3 key factors in the digital transition of SMEs

According to a 2017 Québec International survey  , 79% of business leaders believe that digital technology will be a major challenge over the next five years.

Indeed, in 2019, the digital transformation of SMEs represents a crucial challenge for growth, productivity, and rapid profit generation. This goes beyond the simple integration of IT gadgets; rather, it's a reshaping of the  company's culture  that allows it to meet customer needs and maintain a competitive technological advantage. Here are three  crucial elements  that will enable SMEs to successfully make the digital shift.

The 3 factors

Security

New technologies implemented within an SME need to be reliable at all times. Therefore, optimal security is arguably the most important element when it comes to digital transformation. Guided by customer requirements, organizations can transition, for example, to cloud services or adopt IT outsourcing.

Moreover, in 2014, an INSEE study determined that the larger the companies, the more they use cloud solutions. This allows them to have mobile access to data, but also to reduce the risks associated with local storage. Indeed, local storage has various disadvantages, such as centralized backup at the hardware level (servers, hard drives, etc.), which increases damage during outages, or even limited storage space.

Along the same lines, outsourcing allows you to benefit from a team that is dedicated full-time to planning and managing potential malicious attacks, allowing the company to focus on its important business processes.

Data analysis

According to Irosoft, the amount of data generated and exchanged worldwide has increased sevenfold in the past five years. However, not all companies are able to use it wisely to grow their business opportunities.

Big Data News explains that 20 to 30% of business operating costs stem from poor data management. This is one of the reasons why data analytics is the foundation of the digital transformation.

This is an approach that involves identifying challenges, examining existing actions in each area of ​​activity, and determining industry and competitor trends. It then serves as a springboard for drafting an action plan to optimize technological solutions. This action plan should focus on innovation and quality improvement within the SME.

Mobility

Mobile technology solutions are equally essential to the digital transition of SMEs: they facilitate communication between internal and external collaborators, but also between the company and its customers.

This enterprise mobility management is based on three pillars: mobile device management, mobile applications, and finally, mobile data. Employees can work from anywhere and access their work files from their portable devices (phones, tablets, etc.), thus enabling expanded access to data.

Your employees will also benefit from more freedom and the ability to work from anywhere. These tools also give you more metrics to assess and quantify performance across the organization.

How to execute digital transformation well

Les Affaires recently published a list that outlines the steps to follow in order to carry out a digital transition properly: Identify the business processes that you want to improve by monitoring your field of activity.

1. Collect, analyze and manage your data in an organized manner

2. Make a “digital vision” plan by identifying the technological solutions that can benefit your SME

3. Increase the protection of your computer data

4. Build a team that shares this “digital vision”

5. Establish sales and marketing strategies that enable this vision to be conveyed

6. Evaluate the ROI (return on investment)

In conclusion, according to a study by the University of Munich, companies recognize that their employees lack the skills required to thrive in the era of digital transformation. Yet only 16% of them reported having an action plan in this regard.

To do this, you can contact a company specializing in supporting SMEs in the digital transition, such as Nexxo IT Solutions. We will assess your needs and offer you IT solutions tailored to your needs and the realities of your industry, allowing you to save on your IT expenses and optimize your technological infrastructure.