Incorporating new technology into SMEs

Productivity is the most essential aspect of SMEs. Any Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) needs to adopt new technologies to roll out the productivity by resorting to new technological innovations. They differ from large enterprises as there is no five-year plan or huge investment scenarios. The SMEs rely pretty much on recognizing a business challenge and then incorporating technology into a delivery model. The process involves step by step advancement. Below is encapsulated the steps to integrate new technology solutions, starting with the decision-making framework in SMEs –

The first step is to recognize the challenge of your business and the need to incorporate new technology. The major challenges for SMEs are usually the need to grow, change and stay ahead of the game. Identify the challenges and figure out how technology will address them. Here is why you need new technological innovations –

• Growth is the driving factor towards new technologies. Some SMEs want to value to their business model or simply grow financially. In either case, new technological innovations can address these requirements.
• The work environment in some SMEs can be very complex. There is always a need to streamline things. The need to simplify communications, IT and decision-making may arise. The advanced technologies can truly serve as a savior to this trouble by not only addressing to these problems but also delivering a cost-effective approach.
• The need for protective technologies is of the paramount importance because of the high risks involved in the business. There is constant need to protect the corporate data, the IT equipment and business assets. No SME can risk losing its identity or bear with stolen data. To safeguard the data and other assets, SMEs need technologies like anti-malware, VPNs etc.

1. Seek a technology advisor

After the SMEs get acquainted with the key challenges of their business, the next step is to seek the advice of an expert. They can take help of direct or indirect sales representative of the technological solution providers they are interested in. It is wise to use an authorized agent once you finalize on purchasing the technology or they can make use of direct sales channels for that.

1. Identify the delivery model

Whether you choose a direct channel or indirect one for your technology purchase, you need to ensure that it aligns with your delivery model. You can go for latest cloud-based solutions or on-site ones as long as it serves the particular solution. Cost factor is also an important consideration while choosing the best solution. Know the ins and outs of the technology solution provider and check how they provide technical support or other solutions after you have purchased it.

1. Incorporate the new technology solution

The final step involves the incorporation of the new technology solution. Ensure that it must be business specific and its support services are customer oriented. You may go for adopting new technology solution in the domains of IT, business development, communication, infrastructure and more. Check if the new technology can integrate seamlessly with your SME framework and deliver the desired performance.

Some Tip-offs:

• Never invest in a technology unless you understand it fully
• Understand the role of technology in the heart of every successful business and make sure you choose the best one
• Make the new technology your priority but not more than your employees
• Get your staff acquainted with new technology system and its know-how
• Keep on evolving to make sure the solutions are in place.

Originally published at www.ofbusiness.com.