The COVID-19 situation has compelled businesses, irrespective of their line of business, to quicken the digitization process. The adjustments required to develop remote activities did not present significant problems for larger businesses that already had a viable infrastructure. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), who lack the same resources, have been caught off guard by the current circumstance. They encountered a number of challenges during the digitizing process since they had to move quickly to comply with the limits put in place as a result of the pandemic.
The extent to which SMEs were able to begin the digitalization process determined how much of an impact the COVID crisis had on them. These solutions can assist these businesses in overcoming some of the most typical problems associated with digitization.
How can companies pay for digitalization costs?
Cost is cited as the primary issue facing 29% of the study’s participant companies in the digitalization process.
For some firms, the current need for internal process automation entails costs that weren’t initially anticipated in the annual budget. Fortunately, businesses like Microsoft, Amazon, or Google offer cloud solutions whose use doesn’t incur significant costs because it doesn’t call for the purchase of hardware and software licensing. Turning to regional hosting companies is another way for small and medium-sized organizations to save costs. As a result, the monthly fees allotted for using the platforms are reasonable, and users will have exceptional circumstances for data protection and safety.
Enterprises can access online platforms that provide ERP, CRM, SFA, and other services for a monthly fee (subscription). We propose buying specialized software solutions and paying for them using non-reimbursable cash or long-term loans if the business model does not permit the usage of or integration of these tools with the organization’s current systems. Planning for initial investments, such as the price of installing specialized communications and security equipment at the company’s headquarters, is a crucial consideration. The future rewards are substantial, therefore these little fees shouldn’t be a barrier.
How can I pick the best technologies?
While considering corporate software solutions, it’s crucial to bear in mind the features they may provide as well as the technologies that were employed in their creation.
The technology should be up-to-date first and foremost to allow for software modifications as the business grows. Experts advise flexible apps that enable the installation of new features or modification of existing ones without rewriting code because the business model must continually adjust to economic considerations that are continuously changing.
Additionally, the solution must be scalable, making cloud solutions the best option because of their primary advantage of flexibility. If you intend to use a cloud solution, consider the provider’s capacity to give consulting services about the selection of the ideal hardware and software settings as well as their accessibility for technical assistance following deployment. Therefore, choosing a partner with a local presence is advised.
SMEs should be very careful about data and communication security if they select a local hosting provider. Additionally, each resource needs to be scalable. Enterprise software typically focuses on meeting business goals without sacrificing usability. If a business chooses to utilize various SFA or ERP platforms from various providers, it should think about connecting them and making sure that data transmission is entirely automatic to get rid of any potential problems.
Given everything, the best option for businesses, regardless of their profile, is to select Cloud software solutions that have a user-friendly and contemporary design, are reliable and accessible both online and offline from any device, can be customized to meet current or potential needs, and offer data analysis and forecasting features.
How can businesses ensure that the integration of new technologies into existing systems, the replacement of outdated ones, and the implementation of new ones all go off without a hitch?
The initial part of the process, which involves mapping, assessing, and updating present business processes, must be flawless for the transition to new technology to be successful. Due to the resources required compared to the benefits they provide, businesses frequently come to the opinion that some of these procedures are overly expensive. Therefore, it’s important to choose the best software solutions. Because the new solutions will open up new working options, some processes will be deleted and others added to the company’s style of working, making this process iterative. In addition to computerization, one result of digitalization is the upgrading of company operations and processes.
It is advised that the implementation and data transfer from the prior tools be done with the assistance of an outside service provider once the best enterprise solutions have been chosen (consultant). Companies will save time and money by doing this.
educating staff on how to use new software solutions
The training of staff members, who need to become acquainted to the new software solutions, is another concern that organizations should handle carefully during the digitization process. Users will find it simple to adjust to new tools if the new technologies are the proper ones and the installation goes smoothly. However, in a perfect world, the software provider would also offer staff training services in addition to the solution itself. Specialized training will ensure that the business achieves the highest level of productivity in the shortest amount of time and prevent the frustration that results from the need to embrace a new style of working.
Things to consider when selecting the best provider of software solutions
A project in and of itself, a business’s digital transformation. This makes it ideal to select a partner who can offer assistance during all phases of the project, even those after implementation, through support and maintenance services. The technology provider should first assist in determining business needs, then review and choose the best technical solutions. Following this, they must install the solution, move data, train staff, and—last but not least—provide technical support for the duration of the use of that specific software.
The software service provider’s prior experience on similar projects, particularly for clients in the same industry, is a deciding factor. The quantity and diversity of staff available for such a project should also be a consideration. Since the best technologies have already been selected, it is crucial that the supplier is knowledgeable about the most recent advancements in those technologies and that their organizational culture is customer-focused.
Currently, digitalization is an international trend. Even while some adjustments have been required for some time, they have been put off, and the pandemic has simply accelerated this process. The majority of technologies have successfully demonstrated their usefulness in virtually every industry and business model, which is a good thing. It’s imperative that we digitize, and luckily, we can.
