Making the right technology choices is essential for SMEs to thrive. Choosing the right tech helps SMEs grow and boost efficiency but with so much choice on the market, how do SMEs choose the right technology? John Harding, General Manager, Managed Services at Konica Minolta Australia, discusses how SMEs can choose the technology which is right for them.
As a small- or mid-sized enterprise (SME), staying ahead isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in ways that boost efficiency, keep customers happy and protect hard-earned gains. The right tech choices can set SMEs apart from competitors and lead to growth that matters. Whether it’s simplifying how to manage information, getting a cloud migration roadmap in place or increasing productivity, each Digital Transformation step has the potential to transform your business outcomes.
The 2024 Konica Minolta Australian IT trends report highlights key steps for SMEs to unlock the benefits of Digital Transformation. Here’s how SMEs can make the most of intelligent information management and other key technologies to fuel their business forward.
Lay the foundations of modern operations
Intelligent information management (IIM) is not just a technology buzzword; it’s a foundational system for managing data, documents and information effectively. In today’s data-centric world, where SMEs face mounting pressures around data security and regulatory compliance, IIM ensures valuable information is accessible, secure and usable across business processes.
According to the report, data protection and information security are top priorities for Australian businesses. 92% of respondents rate data protection as extremely important. This means SMEs need IIM systems that go beyond basic document storage to provide seamless access, version control, automated workflows and compliance tracking. IIM systems let businesses optimise data usage, reduce redundancy and streamline operations by keeping information accessible. The most effective systems can even help cut down operational inefficiencies, which is a key focus for 68% of C-suite executives.
An IIM system should be flexible and scalable to deliver results. SMEs can start by digitising paper documents and creating a centralised digital repository. They can then gradually implement automated workflows for invoicing, document approvals and customer communications.
Optimise the cloud migration journey
With a solid IIM foundation in place, SMEs can then turn their attention to maximising the benefits of cloud technology, which naturally complements and extends information management capabilities. Cloud technology offers SMEs scalable and flexible solutions without heavy upfront IT infrastructure investments. The report states that 76% of businesses prioritised cloud adoption and optimisation, reflecting its growing importance. Cloud benefits include supporting remote work, facilitating collaboration and providing access to powerful computing resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, all of which significantly boosts productivity.
SMEs can make their systems resilient, accessible from anywhere and easily scalable by moving data and applications to the cloud. Transitioning gradually is ideal, starting with low-risk, high-reward applications like document storage and collaboration tools. SMEs should choose a cloud provider that offers strong security measures and reliable backup options. Integrating cloud solutions with IIM can create a seamless information flow across the business, enhancing efficiency and supporting remote work.
Leverage integrated applications for productivity gains
The research shows that SMEs with 50 employees or less have significant opportunities to boost productivity through better application integration and automation. While 73% of organisations expressed satisfaction with their overall IT infrastructure, the data reveals that smaller businesses often under-utilise key productivity tools.
To maximise productivity and reduce costs, SMEs should focus on implementing integrated application stacks that automate routine tasks and streamline workflows. The report indicates that Microsoft 365, with its 82% satisfaction rate, provides an excellent foundation. SMEs can build on this by adding complementary applications that address specific business needs. For instance, implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system, which 47% of small businesses currently use, can significantly improve customer engagement and sales processes.
The key is selecting applications that work together seamlessly. Rather than adopting multiple standalone solutions, SMEs should look for integrated platforms that share data and workflows. This approach addresses one of the main barriers identified in the report, the underutilisation of existing tools, while supporting the broader goal of Digital Transformation. By carefully selecting and implementing integrated applications, SMEs can achieve the operational efficiency improvements that 58% of middle management identify as their top priority, while maintaining the strong focus on profitability that 71% of C-suite executives find important.
Tips for maximising returns on technology investments
SMEs should focus on a few critical implementation steps:
• Define clear objectives and metrics for each investment. Consider desired outcomes, such as increased customer satisfaction or reduced operational costs, and align technology with these goals.
• Technology underutilisation is a significant barrier to achieving business goals. Investing in training and development is essential to get employees confident and skilled in using new tools.
• Seek the benefits from partnerships with managed service providers (MSPs) and technology providers offering flexible, scalable solutions. MSPs can provide guidance on best practices, helping businesses avoid costly mistakes and optimise technology investments.
• Regularly evaluate each investment’s performance. Technology trends and business needs can change rapidly, so SMEs should monitor outcomes, gather feedback and adjust as needed.
The Digital Transformation journey doesn’t be overwhelming for SMEs. They should prioritise technologies with immediate benefits, engage expert partners and focus on employee training. Then, they can unlock the full potential of their technology investments, staying resilient and competitive amid ongoing change.