I N D U S T R Y O U T L O O K create a seamless information flow across the business , enhancing efficiency and supporting remote work .
I N D U S T R Y O U T L O O K create a seamless information flow across the business , enhancing efficiency and supporting remote work .
Leverage integrated applications for productivity gains
The research shows that SMEs with 50 employees or less have significant opportunities to boost productivity through better application integration and automation . While 73 % of organisations expressed satisfaction with their overall IT infrastructure , the data reveals that smaller businesses often under-utilise key productivity tools .
To maximise productivity and reduce costs , SMEs should focus on implementing integrated application stacks that automate routine tasks and streamline workflows . The report indicates that Microsoft 365 , with its 82 % satisfaction rate , provides an excellent foundation . SMEs can build on this by adding complementary applications that address specific business needs . For instance , implementing a customer relationship management ( CRM ) system , which 47 % of small businesses currently use , can significantly improve customer engagement and sales processes .
The key is selecting applications that work together seamlessly . Rather than adopting multiple standalone solutions , SMEs should look for integrated platforms that share data and workflows . This approach addresses one of the main barriers identified in the report , the underutilisation of existing tools , while supporting the broader goal of Digital Transformation . By carefully selecting and implementing integrated applications , SMEs can achieve the operational efficiency improvements that 58 % of middle management identify as their top priority , while maintaining the strong focus on profitability that 71 % of C-suite executives find important .
Tips for maximising returns on technology investments
SMEs should focus on a few critical implementation steps :
• Define clear objectives and metrics for each investment . Consider
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