It has been dubbed the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The rapid advance of technology in recent years has certainly meant that even the smallest business ventures are having to contemplate big changes.
The race is on to take maximum advantage of cloud computing, the advent of Big Data, the Internet of Things and modern analytical prowess. It’s now possible to do things quicker, cleaner, leaner and with more global connectivity than anyone dreamed possible a decade ago.
Access our ERP Selection Guide PDF and learn the importance of choosing the right technology for your business and how it can help you get a head start on your competition.
Opportunities and threats driving IT transformations
Technology developers are working at a furious pace to offer ever-more sophisticated hardware and software – and not just for proactive improvement initiatives. From greater use of Big Data – with its vast information sets – comes greater responsibility. This is why privacy laws and data protection legislation is being ramped up across the world.
Firms have a lot of work to do to create the systems and procedures to manage and encrypt personal information better. All the while looking over their shoulder, thanks to the prospect of ever more sophisticated cybercriminals. WannaCry and then Petya ransomware were a shocking wake up call. They showed how the biggest and the best (banks, healthcare providers, airports and prisons) can still be crippled by malicious software. This means that building in early detection systems - with a rabid adherence to software patches and the tightest of firewalls – are now needed on every level.
Is this making SMEs run before they can walk when it comes to IT?
All this threat and opportunity is leading small and medium sized enterprises into periods of IT transformation – which should make them better able to grow and prosper. For some, this is a measured, controlled and well-orchestrated process.
But to be frank, for other SMEs the changes are leading to meltdowns and long-term financial fallout. So how are the best and most successful coping with new system implementation?
How SMEs can achieve smooth IT changes
It’s not as simple as choosing your new equipment or solution, then planning a switch over in terms of dates and aims.
The companies who have passed most smoothly through IT transformations have done so by first appointing a project manager with the right skills and insights to oversee the project from start to finish. Preferably someone who knows your sector (and any local issues you face). However, it's also important to ensure that the project manager involved is someone “neutral” who can use emotional intelligence to handle any “obstacles” as they occur.
Next, the staff need to be fully engaged. SMEs progressing towards technological brilliance and efficiency still need – people. And those people need to have the abilities and willingness to embrace the transformation and the new era.
That means not getting so carried away with the system implementation that you forget to keep staff informed. Why are you making the changes, who will be most affected and what are the goals? What are the milestones and measures put in place to guide it through? What are their responsibilities and roles? And preferably, what are their rewards for fulfilling those in a way that champions quality control?
The same applies to clients and suppliers. They will respond far better to any business interruption and changes if they have all the information in advance, and they are kept in the loop.
Being realistic on system implementation
Lastly, SMEs need to be realistic when implementing with new systems and IT change-overs.
The pace of the transformation must be dictated not by pressing need or legislation breathing down your neck.
A reputable and supportive software supplier will be able to talk you through tried and trusted methodology for implementing your chosen systems. You can then compare this to your own business needs and fluctuations.
Can the bulk of the work be undertaken in quiet business times? What likely bottlenecks and distractions might occur? Can you assign less crucial transformation phases to times when your business will be under pressure to meet client deadlines?
There is much talk for the “race” to embrace new technology and build business growth. With the right coach and manager, not only will they help you prepare for a marathon, they can help your business win the competition.
Access our ERP Selection Guide PDF and learn the importance of choosing the right technology for your business and how it can help you get a head start on your competition. The PDF also looks at another equally important consideration; selecting the right ERP implementation partner. Selecting the right partner will ensure that the previous preparation will be followed up with execution to ensure that adopting an ERP solution will be a success. The right partnership can truly demonstrate the value of your technology investment, but the wrong one can leave you stuck with a business that is ill-suited to your needs and ambitions.
