Latest Tech Trends of 2018 Taking Over SMEs 70% SMEs have either zero or negligible online presence, and just about 2% use digital technologies for business growth, hence opportunity-loss is immense

By Suvodeep Das

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

graphicstock

Once a new technology rolls over you, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road.

–Stewart Brand

The impact of technology on enterprises, large or small, is inescapable. Research shows what common-sense dictates - adopting critical technologies is one of the foremost factors propelling businesses forward, especially when easily available low-cost, high-speed internet with affordable smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices has changed the way India does business. No wonder that organisations across the world, including India, are going all out to embrace the latest innovations in technology.

When it comes to SMEs, however, the story is starkly different. Almost 70% have either zero or negligible online presence, and just about 2% use digital technologies for business growth. The opportunity-loss is immense.

Challenges for SMEs to adopt innovative technologies

The key business goals of any SME include improving revenue growth, increasing employee productivity, and acquiring more customers, which can be successfully addressed by technology. But often, the scale of investment for such solutions seems overwhelming, especially since top technology trends are developed for larger enterprises. Fortunately, SME's contribute a large-enough chunk of global business for these products and services to be suitably reconfigured. Still, given the enormous number of solutions on offer, the challenge lies in selecting the right technology for their business needs. Identifying business areas that can most benefit from technological upgrades and then exploring the available digital solutions are key to maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Top tech trends shaping small and midsize businesses

  1. Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning: Often understood as a value-add CRM tool, AI is said to revolutionize the sales process, allowing for enhanced digital marketing strategies, data analytics, and sales forecasts. Many small businesses may still consider AI too complex for their needs, but those who have applied machine-learning to existing customer data have discovered patterns and trends that they, otherwise, would have been oblivious to. These timely and efficient decisions have helped SMEs achieve faster industry-growth at the expense of the competition who haven't adopted AI yet.

  2. Augmented Reality: AR may currently seem like a fun technology, but it is expected to transform small businesses in many industries including realty, retail, travel and medicine in the near future. The ability of AR technology to integrate with the real world, allowing customers a view of improved possibilities in real-time is what makes this solution attractive with untapped potential as proven by smart businesses that have implemented AR technology & attracted new customers.

  3. Cashless Payment Systems: Easy payments by customers is the driving force towards a cashless society. The future of small businesses relies in adopting mobile payment tech innovations such as mobile wallets, in-apps and person-to-person (P2P) payment options. Not only does continuous security upgrades of online payment technologies retain credibility, but they also help enhance various business processes and the overall customer satisfaction for SMEs.

  4. Continuing Shift to Mobile-based Commerce: The exponential growth of mobile-phone users makes having a stellar online presence critical for small businesses. As more and more consumers resort to their phone for communication and shopping, creating an experiential connective platform for users is imperative. A business model that includes a progressive web app with integrative tools such as GPS-related marketing, chatbots, and live stream videos will eventually lead to such businesses outpacing the competition.

  5. Blockchain Technology: Essentially an electronic ledger, this technology could be the much-needed answer to the unique needs and challenges of small businesses. Enabling maximum transactional security and privacy without involving a third party for validation, it provides the added advantage of cost savings. By accepting digital currency payments (cryptocurrency), SMEs are afforded greater speed and transparency in various processes.

Many of these trends are yet to become mainstream for SMEs, but research indicates that even adopting one of these trends creates visible results by raising employee and customer engagement, causing an almost immediate impact on revenue and growth. This digital age has been a great equalizer for business, but for small and medium enterprises to compete with conglomerates, SME leaders must effectively capitalize on adopting the "right' technology at the right time.

Suvodeep Das

Vice President, Marketing, Sodexo BRS India

Suvodeep is the Vice-President, Marketing at Sodexo BRS India. His mandate is to run marketing, & communication, launch new technologies, products & anchor the brand’s Digital transformation.

He has 19 years’ experience working in various roles in the field of Marketing and Brand Management.

Before this he was the Global Marketing Director at Greenlight Planet Inc. where he managed Marketing, Advertising & communication for the brand across 40 countries. He created a new identity & brand proposition for the brand Sun King & launched several new products & services.

Prior to that, he was the Marketing Director with Reliance Brands Limited. He established key practices like Digital Marketing & CRM across a portfolio of 14 international fashion bands & launched 3 brands in India – Brooks Brothers, Thomas Pink & Superdry. 

He joined Reliance from Kaya Skin Clinic. He used to Head Marketing, communication, PR & New initiatives for brand Kaya globally. Some notable achievements of his stint at Kaya were relaunching the brand & its retail identity, exponentially increasing the brand awareness & preference scores and launching a robust CRM & Loyalty program.

He moved to Kaya from Marico Ltd. in February 2009 where he was the category head for the Hair Oils portfolio with a P&L responsibility for brands like Hair & Care, Silk and Shine, Shanti Badam Amla and Nihar.

Before Marico, he worked at Western Union Financial Services as the Marketing Director South Asia responsible for Marketing and Communications in SAARC countries & Inbound Marketing from Europe and APAC.

He has previously worked with Hindustan Unilever for a year as a Brand Manager & with Ogilvy advertising for 5 years on brands like Dove, Cadbury’s Perk, Sunlight and Comfort.

He holds an MBA in Marketing from Pune University and an MDP in General Management from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. Amongst his various accolades, he was featured amongst the “Young Marketers of the Year” in Brand Equity (Economic Times) in 2005 and among the top 50 Fintech leaders in Asia in 2016.

Suvodeep is an avid follower of Formula 1 & Football and loves to travel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Living

The 3 Lifestyle Habits That Made Me Sharper, Stronger and More Successful

These three simple yet powerful lifestyle changes transformed my productivity, energy and mindset. Here's how you can do the same.

News and Trends

Kolkata-Based Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Jewelbox Secures USD 3.2 Mn

The startup will primarily use the funds to expand its retail footprint, growing from eight stores to 30 locations by the end of this year.

News and Trends

Wow! Momo Raises INR 130-150 Cr to Fuel Aggressive National Expansion

The Kolkata-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain plans to use the capital to scale its presence across India by opening 200–250 new outlets by next year and expanding its frozen momos segment.

Science & Technology

How Can Marketers Use ChatGPT? Here Are the Top 11 Uses.

With the recent developments in AI and the popularity of ChatGPT, you may want to integrate AI into your marketing practices. Find out how.

News and Trends

ITC to Acquire Mother Sparsh in Next 2-3 years, Increases its Stake to 49% by Additional Investment of INR 81 Cr.

ITC first invested in Mother Sparsh in 2021 as part of its strategy to expand in the natural personal care and digital-first brand segment