SMB digital transformation is as necessary for mom and pop stores as it is for the largest organizations. Modern tools and systems such as AI, process automation, and collaboration apps have the power to transform your company into something competitive, with relatively small changes across the entire company. There will be some disruption and some investment is required. But from an improved CX to insightful data, here are a few reasons to consider.

Accuracy Where It Matters

There are some controls and procedures that hold some margin for error and can recover pretty easily. However, there are also some issues that can cause all manner of issues when things go wrong. Outdated systems, such as financial, payment, and payroll, must be updated to meet modern expectations. Simply by switching to cloud based payroll software, for example, all necessary employees have access to the data they need, when they need it, and backups.

Improved CX with SMB Digital Transformation

How your customers interact with the business can make or break it. Above everything else, including price, 73% of customers value the customer experience when making a purchase decision. Overhauling outdated front-facing systems provides customers with easier access. This can be as simple as website mobile responsiveness, but it can be changed to include accessibility features, too. A simplified yet informative checkout process plays a major role.

Reducing Operational Costs

Overhauling your entire business to include upgraded digital systems will cost and require investment of time and money. Most companies roll out various systems one after the other to reduce the impact on the business. While this will inevitably cost, the savings over time more than pay for the initial funding. For example, you can save on paper, ink, and other supplies just by switching to electronic communication, which also plays into any green plans you may have.

SMB Digital Transformation for Employees

It isn’t only the company that benefits from an SMB digital transformation. Your employees will also have an easier time doing their jobs. Some of the immediate benefits include the following:

• Employees can be far more productive using modern and updated tools.
• Entry-level and experienced workers alike can enhance their transferable digital skills.
• The efficiency of digital tools means staff can improve their work-life balance.
• Greater autonomy in the workplace frees up valuable staff time for critical tasks.
• Handing over specific controls to digital systems reduces the chance of human error.

Most employees today will expect some kind of digital infrastructure in the workplace. Working with systems such as automation enhances their performance and improves home wellbeing.

Easy and Effective Collaboration

Further to work-life balance, many workers enjoy the benefits of working from these days. A digital overhaul allows you to offer this flexibility to your employees. Studies have shown that the common misconception that remote workers are lazy is entirely inaccurate. Surveys from the past few years have indeed shown that remote workers are more productive because they have more time and less stress. So, this should be a primary focus of a digital overhaul if possible.

Rich Data from SMB Digital Transformation

Digital processes are excellent for collecting data. However, many companies squander their data. Some studies suggest that over 80% of data gathered by businesses remains unused. So why is data necessary for your company? Large enterprises use data on a daily basis to make decisions that benefit the organization. As a small business, you can also use any data your digital services gather to make positive changes for both the workforce and your customers.

Adapting and Competing

Larger organizations invest huge sums into digital services. They do this because they understand there is a competitive advantage in doing so. Any business must adapt to the sector and, indeed, world changes. For example, over 90% of potential customers search for a company in Google before accessing it. So what if you haven’t kept up with your SEO plan? Or worse, haven’t even developed a website yet? You are wasting a vast resource for growth.

Summary

Accurate data input, use, and storage are just two reasons why SMB digital transformation is necessary for your company. The improved business flow is all good. However, digital systems also benefit employees in many ways, such as freeing up time and improving work-life balance. However, you also need to consider a digital overhaul to adapt to modern business practices. As a result, your company will stay competitive against other SMBs and larger organizations.