SMEs and the use of automation are lagging behind!?

SMEs are the backbone of many economies, and as such, their digitalization is critical for the success of those economies. Unfortunately, SMEs have been slow to adopt digital technologies.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the reasons for this lagging behind and try to determine what needs to be done in order to get them on board with digitalization. Stay tuned!

"60% of SMEs adopted some form of digitalisation during COVID-19 but 35% thinks it's only temporary!" (OECD)

SMEs provide jobs, support local communities, and contribute to the growth of national and global economies. In order to continue thriving in today's digital age, SMEs must embrace automation and digitisation. This can be a challenge for some businesses, as they may not have the resources or knowledge to make the switch. In this blog post, I will explore the status of SMEs and their use of automation, as well as the challenges they face in adapting to new technology. We will also discuss the opportunities that automation presents for SMEs and how it can help them reach their goals!

Despite the challenges, SMEs that digitise and automate their businesses can reap many rewards. Automation can help SMEs become more efficient and productive, saving time and money in the process. It can also help them reach new markets and customers, as well as improve customer service. Automation can also play a role in helping SMEs evolve and adapt to changes in the market.

As more SMEs embrace automation, they will be better equipped to compete with larger companies on a global scale. Digitisation is not just about saving money or reducing costs - it can also help small businesses innovate and grow! Digitising an SME allows for enterprise agility that makes it easier for them to adapt quickly when faced with new challenges or opportunities. Digitising also enables SMEs (including start-ups) to develop their own products and services that are tailored specifically for customers who want something different than what's currently available in the market - this can lead to increased revenue streams!

EU SME businesses seem to have a somewhat naive idea about the significance of digitisation given the low relative numbers below:

(Source: Statista)

One of the biggest challenges facing SMEs is the lack of resources and knowledge when it comes to automation and digitisation. Many businesses feel overwhelmed by the prospect of automating their operations, and they may not know where to start. In addition, many SMEs do not have the funds to invest in new technology.

There are a number of organisations that offer support and guidance to SMEs on digitisation and automation. Most governments, for example, has a number of programmes and initiatives to help businesses make the switch to digital. There are also many private sector organisations that offer similar services.

Another challenge facing SMEs is the lack of awareness about the benefits of automation. Many business owners still see automation as a threat to jobs, rather than an opportunity to improve efficiency and productivity. It is important for SMEs to understand the benefits of automation and how it can help them reach their goals.

The opportunities that automation presents for SMEs are vast and varied. Automation can help businesses save time and money, increase efficiency, reach new markets, improve customer service, and more. In addition, automation can help SMEs to become more competitive and adaptable in a global market.

Basically needs to wake up:

Source: OECD

As SMEs continue to face challenges in adapting to digital technologies, it is important for them to remember the many benefits that automation can offer. With the right resources and support, SMEs can thrive in a digitised world!