Unless you actually work in IT, it’s easy to forget that a lot of work goes into making your business’s databases function correctly. Unfortunately, IT doesn’t always get the attention it deserves and when management neglects IT, costs can easily skyrocket while the actual infrastructure is left several years behind.
Between maintaining legacy systems, managing multiple (often redundant) vendors, and the typical human errors that can result from these, IT costs can add up, often beyond the direct line items for your labor and tech acquisitions. Thankfully, cutting IT expenses doesn’t always mean sacrificing performance. When you employ smarter systems and rethink your IT approach, you can keep costs down while increasing your capacity to scale and pivot to meet market challenges.
If your SME is looking to become more efficient and get more bang for its IT buck, these strategies are a great place to start.
1. Consolidate Your IT Operations with One ERP System
Relying on a patchwork of separate tools for all your operations means far more things can go wrong at any given time. Consolidating all of these into a modular enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform like SAP Business One will allow you to centralize everything in one system that everyone can more easily familiarize themselves with. This means a lot less time reconciling data across different platforms, less time wasted relearning infrequently-used applications, and fewer vendor subscriptions to manage. ERPs also make it possible to run more automation in your operations, saving you significant labor expenses.
Still, an ERP is no silver bullet. They often need to be integrated into a business without seriously disrupting its operations. Integrations also need to consider the industry, localization issues, and longer-term goals that the business might have. For these reasons, you’ll want to source your solution from an ERP vendor Philippines-based SMEs vouch for.
2. Minimize Tool Redundancies
Many SMEs end up paying for multiple tools that essentially do the same thing. This is sometimes because departments (or key individuals) are used to certain platforms, or because no one knows what anyone else is doing.
To solve this, conduct a localized software audit and identify tools that can be retired or consolidated. If you are switching to an ERP, look for providers that offer pre-integrated modules for key functions to further eliminate the need for standalone tools.
3. Move to Cloud-Based Solutions
For the majority of SMEs, on-site servers are an added burden with niche utility. This is especially the case in the Philippines, given the expense of server hardware, high energy costs, and the risk of damage from typhoons or brownouts. Moreover, on-site servers require additional manpower for maintenance, further increasing the necessary expenses.
Granted, on-site servers can still be the correct solution for some businesses. However, most SMEs these days should consider switching to a modern cloud-based platform for all or part of their IT needs. These largely eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure and allow you to effortlessly scale IT resources up or down as needed. As a massive perk, they also simplify mobile access, which leads to the next point.
4. Let Your IT Teams Manage Assets Remotely
In a country with high smartphone penetration and a growing remote workforce, giving IT managers remote access to your systems makes perfect sense. Through mobile-enabled platforms, you and your IT team can monitor your systems even while in transit or when working from different branches. This means fewer things are in the way of 24/7 uptimes for your system.
5. Reduce Downtime with Preventive Maintenance
Even with mobile access, unplanned IT downtimes are still commonplace in the Philippines. Internet or power interruptions are especially commonplace outside of major city centers, making preventive maintenance even more important. When transitioning to newer platforms, IT teams must also shift to a more proactive stance to address system issues before they lead to crashes. With proper vendor support, fixes and updates can be scheduled during off-peak hours to avoid disruptions to your daily operations.
6. Train Your Team to Maximize Your Tools
Lastly, your new systems can only deliver value if your team knows how to use them. Many tool adoptions fail because of poor user buy-in that stems from a lack of training. Partnering with vendors who offer training and on-ground support helps ensure your staff is able to get the most out of your tools and, if needed, able to onboard new users themselves.
Make Sure Your Scalable Solutions Match Local Realities
With globalization, Philippine SMEs today are under pressure to become leaner and ready to scale. Of course, cutting out the fat from most operations is a lot easier said than done. Fortunately, when it comes to IT, adding that needed scalability and agility doesn’t require major sacrifices. Readily available tools like SAP Business One can easily be customized to address your specific business environment, reducing everyday inefficiencies to prime your business up for sustainable growth. Guarantee the success of your transition by working with vendors who understand your industry and your goals.
