Event report
Back To | SMME Digital Transformation Series launches with a focus on business readiness
The first session of the SMME Digital Transformation Series, hosted by the French South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FSACCI) in partnership with CIBA Industries on 10 September, challenged business owners to look beyond technology and consider what digital transformation means for the way their businesses operate and grow.
The three-part series has been designed to help SMMEs move from understanding digital transformation to identifying practical opportunities to implement it. Part One introduced the fundamentals, examining how digital tools and emerging technologies can improve efficiency, competitiveness and readiness for growth.
A key message from the session was that digital transformation is not simply about adopting new software, automation or artificial intelligence. Every business already operates in an increasingly digital environment. The more important question is whether technology is being used deliberately to improve the way a business operates, serves customers and creates value, or simply to replicate existing processes in a digital format.
For SMMEs in particular, this distinction is important. Limited resources mean that technology investments need to address genuine business needs and deliver measurable value. Identifying inefficiencies, understanding where digital capabilities could make the greatest difference and establishing clear business objectives can therefore be more important than adopting the latest technology.
The session also created an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences with industry experts and fellow business leaders, helping them consider where digitalisation could have the greatest practical impact within their own organisations.
Participant feedback reflected the value of the discussion, with attendees describing the session as “enlightening”, “eye-opening”, “incredible” and “exciting.”
The session marks the first step in a three-part programme aimed at helping SMMEs develop a more practical and strategic approach to digital transformation, with the subsequent sessions building on these foundations.
