Utiliites have been embracing digital technology to power business applications, and leverage data analytics, streamline workflow, and enhance customer satisfaction. As they gain more experience with digital technologies (cloud, Internet of Things, mobile, data analytics, and artificial intelligence and machine learning), utilities try to improve their implementations. A digital first approach, an emphasis on cybersecurity, and increasing reliance on AI are at the forefront of the changes these companies are making, according to International Data Corp., a market research firm.
Digital technology continues to gain traction. By 2026, 65% of tech buyers will view it as their primary technology infrastructure. Why? Digital transformation provides energy companies with the ability to slow IT spending growth and address technology staffing challenges.
Another change is AI will become more widely deployed in energy company applications. AI’s automation capabilities ensure consistent digital infrastructure configurations, improve performance, reduct costs, and enhance security by reducing human operator intervention by 70%.
Secure the New Connections
Security will continue to be a key digital transformation concern. Energy companies need to protect their business systems and the grid which increasingly fall under attack. By 2026, 65% of IT organizations will only purchase infrastructure solutions that incorporate predictive cyber-resiliency mechanisms proven to reduce post-cyberintrusion recovery efforts.
As digital technology use spreads, companies have trouble managing their network connections. By 2025, 50% of energy enterprises will deploy intelligent multicloud networking solutions to add consistency and simplicity to network operations.
Digital technology has been gaining traction because it simplifies technology deployment and reduces costs for energy companies. Consequently, more are turning to cloud, but they also must address security concerns and simplify network deployment and monitoring in order to reap its benefits.