If you are among the companies that have secured funding for SME digitization, then you certainly want to ensure that you invest the money as efficiently as possible in the digitalization of your company.
The temptation of software solutions is significant: there are increasingly more on the market, and each promises extraordinary advantages.
Cowever, you have a limited digitization budget, and you must ensure that you achieve maximum results.
How do you do that? Here are 4 important aspects to consider.
1. Answer a simple question
”What have you set out to achieve through the digitization of your company?”
We know that digital transformation has become somewhat of a trend in the business environment, but the reasons behind the decision are always different each time.
Whether you want to improve the quality of services for your customers, streamline company activities, or enhance employee satisfaction by eliminating tedious tasks, it is important to clarify this aspect.
Start with the challenges your company is currently facing and the strategic objectives you are pursuing, and you will be able to see the role of digitization in your business
A useful tip: partner with an experienced software company with expertise in business analysis. They will ask you the right questions and help you see the bigger picture.
2. Work only with SMART objectives
Accept only such a digitization plan from the software partner you are working with
Whether it's an investment of 10K or 100K euros, measurable objectives are the only way to track the project's progress, make necessary adjustments along the way, and enjoy success in the end.
What does SMART objectives mean? Simple!
They are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Discover the BPM - Business Process Modeling method used by Sostenia in digitization projects
3. Choose flexibility
Technology is advancing rapidly, and the business environment presents its challenges each time. That's why you need a software solution that offers flexibility on all fronts.
- Opt for modular software. Digitization stimulates the rapid development of the company, and the chosen solution must be able to support this process, regardless of the level it reaches. Modular software allows the gradual addition of modules, depending on the evolution of the business, without disrupting activities in any way.
- Easy integration with other applications. To keep up with technology (as your competitors probably do), the implemented solution must be easily connected to other third-party applications.
Digital transformation will not stop at a single project. Once you experience the benefits it offers, it will become a mindset, a way of approaching business.
4. Involve the entire team from the beginning and allocate time for training sessions
Beyond obtaining digitization funds, choosing the most suitable solution, and implementing it, there is the USER.
The most powerful software is worth nothing if it is not used to its full capacity by your team.
Or in other words... having a Ferrari is useless if the speed limit is 40 km/h! :D
Your mission as a manager is to constantly remind people of the benefits they will gain in their daily activities.
And the list here is long:
- Improved performance
- Elimination of repetitive, tedious tasks, replaced by strategic and creative ones
- Opportunity to learn to use new software and gain digital skills, crucial for any employer
- Enhanced collaboration between departments - no more lost contracts, forgotten projects, or missed deadlines because there will be visibility and connection between tasks
- Elimination of duplicated work (e.g., data entered into the system once can be used countless times without wasting time), reducing errors.
Secondly, choose an implementation partner that provides training sessions and support for using the application. Furthermore, ensure that employees attend these sessions and acquire the necessary knowledge.
Treat this project phase with all responsibility and involvement because only this way will you be able to reap the rewards of digitization.
BONUS: 5. Choose a top implementation partner
We know there are many software companies offering implementation services, and it's probably challenging to make a decision.
That's why we believe Sostenia can be one of the best choices.
- We provide comprehensive services, exactly what you need for an efficient implementation: business analysis, implementation, software development, training, and support;
- Large portfolio of solutions that can cover any business need: ERP, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Intelligent Chatbots, eCommerce, website construction, Field Service, CRM, TMS, DMS, WS, SKU, and more;
- Top partners: SAP, Odoo, UiPath, DRUID, ContentSpeed, FieldOS, Clarvision, Inetum, iTrack;
- International recognition through the Best Starter Europe award and the achieved Odoo Gold Partner level;
- A team of certified consultants with over 18 years of experience in their field.