Swiss SMEs: 10 reasons to accelerate your digital transformation
- LANE Digital
- Sep 27, 2021
- 9 min read
2020-2021, the COVID period, a pivotal year in terms of software implementation? 85% of Swiss SMEs were able to collaborate and work remotely to cope with the crisis. (Source: DigiBarometer )
The majority of them are now convinced of the need to digitalize an increasing part of their activity to remain competitive.
Those that had previously neglected the adoption of digital tools had to catch up in record time. Furthermore, 92% of SMEs say they want to accelerate this process . (Source: DigiBarometer)
However, numerous studies still show that the digitalization of Swiss companies is lagging behind other countries in the European Union.
So, if you're still unsure why digital transformation is a major challenge for your business, here are 10 reasons why you should make it central to your business strategy.
Digital transformation: what is it?
Also referred to as Industry 4.0 or Industry 2025, digital transformation is about helping your business align with the digital economy . It's not just about implementing software in organizations. Incorporating new technologies into your organization is a modernization process. Digital transformation is much more than just a modernization process. It's a strategic repositioning of companies, aimed at changing, innovating, and reinventing organizations.
The goal remains the same: to put the customer at the center of your focus ; to put people above technology. It's really about rethinking your workflow and renewing your mindset.
Digital transformation is a global process aimed at integrating new skills, evolving processes and often modifying one's business model.
It is a profound reinvention of the company, so that it corresponds to the new aspirations of its employees, its customers and even its shareholders.
Contrary to what some preconceived ideas might suggest, the concept of digital transformation is not new.
The very origin of digital transformation takes us back 3 decades:
In the 90s , the progressive generalization of PCs or “personal computers” and the Internet in businesses, materialized the birth of digital transformation.
The 2000s marked an acceleration of this process with the emergence of smartphones and mobile internet, which facilitated communication and the sharing of information, and transformed uses.
At the beginning of 2010 , digital transformation became an obvious lever for performance and a guarantee of sustainability. All human organizations (companies, institutions, associations) gradually became aware of the importance of this issue.
From 2015 onwards , the SaaS software boom multiplied the incursions of technology into every business sector; this was in particular the time of the explosion of collaborative tools which provided support for working together (team communication, project management, co-editing of documents, electronic signature, etc.)
Benefit 1 of digital transformation: improved efficiency.
One of the main benefits of implementing a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is the exceptional improvement in efficiency.
Seamless communication between employees across departments, a continuous flow of data, and transparency in customer tracking all result in efficient sales processes that can save you time, money, and resources.
For every business activity, there is an application-type tool that allows you to improve existing processes. Here are some examples:
Managing your projects ( ClickUp ) ;
Advantage 2 of digital transformation:
improving customer experience.
To stay in the race, the only way to retain customers is to keep them satisfied. By implementing software or digital tools, you will be able to offer omnichannel support to customers . They will be able to contact you via website, phone, app, social media, etc., depending on their choice. This makes it easier to reach your target customers.
According to a study, 67% of companies see an omnichannel strategy as a way to better meet consumer expectations with a seamless journey across all channels!
For example, we have the use of chatbots, which is a reliable and practical customer approach. Indeed, when everything is digital, it becomes easier to follow up, obtain information, and provide personalized assistance . Hence, the improvement of the user experience.
Benefit 3 of digital transformation: automation of business processes.
This is one of the most visible benefits of software implementation in 2023. You will replace redundant and time-consuming tasks with process automation that will save your time and energy.
Appropriate digital technology will reduce manual labor and human effort for even more accurate and faster results. This is a real opportunity for your salespeople to stand out from the crowd!
For example, when a new prospect signs up for your newsletter, an automatic welcome message is immediately sent to them.
Digitizing your sales processes means having an “improved” version of the salesperson. It will become more digital, social, but also more focused on customer solutions than product promotion… And for more results, you should think about improving your online reputation through digital marketing .
Benefit 4 of digital transformation: cost reduction.
Of course, the efficiency of the sales process results in considerable time savings. And time means money. Thanks to innovative tools, you can identify problems very quickly and find a solution accordingly.
Cloud-based services are cost-effective and agile, allowing businesses to choose the ones that best meet their needs and streamline their IT and infrastructure costs.
By migrating to the cloud you will have instant access that requires no maintenance. Google Cloud for example, which built on the success of Google Meet, which became popular in teleworking. Or Amazon Web Service , which was the first to offer cloud computing.
Benefit 5 of digital transformation: increased revenue.
As you reduce costs, it will be easier to increase your revenue.
You'll more easily recognize gaps in your sales process , which is critical to business growth. Visibility into all aspects of your business improves best practices and revenue by assessing trends and capitalizing on data-driven opportunities.
By adopting digital strategies such as using data to make smart decisions and training employees on emerging technologies, companies can expect a 23% increase ( Source: IDG 2018 study ) in their turnover.
Benefit 6 of digital transformation: easier and more accessible collaboration.
One of the biggest benefits of digital transformation is the process of storing documents on a central server. For example, using project management software such as ClickUp . This results in a so-called “collaborative” process in real time with a unit throughout your organization.
On the communication front, the emergence of mobile applications allows you to chat continuously with your colleagues, send documents, and even organize and manage meetings from home or the office.
Additionally, automation reduces issues related to employee turnover and collaboration on a complex project by allowing access to history as well as well-ordered databases.
