It’s safe to say that digital transformation has been a major buzzword over the last 12 months. It sounds complex, but the premise is quite simple: using technology to automate processes and deliver better information. The process doesn’t disappear; it’s just done electronically rather than manually. 

Digital transformation offers a lot of advantages for businesses – especially now that there has been a huge move to operating online. But successful digital adoption isn’t always easy, particularly for smaller and mid-sized businesses.  

Although many have already adopted business software (like JIWA) and digitised processes, small businesses are often disadvantaged by a lack of internal knowledge, IT literacy and resources to maximise this software.  

But while it sounds (and certainly can feel) like a burden, getting the most out of your software implementation and use doesn’t need to be a huge (or a bank-breaking) task. Now facing a do–or–die situation when it comes to keeping up with competition, customer expectations and market changes, here’s how smaller businesses can conquer digital transformation and start reaping the benefits from their JIWA business software. 

First: what’s COVID got to do with it? 

Digital transformation is something that has been evolving for decades, if not longer. (Remember your first mobile phone? Digital transformation.) We are in an ever-transforming digital world, so naturally, we need to make changes to keep up (hence all the updates on your iPhone). 

But COVID has interrupted this natural rhythm. Many of the capabilities businesses were imagining they would need in the future have become necessary right this minute. And those who haven’t been able to adapt almost immediately are starting to experience a flow-on effect that’s impacting business performance. For example: 

  • If you can’t: establish a new route to market (optimised web presence and e–commerce), then you can’t: 
  • Service your existing customers in their new environment, which leads to: 
  • Losing customers to other business, which is compounded by: 
  • The inability to expand into new customer markets because you don’t have the tools or abilities to reach/service them. 

The burden 

COVID has been the ‘great equaliser’ and put nearly all businesses in the same boat. Even those who thought they didn’t need to transform have suddenly seen the light. But small and medium businesses have struggled particularly hard. Many haven’t had the knowledge to adapt their systems to their new environment, with small business owners citing time and cost as their biggest hurdles to improving their digital capabilities. 

A small business owner generally plays a lot of roles on top of owner or director. They have their fingers in a lot of pies, and they’re likely playing a big part in the sales of their service or product. 

With only so many hours in the day, time spent researching, implementing and learning new software or system updates is time away from running their business and making sales.  

Even those who do use some of their limited time to research what they need face a roadblock when it comes to actually achieving it. Support and external expertise required to upgrade or maximise your JIWA or other business software can be expensive.  

Any of this sound familiar? 

The benefit 

So, you’re at the point where you’re convinced you need more time, money and support to get to where you need to go. But what most people fail to realise is that transforming your digital capabilities is what will provide you with these resources. 

You don’t need more time and money to achieve digital transformation – digital transformation will create more time and money. 

How? Here’s an example: At any time (but especially now), you need to know how much cash is flowing through your business, including: 

  • Number and value of sales; 
  • How much working capital you’re sitting on; 
  • If there are any halts to cash flow, bills not being paid or outstanding debts; and 
  • How this affects business capital and investments. 

You also need the time to collect, manage and analyse this data and know how it’s affecting your business position. 

Implemented and utilised correctly, JIWA can help you access and manage this information automatically, leaving you with all the time you need to focus on other areas. 

Having this data will allow you to make better business decisions, put yourself in a better financial position and help grow your business, your sales and the amount of cash you have flowing through. 

The time to optimise your digital capacity is now  

There’s no escaping the facts – while we’re all hoping that we’re permanently on the other side of this pandemic, the need to continue to adapt our digital competencies isn’t going away. If you don’t want to fall behind, an investment in maximising your digital transformation efforts needs to happen now.  

Your industry isn’t the only one that’s changing. Those creating and providing the digital tools and systems you’re looking to implement are realising that their market is also widening. No longer are automation and big data just for big businesses – smaller businesses are demanding these capabilities, too. This means there are more avenues for support. 

Attkey is one of the most experienced and respected JIWA support partners in Australia, offering tailored solutions to meet your needs– and constraints.   

When delivering support for JIWA software, we make sure it is: 

  • Made for small businesses (or for businesses of your size) 
  • Customisable to your needs 
  • Within your budget/appropriately priced 
  • Knowledgeable and flexible, so it supports you consistently as things continue to change. 

And – while it’s common to believe that the best option is only available at the highest price – if you don’t ask, you can’t receive. Some of the best support you can receive for JIWA can be obtained for less than you think.  

Lastly, don’t forget that implementation is just as important as the software itself. It can have a massive impact on usability and the ROI you receive. Attkey offer a unique partnering experience, taking the time to learn your business and your needs and using this information to implement, customise and provide support for your JIWA software. To learn how we can help you, click here.