Who Led the Digital Transformation of Your Company? COVID-19

In my earlier post, I wrote an article about the origin story of Fintechs. Now it's my 53rd day in self-isolation, and thereby it's my 53rd day of home office experience. And I don't know about the rest of the world, but in Turkey, startups and digitalized features are on the front seat.

Who Led the Digital Transformation of Your Company? COVID-19


Social isolation is essential in preventing the spread of disease and lessens the pressure in the healthcare system. Thus, most of us staying and working from home. The Government put a ban for the people in the risk group, elder people (65+), and young people who have remote education.

Let's focus on specific areas:

Daily Life

It's wise to limit people's traveling on the streets. But then, how do people manage to live and meet their needs?

Although I'm neither in risk group nor banned age, I still refuse to go out. Because I'm living with my parents, and they're in risk groups.

Let's go back to the banned groups. Either their neighborhoods will help them, or some delivery startups? 

I can't deny there are good people out there who help their neighbors. Furthermore, a property management app named Apsiyon has launched a new feature for helping elderly people within their app in Turkey.

Apsiyon - I have a Neighbour


But still, I prefer to use the second option: Delivery apps!

There are two majors of delivery startups in Turkey: Getir and BanaBi.

Getir UI
Getir UI 






Banabi UI


Migros is a big market chain in Turkey which has a delivery app named Migros Sanal Market (Virtual Market). But I guess they didn't expect a global pandemic. Thus, unlike Getir and BanaBi, they were short in courier. When you purchase something on Sanal Market, in the best scenario they will deliver your purchases 5 days late.

But Getir and BanaBi were founded to deliver stuff in a short time and were ready to step forward during isolation. You can order food with 'contactless delivery' which means they hang your food on your door. So, either you or the courier will have no contact.


Financial Sector

Financial Sector in Turkey is ahead of the most European Banks in terms of innovative features and infrastructure.

Money transfer is way quicker in Turkey. If it's in the same bank it takes minutes. If it's between different banks, it depends on the amount. But in my experience, it usually takes approximately 15 minutes.

You can do most of your financial transactions within your banking app. Moreover, with the latest regulation, you will undo everything you do in your financial app. For instance, if you apply for a loan within the app, you can pay off a loan. Previously, you had to visit a branch to pay off a loan, but not anymore!

During the isolation, most banks uploaded #HowTo videos to attract non-digital customers and promote their digital features such as, Money Withdrawal with QR, In-Car Gas Payment, Pay with a Contactless Card, or w/ Your NFC Enabled Phone.

NFC Payment (Samsung PAY)


In-Car Payment (Yapı Kredi)

Working From Home

 I've been working from home since March 17, and probably will continue to work remotely until September. I work in one of the biggest private banks in Turkey. One of the perks of working in a big company is that you don't worry about your future regardless of the uncertainty. You know the banking sector will get over it. And I'm working in the digital area. In such times, the importance of digitalization becomes prominent.

On the other hand, if you're a small fish and a big ocean, no one will be there for you. Sadly, many have lost their jobs during the pandemic, and many people will lose. One of my best friends used to work in a digital agent. And sadly, she was one of the unfortunate minority. A pandemic was not something we expected in 2020. An unexpected case affected everyone's life. Many of them are in debt and don't know what to do. In this regard, the welfare state will come to light. Being a welfare state and helping people in need is what a state should do.

Keynes, I feel you.

Conclusion

Long story short, digitalization once again helped people, and unexpected cases will lead companies to create better solutions and experiences for customers.

The winners of the period are the companies that serve digitalized products & services and thereby showing their customers that they are there for them with the solutions.

14 May,
Emel