Data Science, and analytics are evolving in a promising direction, poised to positively revolutionize the service sector. As these technologies aid and motivate companies toward growth, the urge to become digitally stronger and better is what keeps the competitive spirit alive within the sector, igniting positive competition, and creating an atmosphere of innovation and improvement within the industry.

Our Approach to leveling up and bringing Innovation in Service Sectors

At Sumcircle Technologies, we strategically implement digital transformation for the service industry, following these 6 strategic stones:

Conclusion

The data reveals that the Global Digital Experience Platform market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period, reaching USD 32475.17 million by 2027. This digitalization of the service industry is considered a part of Industry 4.0, and it is furiously changing the prospects of the business environment, creating challenges for many companies and positively pressuring them to verify their capabilities and digital readiness to fit in and prosper in the era of digitally modernized and optimized service industry and we @Sumcircle are all up to put our best digital foot forward for service industries.