Even sans pandemic, digital transformation is an inevitability, a question of when not if. Thus, here are some tips for a smooth digital transition to avoid common issues encountered by SMEs going digital.
1. Make Use of Government Programs and Schemes
Some examples include the SMEs Go Digital (IMDA) and the Productivity Solutions Grant (Enterprise Singapore). If you are unsure of how to begin your company’s digital transformation journey, a good place to start would be to find out which digital techniques are most compatible to your business structure. It would be best to customise such digital solutions to the needs of the company’s operations as well as that of the customers.
2. Talk to a Cybersecurity Expert
Having all of the company and customers’ data online requires multiple measures to fortify cybersecurity and prevent issues like compromised data leaks or theft due to hacking. Technical system failures and lost data is a constant source of anxiety so it is crucial that data management and security issues are accounted for before the transition.
3. Address the Gap in Employees’ Digital Knowledge by Providing IT Training
Continual upskilling is vital. Employees should be familiar with whatever new IT software the company decides to adopt in order to understand its data functions, navigate the interface to manage customer requests better.
4. Foster an Innovative Work Culture
Mindset maketh man. Successful digital transformation requires the support of employees who are adaptable and can think out of the box to privilege the continuous improvement of new digital initiatives.
5. Implement a Gradual Digital Transformation Roadmap
During tough times, SMEs might not have sufficient expansion capital to fully adopt digital transformation. As technology is also always changing, SMEs also struggle with the lack of manpower or technical expertise. Hence, it is more manageable to create a digital transformation roadmap that can be implemented in stages so as not to overwhelm company resources.
The road ahead for many companies is uncertain but digitalisation is an important tool in your arsenal to stay competitive.