Future-proofing the Supply Chain

Future-proofing the Supply Chain

Future-proofing the supply chain

The Supply Chain Issue has become a top priority for most businesses in the past two years, thanks to the health and economic crises set forth by Covid-19. 

In order to future-proof their supply chains, forward-thinking CSCOs must balance traditional goals such as cost, quality, and service with new priorities for the rest of the 21st century.

New priorities should now be considered in redesigning the supply chain for the rest of the 21st century.

  1. Resilience. Supply chains need to address how to bounce back whenever disruptions happen. 
  2. Agility. Supply chains need to be equipped with technology that will allow them to evolve with the increasingly volatile customer and consumer needs. 
  3. Sustainability. Supply chains play a heavy role for companies wanting to switch to a clean and socially respectable economy that honors the resources of the future generations. 

Unfortunately, most organizations currently lack the effective systems needed to achieve these qualities in their supply chains. It’s not possible to simply add resilience, agility, and sustainability to existing supply chain setups. 

To future proof the supply chain, new priorities must be built into the foundation of every element of supply chain design, organization, and operation. This kind of transformation requires extensive planning to succeed, as it will require businesses to fundamentally revise their operations.

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* Leads Resources can assist you in developing a program to help you re-evaluate your vendor relationships. Contact our team for more information.

Business Transformation in the Philippines and How it Empowers Companies

Business Transformation in the Philippines and How it Empowers Companies

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need to undergo business transformation that empowers them to innovate and leverage digital technologies.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need to undergo business transformation that empowers them to innovate and leverage digital technologies. They represent 99.52% of all businesses in the country and serve as a significant source of employment, providing over 60% of the total jobs in the country. Without a doubt, their contribution to the country’s economic growth and stability is invaluable. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic instability has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These disturbances disproportionately affect this sector, exposing its vulnerabilities and gaps in digitalization. If a business wants to survive and thrive, it must transform its business and improve digitalization to cope with the stresses and demands of the post pandemic market. 

To understand how business transformation in the Philippines and how it empowers companies, we need to first distinguish it from digital transformation and explore their interrelationship.

Business transformation refers to a shift in how a business is conducted, be it changing its processes, tools, culture, strategy, and goals.  Digital transformation is about changing the way the digital tools and platforms are used to conduct business, such as its systems, applications, data, and customer interfaces. Digital transformation is a subset of business transformation, as it involves aspects of business change.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital transformation is often a key enabler and driver of business transformation, as it offers opportunities for innovation, efficiency, competitiveness, and growth. Digital transformation involves not only adopting new technologies, but also creating environments where businesses can leverage innovation to drive positive business outcomes.

What makes digital transformation crucial for MSMEs?

Digital transformation offers several benefits for MSMEs, such as:

  • Automating the majority of repetitive tasks
  • Enhancing customer experience and service delivery
  • Expanding market reach and access by participating in global and online markets
  • Increasing competitiveness and innovation by using new tools and services

How are MSMEs performing in digital transformation?

According to a 2020 baseline survey on the business transformation of MSMEs in the Philippines conducted by DTI, most MSMEs still need to build their capacities to digitize their business operations. The survey found that only 26% of MSMEs have a website, 46% have a social media account, 12% use e-commerce platforms, and 9% use digital payments. Moreover, MSMEs cited they need to train their staff on the following digital related subjects:finance, marketing, content management, and the basics of e-commerce.

The survey also revealed that despite being a country with heavy internet usage and high social media consumption, the Philippines is still trailing behind in the adoption of technology compared to its regional neighbors. This relatively poor performance may be attributed to the country’s inadequate digital infrastructure, organizations not utilizing digital payments and online platforms, and bureaucratic restrictions hindering the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s logistics systems.

What obstacles and opportunities for companies undergoing a digital transformation?

Some of the key challenges that MSMEs face in digital transformation are:

 –         Consistency and speed of internet connectivity: MSMEs rely heavily on telecommunications service providers for their online operations. If the Philippines wants to improve its internet connectivity, then it should look into how neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand implement their services consistently. 

–          Need for budget and investment: MSMEs need to allocate resources for acquiring digital tools and equipment, upgrading their systems and processes, training their staff, and complying with regulatory requirements.

–          Lack of technologically trained talents: MSMEs need to hire or develop skilled workers who can manage their digital operations and implement their digital strategies.

MSMEs can look into these solutions to address the challenges with regards to digital transformation.

–          Improving digital infrastructure: More investment into the technology and hardware used by ICT companies in the Philippines should be made to make it more affordable and consistent. Government must also review and rewrite regulations and policies to support the development of ICT infrastructure and services.

–          Providing financial support: The government needs to provide more financial assistance and incentives for MSMEs to access digital technologies and platforms. It also needs to encourage more diversified financing instruments from banks and other institutions that cater to the needs of MSMEs.

