Digital Operations Improvement Strategies for 2026

The next big step in digital operations improvement is moving from automation that assists to processes that run themselves. By 2026, AI will be doing more than just completing tasks. It will be redesigning processes in real time. For example, your system might identify problems, test solutions, and fix things automatically, all based on previous data. With this level of automation, companies can lower operational costs by 30-40% and be more flexible in their operations.

Modernizing Legacy Claims Systems

For industries like insurance and finance, improving claims process is a big challenge. But with new technology, the shift toward touchless claims is speeding up. AI and machine learning can handle most claims automatically. When more complex issues arise, AI can assist by summarizing medical records or flagging potential problems, letting experts focus on negotiation. Future Processing, a partner for European insurers, has shown that integrating AI with existing systems can reduce claims processing time by half and improve fraud detection. This proves that digital operations improvement doesn’t always mean replacing old systems, it’s about enhancing them with smart tech.

Building Through Strategic Collaboration

No company can do everything on its own. That’s why choosing the right software development partner is key to digital operations improvement. A good partner isn’t just a vendor, they become part of your team. This means sharing tools, collaborating closely, and being transparent about processes. Netguru, known for its work with fintech and startups, shows how embedding their team with clients can lead to better results. Their approach highlights that cultural fit and shared goals matter more than simply saving on costs.

Cloud-Native Architecture as a Differentiator

If your company is still relying on outdated systems, it’s time for a change. By 2026, companies that haven’t switched to cloud-native architecture will struggle. The key to digital operations improvement is flexibility, using microservices, APIs, and containers to build systems that can easily adapt to new tech. This setup lets you plug in AI, data platforms, or customer experience tools quickly, helping your business stay ahead in an ever-changing market.

Optimizing the Salesforce Ecosystem

For companies using Salesforce, managing its complexity is a major digital operations improvement challenge. With constant updates and new AI features like Agentforce, Salesforce needs ongoing care to stay aligned with your goals. Think Beyond, a UK-based consultancy, offers managed services for Salesforce, which go beyond simple troubleshooting. Their services include security audits, pre-release testing, and making sure Salesforce evolves to meet your business needs. This lets you keep Salesforce as a tool for growth, not just maintenance.

Data Governance as the Foundation

To make AI and automation work, you need a solid foundation of data. Digital operations improvement starts with clean, organized data. This means setting clear data standards, automating quality checks, and ensuring everyone knows who owns the data. By treating data as a product, companies can make sure their AI systems make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion

In 2026, digital operations improvement is about creating systems that work together seamlessly. The best companies will use AI to automate tasks, modernize legacy systems without disrupting business, and embrace cloud-native architecture for flexibility. By getting these things right, businesses can stay competitive and prepared for the challenges of the future.

FAQs

Q: What’s the biggest mistake companies make in digital operations improvement?

A: They jump into new tech like AI without fixing underlying problems, like cleaning up data or improving processes.

Q: How can we measure ROI for digital operations improvement?

A: Track things like how much it costs per transaction and how much time employees spend on value-added work versus routine tasks. Aim for a 30% improvement in the first year.

Q: Should we build our internal team or rely on managed services?

A: Focus on building your core team for strategy. Outsource tasks like platform maintenance and AI optimization to experienced partners.

Q: How often should we review our digital operations strategy?

A: Quarterly. With how fast tech is evolving, you need regular check-ins to stay on top of changes.

Q: What skills should we focus on in 2026?

A: Focus on data literacy for everyone, prompt engineering for users, and understanding AI ethics. It’s easier to hire for technical skills than to teach cultural adaptability.