COVID- 19 shutdowns have greased the digital runway, and as some new virtual habits take hold, the shift to a more digital world for those who can afford its tools and experiences will become more pronounced. This evolution will further divide customers into those with digital resources or aptitude and those who do not. MSMEs’ innovation and digital transformation are critical to their growth and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
When considering the innovation process, the image that typically comes to mind is that of multinational corporations with extensive R&D departments and large teams of researchers. Despite their relatively low R&D budgets, MSMEs have significantly innovated their processes, resulting in an increase in the country’s Global Innovation Index (GII). The Philippines, which was ranked 73rd in 2018, is now ranked 54th out of 129 countries, with a score of 36.18. Considering the large number of Philippine MSMEs compared to large enterprises, the MSME sector’s absolute influence on overall innovation remains significant.
As the supply chain and healthcare industries in Visayas and Mindanao adapt to the effects of the pandemic, one of the Philippines’ enterprise and SME business solution company is supporting the MSMEs in these regions with digital solutions, providing customers with safer, more reliable, and more convenient ways to move their goods and care for their health.
Driving value and growth in the supply chain sector
The M2M Fleet Management System from the business solution company enables robust collaboration between businesses, suppliers, and distributors by allowing businesses to conveniently monitor deliveries and cargo status and locations in real-time, using only a laptop or mobile phone. This simple tracking allows both sellers and buyers to feel secure in the knowledge that their packages are being reliably routed.
“Companies that gain complete control over their fleets will cut down late deliveries, and spoilage, and protect their shipment against theft, tampering and accidents, and subsequently drive more value and growth for their business,” said, Industry Marketing Head for Supply Chain at the company.
In addition, the company collaborates with a number of partners to provide unique benefits and bundles in order to encourage more MSMEs to go digital. Ninja Van offers businesses a 15% discount on all-you-can-fit pouches at a flat price; online fashion portal Zalora waived fees and reduced commission rates in terms of providing dedicated onboarding and account support; and e-commerce platform Lazada, offers dedicated onboarding, free photoshoot, and e-store collateral for SMEs.
Optimising health IT to reinvent patient care
On the healthcare front, the business solution company has launched the Hospital Information System, which is offered in collaboration with the country’s health tech experts. This system enables hospitals to automate medical, financial, logistical, and administrative processes such as billing and hospital admissions, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on providing the best patient care possible.
“Helping healthcare institutions digitise their operations with our solutions provide them with a host of benefits: it digitally manages patient information and medical history; improves patient satisfaction through shorter admission and discharge time; enhances inventory and accounting accuracy and increases compliance rate with government requirements,” said, Industry Head for Health care of the business solution company.
The company is at the forefront of driving digital transformation across the country in various industries. As a staunch supporter of MSMEs, particularly those in the most vulnerable areas, it is dedicated to providing learning and access to business solutions that enable them to own their success.
The future is arriving faster than anyone could have predicted just a few months ago, accelerating digital trends that were already transforming consumer behaviour. The pandemic has accelerated the pace of behavioural changes in how people live their lives around the world, including how they work, eat, communicate, play, and learn. This also applies to consumption patterns in all categories, including groceries, services, entertainment, healthcare, and even data.