Australian businesses should be working on technology and process innovation now, to build a “platform for growth” that will boost their efficiency and enable them to enter the next economic cycle from a position of strength.
 That’s the urgent advice of Software Queensland, the industry advocacy association of Queensland-based Software Companies.
“During recessionary times, when many businesses are scaling back operations, they are presented with the unique opportunity of being able to focus spare capacity towards finally tackling business improvement initiatives, including the adoption of software solutions for automation, collaboration, and restructuring IT environments,” said Glenn Irvine, secretary of Software Queensland.
“While the focus is on cost reduction, investments should be made now, so efficiencies can be achieved in time for the recovery.”
Mr Irvine said, unfortunately, many companies wait for the recovery before releasing funds to look at investments in business process improvements, and miss or are unable to take full advantage of the business opportunities presented during the next economic lift.
“Simply put, now is the time to prepare that Platform for Growth, and invest in software driven initiatives that strengthens the business’s operational efficiency and competitive advantage,” Mr Irvine said.
Implementation of electronic workflow initiatives that replace paper based forms, not only save significant costs, but also aids an organisation’s ‘green’ agenda as well. Collaboration solutions save businesses’ travel and staff costs, and enable organisational growth and flexibility of working arrangements.
“It may also be a time to look at the IT environment and consider the efficiencies of restructuring and possibly outsourcing various common services, like email support, or offerings that can be provided as a service – software as a service (SaaS),” he said.
Implementation of well established practice solutions that manage the operations of the organisation could be investigated, along with a review and potentially revitalising the business’ website.
Mr Irvine said the right answers were often found close to home.
“Software Queensland members provide many of these solutions, and Queensland businesses should look at taking advantage of this current time to explore the opportunity to save costs,” he said.
“Governments, both Federal and State, that want to provide an economic stimulus should start by leading by example – with a mandate for government agencies to automate their many paper-based form processes,” said Mr Irvine.
“This would certainly provide a boost for the ICT Sector.”
http://www.softwareqld.com.au/
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