intelligent

The evolution of technology brings numerous benefits for companies , including increased competitiveness , streamlined operations and improved efficiency . Despite these advantages , SMEs often seem to be relatively slower adopters of evolving technology , a trend that might be attributed to technophobia . This slow uptake can be attributed to a variety of factors .

Pricing is dollar-based

The dollar-based pricing can impact the uptake of new technology . As an illustration , just this year in South Africa , there has been a noticeable ‘ tightening of the IT belt ’, as companies wait to see what might happen with the exchange rate .

The consumptive nature of technological tools and cloud computing platforms is also a factor , as many businesses end up paying more than they were initially quoted , because of increased consumption . Ironically , the more a business is consuming innovative technology is also an indication that the business is growing . The important factor here is to plan for it and budget for it correctly .

Business readiness

Many companies also want to implement the newest cutting-edge technology when they might not be ready , and when their budgets , infrastructure and expertise do not align . A forward-thinking IT solutions provider will rarely recommend that a company immediately move its entire infrastructure onto one platform . Before recommending any size or type of digital migration , they will look at the pain points and high risks associated with the current tech infrastructure , and advise accordingly , keeping the customer ’ s needs and budgets top of mind .

Perceived risk

SMEs are also hesitant about putting all their eggs into one vendor basket . Fortunately ,

the tendency to be one product or platform focused is changing . With hybrid- and multi-cloud solutions now at play , businesses can utilise a host of options . As an example , a company might decide to migrate or deploy all their software applications onto a specific cloud platform , while using a different provider for data recovery and a different solution as their billing platform .

Tech team hesitancy

Organisations within the SME space have their own inhouse IT teams . All too often , while the business itself might see the opportunities of implementing new technology , the IT department might be hesitant , because of fears of automation or job displacement .

Far from replacing jobs , when an IT solutions provider partners with organisations , specifically the IT departments , they need to illustrate how the latest digital solutions can enable them to work differently , more productively and alleviate the ‘ heavy lifting ’, enabling them to become a lot more strategically involved in the business . Furthermore , IT teams can upskill themselves by investing in the relevant certifications .

There are so many benefits to adopting the latest software solutions and cloud services instead of maintaining on-premises infrastructure . Fear of change and a reliance on outdated systems can be overcome by SMEs equipping themselves with the right knowledge , partnering with the right solutions provider and if need be , adopting a gradual transition to align with budgets and business-readiness .

DESPITE THESE ADVANTAGES , SMES OFTEN SEEM TO BE RELATIVELY SLOWER ADOPTERS OF EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY , A TREND THAT MIGHT BE ATTRIBUTED TO TECHNOPHOBIA .