Automation and innovation can’t be overlooked by small businesses anymore, as it differentiates why one business will thrive and another will not.

This guest post is Morgan Browne

Innovation Opens Doors

Cloud technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), eCommerce, and social media’s powerful capabilities are resources that can naturally open doors for SMEs.

Innovation no longer means a hefty price tag, a steep learning curve or difficulty finding talent equipped to handle complicated technologies.

It only means that SMEs must be smarter at reprioritising what really matters:

1. Culture affects innovation and automation at every turn. Does your business have a positive behaviour about growth through tech? If not, how do you build a passionate workforce to replace stagnancy?
   Scaling your business means a higher emphasis on sales.
2. How will new technology implemented in your company impact your cash flow? Instead of going in blind – what differences do you hope to see?
3. What will new technologies mean for the customers or clients who support you? How do you wish to improve on this experience?

Advantages of Automation and Innovation

Brexit and Covid-19 have impacted British and Irish SMEs significantly.

Small businesses must adapt quickly against adversity , traditional and manual processes will continue to hold SMEs back, especially when the only focus is crisis management for tomorrow instead of looking at long-term solutions.

Smaller workforces that can be found in SMEs are agile and quicker to evolve than multinational companies who must completely transition from legacy systems, quickly implementing such systems will allow SMEs to get competitive in the ways that matter now.

Integrating their business finances with the ability to accept digital payments enables better cash flow, and adopting a cloud-based inventory system allows for real-time tracking across warehouses when Covid-19 guidelines and lockdown regulations make it difficult to visit physical locations.

Having a digital solution for your small business helps to future-proof your business in the long term.

Software with a maturity model approach is often the best bet because software like these anticipates your growing needs when your business scales.

This means if you need straightforward software one day and grow your workforce five times over the next few months, you still get to retain vital business data and add on the features you need without the hassle of switching software.

Moving Forward from Brexit and COVID-19 Repercussions

The impact of Brexit and COVID-19 presents an opportunity for SMEs to re-evaluate their supply chain processes, digital finance capabilities, and sales strategies this year.

Business owners in Ireland need to take a hard look at Automation and Innovation to thrive

A solid procurement and fulfillment system must be in place for SMEs importing and exporting to or from the UK.

Lack of transparency into each warehouse because of lockdown measures or uncertainty over currency are potential pitfalls for an SME, which is where a powerful inventory management system must already be in place.

The emphasis placed on contactless payments such as QR codes and online transfers must be considered by SMEs who traditionally rely on cash, and while lockdowns around the UK and Ireland ease, eCommerce innovation is a powerful necessity to every small business in the long run.

Automation and innovation are no longer buzzwords applicable to multinational corporations, affordable digitisation can be achieved by micro-businesses, medium enterprises, and even solo freelancers looking to get ahead of the curve.

We at Enterpryze continue to support the journey of small businesses towards healthier digital adoption through simple, yet powerful cloud technologies fit just for you.

Morgan Browne Bio:

Morgan Browne is the Founder and CEO of Enterpryze and is a highly regarded member of SAP’s Global Partner Executive Council and was a finalist in the EY (Entrepreneur of the Year Awards) in 2015.

He spent a year studying Computer Science at the Institute of Technology Tallaght before catching the entrepreneurial bug. An avid businessman and technology enthusiast, Morgan Browne is passionate about helping SMEs succeed financially, and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

With this in mind, Morgan purchased Milner Browne 10 years ago and developed it from a reseller business into a solutions company using SAP technology as a key platform provider.

The Milner Browne Group develops business management software to help SMEs work smarter and more effectively, Milner Browne is a Deloitte best managed companies platinum member and a fast 50 finalist.

In 2017, Morgan officially launched Enterpryze, the world’s first mobile-first solution for SAP Business One.