For an SME, digital transformation is not a large abstract plan. It is a series of targeted actions that immediately improve profitability or customer satisfaction.
Start by identifying two high-impact initiatives. For example, consider automating invoicing and payment reminders to reduce payment delays. Or digitising order management to decrease errors and speed up delivery times.
How does it work in practice?
1. Quick scoping (1 week): What revenue is impacted? What are the current costs? Which target indicators should be improved?
2. Prototype (4–6 weeks): With a small business-IT team, choose a simple cloud tool (SaaS) and test it within a pilot scope.
3. Measurement and scaling: Establish clear performance indicators, gradually automate processes, and create operational documentation to sustain the improvements.
Key points to follow
- Data: Start by cleaning and standardising essential data (customers, items, invoices).
- Integration: Prioritise solutions with APIs or standard connectors to avoid duplicate data entry.
- Governance: Appoint a business owner responsible for managing the solution.
- Costs: Prefer modular subscriptions and evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership over 2–3 years.
By focusing your efforts and aligning automation (including AI) with your business priorities, you can achieve quick wins—helping to finance the next steps of your transformation.
Need an extra boost? The Digital Advisory teams at BDO Belgium support Brussels-based SMEs with rapid diagnostics, prioritisation of use cases, POC management, and the selection and implementation of solutions.
Contact us for an initial pragmatic assessment and an action plan tailored to your context.
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Partner Digital – BDO Belgium
