Data foundation key to enterprise digital transformation

Digital transformation has evolved from a trend into an essential requirement for the business community. Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and digital platforms, enterprises' competitiveness depends not only on technology but also on their capacity to manage and effectively utilize data.

Chinh Nam Design Construction Joint Stock Company applies AI to construction design. Photo: Vuong The

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), building a solid data foundation is the starting point for a rapid and sustainable digital transformation journey.

Accelerating the adoption of digital transformation solutions

In recent years, many enterprises in Dong Nai City have proactively invested in technology and gradually integrated digital platforms into their production and business activities. Internal administration, order management, production operations, and customer services have all been digitized, contributing to lower costs, higher operational efficiency, optimized processes, and broader market access.

Tran Quang Huan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chinh Nam Design Construction Joint Stock Company (Tran Bien Ward), said the company has applied AI to several stages of design, construction, and project operations. The technology helps shorten processing time, improve the accuracy of calculations and simulations, and support the optimization of project implementation plans.

Alongside the construction sector, many manufacturing enterprises are also harnessing technology to enhance their management capacity. Tang Thi Bich Thuong, Deputy General Director of the Business Division at Tan Vinh Cuu Joint Stock Company (TAVICO, Long Binh Ward), said that the company had significantly improved its ability to monitor order progress, manage inventory, and enhance factory operating efficiency following the implementation of digital transformation. A range of technological solutions has helped connect all operations, from orders and logistics to the production floor, allowing the company to monitor progress in real time, control inventory, reduce waste, and improve labor productivity. At the same time, TAVICO is developing a standardized wood-blank production model to help export-oriented wood-processing enterprises optimize their input supply chains, reduce material losses, and increase product value.

At the national level, the Government continues to promote support for enterprise digital transformation. Under the Digital Transformation Program for SMEs for 2026-2030, Vietnam aims to support at least 500,000 SMEs by 2030 through readiness assessments, consulting, training, testing, and the application of digital transformation solutions. Of these, at least 300,000 enterprises will receive support in adopting digital platforms, digital technologies, and AI, while approximately 200 SMEs will be recognized as typical digital transformation enterprises.

Data serves as the foundation of digital transformation

While many enterprises initially focused on digitizing sales, product promotion, and customer service, the emphasis of digital transformation has gradually shifted toward using data in management and operations. This transition is regarded as a key step in enabling enterprises to generate value from technology rather than merely adopting digital platforms.

Investing in technology is the first step toward digital transformation and smart factory operations. Photo: Vuong The

According to Tran Quang Huan, digital transformation can only achieve meaningful results when enterprises possess a comprehensive, accurate, and regularly updated data foundation. Therefore, alongside technology investment, enterprises need to prioritize database development, improve digital infrastructure, and enhance human resource quality.

Nguyen Thanh Luan, Digital Transformation Director at ITG Technology Joint Stock Company in Hanoi, shared this view, noting that many traditional factories continue to face management challenges due to a lack of tools to measure operational performance. Their operations remain largely dependent on experience and intuition, making it difficult to control productivity, quality, and production costs. Luan said that with an AI-integrated smart factory model, enterprises can collect data throughout the entire supply chain, from input materials and production to logistics and product consumption. Real-time data enables enterprises to shift from passive to proactive management, allowing them to promptly adjust production and business plans in line with market demand.

Experience at Thuan Loi Rubber Company Limited (Thuan Loi Commune) shows that digital transformation is bringing about clear improvements in management and production. Through the new digital platform, all important information is regularly updated and easily accessible. Rubber latex purchase prices are publicly announced each day, enhancing transparency, shortening information processing times, and enabling greater proactivity in production and business operations. In addition, the system provides access to comprehensive product information, ranging from technical specifications and quality standards to practical applications.

According to Vo Quang Hieu, Deputy General Director of Thuan Loi Rubber Company Limited, digital transformation involves not only the application of technology but also a shift in management thinking. It also provides a foundation for enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, participate more deeply in the global value chain, and pursue sustainable development in the digital era.

Experts noted that many SMEs remain in the initial stage of digital transformation, primarily using Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok to introduce and sell their products. Meanwhile, core components, including database development, interdepartmental information connectivity, and data utilization to support decision-making, continue to face significant limitations.

By Vuong The – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho