Behind the scenes: IT solutions for SMEs<\/p>\n
Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor\/vmahmud@yahoo.com<\/p>\n
After conquering the high-end corporate market, global
\nInformation Technology companies are now focusing on the
\npromising Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector.<\/p>\n
A segment that is said to have the most promising growth and
\nconsidered to be a backbone for the Indonesian economy, many SMEs
\nhave yet to embrace this integrated form of computerization.<\/p>\n
Some use computers to crunch numbers and print reams of data.
\nOthers simply create forms and do the main calculations manually.
\nMany though are wary of the high-cost investments needed to
\npurchase and install the IT systems. This outlay does not include
\nstaff training and data maintenance, which must be done
\ncontinuously.<\/p>\n
But consider the benefits. Entire business processes can be
\ncentralized and information can be accurately transferred,
\neliminating error-prone data re-entry. Redundant divisions in
\nfar-flung branch offices can be eliminated with collated data
\nanalyzed at headquarters. There have even been cases where an
\nentire department can be streamlined to just a few key personnel.<\/p>\n
Vast amounts of data can be gathered on customers to provide
\nbetter products and services.<\/p>\n
Telecommunications between offices can be enhanced and its
\ncosts suppressed. Technology can provide significant long-term
\nsavings and efficiencies to allow companies to move on to the
\nnext level.<\/p>\n
Yet many parties sometimes fail to consider the problems that
\nmay come with network computerization. Once embraced, it is easy
\nto become highly dependent on the IT systems. One downed
\ndatabase server, a dropped network connection or a clogged e-mail
\naccount may be enough to bring work and productivity to a halt.
\nWhen before workers didn't want to learn about computers, now
\nthey just can't live without it.<\/p>\n
Other considerations include software. Perhaps the new
\ntechnology resolves problems or situations using different
\nmethods that employees usually use, forcing companies to alter
\ntheir business processes and systems. Should this occur, care
\nshould be taken that it does not lead to a cascade effect that
\nmay create further issues down the line.<\/p>\n
Security and legal issues must also be taken into
\nconsideration. Insecure corporate networks could be used by
\n"black hat" hackers to launch Internet attacks. Company employees
\nmay begin downloading illegal content such as pirated games or
\nmusic.<\/p>\n
These acts may expose the company to civil suits from affected
\nparties such as Internet worm victims or copyright holders. More
\nimportantly, it would prevent the company from effectively using
\ntheir IT investments.<\/p>\n
You would think that once an IT system is in place, everything
\nshould be more secure from the prying eyes of competitors. Did
\nthe company consider establishing policies and procedures about
\ndata security as well as implementing secure technology
\nsolutions? Now, instead of shifting through mountains of paper,
\ninformation can be gleaned from a database in seconds. More
\nimportantly, it can be downloaded onto a floppy disk, a USB thumb
\ndrive, a Compact Disc or even e-mailed out of the premises.<\/p>\n
Cost is perhaps the biggest factor of consideration. Apart
\nfrom the initial hardware investment and installation, how much
\nwould it take to maintain and secure the networks? How often
\nwill the IT manager make sure the systems are carefully patched
\nand safeguarded from spam, viruses and worms? How much must the
\ncompany pay in bandwidth costs if one if its employees decides to
\ndownload a bootlegged copy of Harry Potter 3? And share it with
\neveryone else?<\/p>\n
What about human resources made redundant with the new IT
\nsystems? Will the company retrain and redevelop its most prized
\nasset, its employees, or simply let them go?<\/p>\n
These issues are not supposed to frighten people from
\nimplementing IT solutions, but to highlight possible problems.
\nBusinesses that have already implemented corporate networks and
\ndata services should continuously monitor and reassess their
\ninvestments.<\/p>\n
Too often people think that placing a computer on a desk would
\nsolve all their problems, failing to realize that it is just an
\nadditional tool to be utilized. Proper policies and procedures
\nshould be put in employee contracts and networks must be
\nprotected (via hardware and software) from unauthorized use. It
\nis simply not the case of turning it on and walking away to let
\nthe "miracle" work on its own.<\/p>\n
As the world moves from a manufacturing-base economy to a
\nknowledge-base core, the use of technology has become ever more
\nimportant in providing competitive advantages. Companies must
\nconstantly innovate to stay in business and employees must
\nconstantly learn new skills. A wise man once said that
\n"information is power" and thus we all should be aware of the
\nopportunity cost benefits of our information-based future,
\ninstead of taking it for granted.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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