New communication assets that help break down “organizational silos” , offering employees and managers solutions to collaborate easily, and thus promote homogeneous information sharing and better integration of teams into projects across the entire company.
Benefit 7 of digital transformation: stimulate evolution
Software implementation means breaking free from tradition and moving towards modern processes in your organization. Once your processes are digitized, there will be no restrictions on evolution .
Eliminating manual labor from your processes allows you to stimulate innovation within your company, which is necessary to face the increasingly fierce competition.
In a context of digital transformation, the entire company is turning towards innovation: new processes, new products, and services. Hence the emergence of a true culture of innovation, stimulating and enriching for the entire company.
Benefit 8 of digital transformation: increased reliability.
As your organization grows, it will be difficult to rely on older systems. Implementing software within your organization will help you effectively manage one of your major concerns, especially in the Swiss market, which is data security or loss.
One of the main goals of a company's software implementation is to secure your customer data. Therefore, for greater reliability, digitalization remains an integral method.
However, cloud security is becoming an essential requirement for all organizations. However, you still need to know how to do it to truly ensure the security of your data.
Benefit 9 of digital transformation: better productivity
Digitizing repetitive tasks gives your employees time to focus on what matters most. An automated workflow helps foster collaboration and also encourages employees to do their best to be autonomous.
This way, you will have an overview of your operational processes: track the number of requests received, approved and rejected; the time spent on each task, the longest tasks, etc.
Allowing you to optimize each process to make it as productive as possible.
Benefit 10 of digital transformation: remote data accessibility.
The key benefit of digital transformation is having access to all data anywhere and at any time.
The pandemic has made us all aware that being able to work remotely has become a necessity. Companies that had implemented digital transformation strategies found it easier to cope with the situation than others. With remote work becoming widely accepted, remote data access is now a requirement for organizations.
Moreover, according to some experts, remote working will become the norm within many companies by 2022. And for good reason: many remote workers are starting to get used to this way of working and to enjoy it.
The trend of digital transformations in 2021
This year, there are key digital trends that business leaders and leadership teams need to be aware of, and they should analyze which trends are working for their business to select the best technologies:
The adoption of digital operating models that can help integrate and align teams . For example, integrated project management software like ClickUp .
Technologies that enable big data collection – that is, a place that can store data on prospects, marketing and sales analytics, and track customer behavior.
Better use of chatbots and AI.
Communication platforms to help streamline communication within the company as more employees begin working remotely.
Customer relationship management systems such as HubSpot CRM or ClickUp achieve all of the above and deliver long-term business value.
How will LANE Digital Consulting help you in your digital transition?
To avoid becoming the Kodak or Nokia of your industry, LANE Digita l experts advise you on digitalization and help you develop your company's potential in a sustainable way.
We intervene in the automation of your repetitive administrative tasks, implement CRM or project management software, implement chatbots for direct exchange with your prospects via the site, develop a tailor-made application for certain specific needs. And of course, we also intervene to promote your activities and help you emerge from the shadows on the internet thanks to digital marketing .
The Swiss market still has a long way to go in terms of digital transformation. But leaders quickly realized that digital technology affects everything, so its implementation must be aligned with the company's strategy.
As elsewhere in Europe, not all companies necessarily have the same degree of sensitivity to digital technology and caution is a characteristic often shared.
Our experts can support you throughout your digital transition, both on technical and human aspects. We will ensure the adoption of new technologies by all your teams .
Digital transformation in 3 questions:
What is digital transformation or digitalization?
It's a word that combines both innovation and adaptation. The term "digital" implies an association with technology, and the term "transformation" implies a new state of mind.
Now, it has become a survival strategy for SMEs that will allow them to open up to other possibilities for their growth.
In other words, digital transformation involves implementing innovative software or digital tools in all the structures of your Swiss SME.
Why is it so important for Swiss SMEs?
SMEs represent 95% of Switzerland's economic fabric.
The digitalization of SMEs therefore constitutes an important issue in enabling the country to remain competitive internationally.
However, according to some experts, there is a certain form of opposition between Swiss culture and digital culture.
What is true for individuals, who for example still prefer to pay by invoice upon delivery of their order rather than online, is also true for companies, which are looking at their digital transformation step by step.
That said, to remain competitive, Switzerland must accelerate its digital transition.
Digital transformation is vital for all businesses, regardless of their industry or size. New technologies streamline business processes and are designed to deliver a better customer experience.
If you don't embrace digital transformation, your competitors will, and your customers will then turn to your competitors – leaving you behind.
What are the main advantages?
Inefficient processes waste your time, money, and discourage your workforce. Implementing software and automating your processes will give your business a new lease of life.
Thanks to digitalization, you will have the opportunity to:
standardize your communication system
strengthen accountability through transparency of internal information
minimize costs and increase revenue , keep an overview of your operational processes
simplify the validation of actions carried out.
You can, for example:
need a customer relationship management tool to improve customer experience and reduce friction between internal teams,
obtain more data on prospects to ensure greater profitability and increased sales,
or you want to increase productivity through new and improved automated processes. Or all of the above?
Leaders must first understand how they want to frame the conversation around their idea of digital transformation for their business.
Then, they need to help their employees embrace this change by showing them how these new tools will benefit them, their teams, and the company as a whole.
LANE is on your side to rethink your workflow , and if you are interested in putting digital into your business strategy, you can reserve your place now for an appointment.
Need advice before you start?
Make an appointment with our team to define your needs.
