The digitization process it does not require the same effort for all companies. A startup, for example, is created starting from a technological base. From the moment it is proposed as a business idea, you can take advantage of digitization.
However, the majority of SMEs with a track record in their respective sectors have grown thanks to the commercial and financial decisions made, from a source where technology barely had a presence. They are obviously not digital companies, however digitization is vital to ensure their long-term competitiveness.
How to do this digitization in SMEs more traditional? There are some key factors in getting through this process successfully.
Digital transformation of company culture
Digitization requires a cultural change at the business level, something that in some traditional SMEs is really difficult to achieve.
Above all, in companies that have been in their sector for years, it is complex to modify acquired habits and turn to new methodologies where technology takes center stage. It is difficult, but necessary.
A good digitization strategy in these cases consists of set small goals, easy to reach. Although they may seem not very decisive, it is actually these subtle changes in work dynamics that can achieve a greater digital transformation.
It is evident that those professionals who are more reluctant to digitize value more quickly the objectives that are achieved. It shows them that it doesn’t take a large investment and many years of dedication. This will encourage them to dedicate more resources to digital transformation, to achieve better and better results.
Invest in the digitization that is needed
Many SMEs recognize the importance of digitization, but they do not have the resources in the company to face it on their own and they fear investing in the wrong way, without achieving results.
It is true that business digitization encompasses so many areas that it is difficult to know where to invest at all times or even what options are available.
Small and medium-sized companies already easily recognize the benefits of SEO positioning, but are unaware of SEM strategies; They know that they must communicate their news to customers, but they do not know how to develop an email marketing strategy, etc.
Seek small short-term goals, As we have indicated, it can be a good strategy to start the digitization of the company. But to act more solidly in this transformation, the ideal is to work with digital tools that can offer us the best possible service.
This is one of the reasons why ERPs have taken on special importance in recent years, as they help in the planning of the company’s resources, allow increasing digital processes in the business and even automate many actions. All this integrating in the same workspace departments as diverse as finance, logistics or even human resources.
How to identify the benefits of digitization
The digitization of the SME It gives you the properties and resources you need to increase your competitiveness or, at the very least, match it with the companies that have gone through this process before.
However, the results are not always immediate, so it is important to identify the benefits that digitization is offering us progressively. For this we have to perform an ROI analysis or Return of investment.
If we want to achieve the highest possible ROI in the short term, we must invest in a digital transformation that affects those departments where we can see positive changes faster.
As a department demonstrates the benefits you get from digitization, the process will be sped up. We will invest in new areas of the company to progressively drive digital transformation and, in parallel, constantly improve our ROI.
The moment these decisions of the digital transformation strategy have a clear positive effect on the financial balance of the company, the process takes on even faster.
With a business culture adapted to the advantages of digitization, transformation strategies already applied and with visible results, the company’s investment can be directed towards a double strategy.
On the one hand, keep investing in digitization in those departments or areas where there is still room for improvement.
On the other hand, adapt to emerging needs of this digital transformation and continuously improve the results we achieve.
If we want to accelerate this process even more, we can count on experienced professionals and digital tools that allow us to draw strategies more easily and quickly.
With all these resources, the digital transformation of our company will be up and running and will soon reach new goals, with which to improve competitiveness and profitability.
