Food-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Palawan were given a digital boost for their businesses after being given a Web-based Inventory Monitoring and Logistics Management System (WIMLMS) to streamline their operations for increased productivity by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) MIMAROPA – a region consisting the provinces of MIndoro, MArinduque, ROmblon and PAlawan.
The digitalisation initiative intends to support MIMAROPA MSMEs in leveraging digital technology solutions to improve their company operations and satisfy customer needs. The development of an inventory and logistics management system for businesses is one of the project’s primary components.
MIMAROPA State University and Colleges are working together to develop the information systems. This project is part of DOST’s “Digitalisation MIMAROPA’s of Selected MSMEs’ Business Processes” initiative.
WIMLMS is a Palawan State University-developed automated inventory and order management application that intends to follow daily business transactions from the manufacturing plant to the branches and customers, using a real-time dashboard to monitor the finished product movement.
DOST-MIMAROPA aided the beneficiaries through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), and they are now ready to integrate WIMLMS into their enterprises. Other interested MSMEs in the region can now use this digital management tool now that this information infrastructure is in place.
Beneficiaries thanked DOST for assisting them in increasing production and laying the road for their company’s expansion. This Digitalisation Project is also developing other information systems such as MSME Inventory Monitoring System (MIMS) by Romblon State University (RSU); Inventory Processing System for Food Enterprise Sector (i-ProSES) by Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC); eH20 by Mindoro State University (MinSU); and Sales and Inventory Management System Based on Production Monitoring (SIMS) by Marinduque State College (MSC).
It is the mission of the DOST national programme known as SETUP to give financial support to micro, small, and medium companies (MSMEs) so that they may acquire machinery and technologies that will enhance their current output and procedures.
In addition, technical help is provided through DOST consultant services and training programmes, both of which are geared toward enhancing the operations and procedures of businesses. The DOST’s regional offices all throughout the country are currently in the process of putting SETUP into action.
In addition, DOST launched a webinar series called “Digital Tayo” in the Davao Region to increase awareness and assist netizens with the appropriate use of the tools, resources, and online platforms in the new normal. This is part of Facebook’s digital literacy programme in the Philippines, which aims to build a community of responsible digital citizens.
Students are strongly urged to participate in the webinars and learn how to make effective and responsible use of social media platforms in the promotion of causes and the empowerment of various parts of society. The webinars are open to the public and are accessible by students.
The platform also has the goal of educating the public, particularly MSMEs, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs on how to engage with various clients and potential customers and collaborators, with the end goal of expanding client reach and establishing healthy online relationships.
DOST believes more and more people are devoting longer periods of time to using the internet and it is essential, in this era of digital technology, to promote digital literacy and make use of the various online platforms available to interact, gain knowledge, and create positive online experiences and safe-havens.