Information and Communication Technology has opened up huge marketing opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs should fast adopt newer software, applications and technologically advanced machinery to achieve cost efficiency, better products, good margins and customer satisfaction.
There is a wrong notion among small and medium scale entrepreneurs that adopting technology is a costlier affair but it saves lots of money and improves overall productivity.
This was stated by information and communication technology experts from various organisations during a one day workshop organised here at hotel lake View Ashoka by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The experts deliberated on ‘Empowering SMEs Through Technology’ subject.
The panel of speakers included Centre For Research and Industrial Staff Performance (CRISP), Bhopal CEO Mukesh Sharma, SIDBI additional general manager Shashank Kumar, Surevin IT Services managing director Abhishek Gupta, PHD Chamber Of Commerce And Industries Regional Director RG Dwivedi and senior officials from MP State Electronics Development Corporation and industries department. Entrepreneurs, officials from government bodies, IT experts and students from technical and management institutions attended the seminar.
Outlining the workshop objective RG Dwivedi said the workshop covered three major areas – available technology and its benefits to the industry, financing options to adopt technology and how to get technically trained and skilled manpower.
Abhishek Gupta said by adopting technology has become a necessity and has short and long term advantages. SMEs should also leverage social media besides trade body platform to take their businesses one step further.
Mukesh Sharma said technology has helped a lot for on job training of manpower. It has been helping source best of the knowledge from across the world. One can remain competitive and qualitative with the help of technology.
Shashak Kumar informed that SIDBI has come up with easy financing options for technology upgradation and advanced machinery purchase. One can seek low interest loans upto Rs 35 crore with a repayment period of 5 to 7 years of period. The SMEs will also get government subsidies on these loans.