–          Enhancing skills development: The government needs to provide more training programs and online resources for MSMEs to enhance their digital and entrepreneurial competencies. A collaborative environment between MSMEs, academia, research institutions, and other stakeholders is needed to develop specific tools that address specific problems here in the Philippines.

Digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity for MSMEs in the Philippines. By embracing innovation and digitalization, MSMEs can improve their performance, competitiveness, resilience, and growth in the new normal.

Innovation is crucial for business success in today’s rapidly changing world. That’s why we are here to support you. We are a consulting firm with a team of experts who specialize in digital transformation and business transformation in the Philippines that empowers companies. 

Whether you want to create or improve your online presence, e-commerce platform, digital systems, or staff skills, we can help you make it happen. Get in touch with us today and let us help you prepare your business for the next level.

Consulting Firms in the Philippines: How They Can Help in Boosting the Performance of Your Employees

Consulting Firms in the Philippines: How They Can Help in Boosting the Performance of Your Employees

Defining Business Transformation and How it Maximizes Business Efficiency

Consulting Firms in the Philippines can help boost your employees’ performance by achieving higher productivity and professional growth. According to a World Bank study, this performance growth among businesses will be critical for the Philippines to achieve its vision of becoming a prosperous society free of poverty by 2040.

It is sometimes difficult to effectively identify how a business can be more productive given the many finite limitations it is already struggling with. It is usually more effective for an expert outsider, such as a consultant, to solve these problems by tailoring a custom strategy. But before learning how consulting firms in the Philippines can help boost performance, we must first identify what hinders employee productivity.

Stress is a major contributor to poor employee performance. It can make them more prone to errors, miss important deadlines, and lose focus. Headaches, back pain, and tiredness can manifest when a person goes through a lot of stress.

Workplace stress can have different causes. Some of them are heavy workloads, long hours, lack of support from management, and poor communication.

Low engagement is another common problem in the workplace. Employees who are not engaged in their work are less likely to be productive and more likely to leave their jobs. A lack of clear expectations, opportunities for growth, and planning often lead to poor engagement.

According to a study by Gallup, only 21% of employees are engaged at work, while only 33% of employees are thriving. This leaves the remaining 47% unengaged in their work.

Low productivity is often a result of stress and low engagement. Employees who are not engaged in their work or are stressed out are less likely to be productive. A lack of tools, programs, and career advancement opportunities possibly result in this low productivity. This can lead to missed deadlines, decreased quality of work, and increased absenteeism.

Stress, low engagement, and low productivity are common problems in the workplace that are often tricky to address when you need help seeing the situation objectively. Consultants can come in and offer their expertise to address these issues and come up with a strategy.

Firstly, a Consultant’s understanding of human psychology and behavior allows consultants to understand how employees think, feel, and behave deeply. This enables them to identify the root causes of work stress, low engagement, and productivity issues. Another helpful skill

Consultants also possess strong analytical skills, allowing them to collect and analyze data to identify patterns and trends. This helps in developing effective strategies to address the challenges faced by employees.

Improving the organizational structure and how the management interacts with employees will play a key role in implementing these performance strategies. Consultants have expertise in managing organizational change, which can be invaluable in implementing new processes and procedures to improve employee engagement and productivity.

Communication is a skill that consultants have mastered over time. Consultants can convey complex information and ideas clearly and effectively to employees and management alike. This is essential in fostering understanding and buy-in for new initiatives.

And lastly, consultants often have expertise in developing training programs and upskilling employees to improve their performance and job satisfaction. Our intensive 2-day employee training program is an example of how an organization’s vision, mission, and goals can be realized by revitalizing joy in the workplace.

In a nutshell, consultants can help organizations address employee work stress, low engagement, and productivity issues if Philippine businesses allow them to work with their team and formulate the right strategies. The following techniques are just a few of the ways they can help boost your employees’ performance.

Establishing clear expectations.

Set goals and objectives that align with employees’ strengths and interests can help reduce stress and improve engagement. Be transparent with your company’s core policies and priorities. Employees who understand their roles and responsibilities are typically more productive.

Streamlining work procedures.

This can include improving communication, clearly documenting procedures, and increasing visibility into processes. By reducing errors, holdups, silos, missed deadlines, and redundant work, organizations can improve compliance with industry standards, simplify employee training, and streamline team coordination.

Provide avenues for feedback and discussion.

Consultants can help establish new avenues for feedback and discussion, which can help reduce anxiety among employees. Facilitating meaningful communication and feedback can help employees feel involved and excited about changes.

Implement Flexible Working Hours.

Allowing employees to work whenever they want without micromanaging their time can help reduce stress levels in the workplace. Consultants can help train your leaders and managers to avoid micromanaging staff.

Improving employee experience.

Consultants can find new ways for leaders to reestablish trust and build connections with employees. Team building activities facilitated by consultants can be a good way to create a positive work environment and help reduce workplace stress levels.

Promote mental health practices.

Providing counseling sessions and coaching can help employees manage stress more effectively. It can also be helpful to offer meditation classes and encourage employees to take mental health days when they need to step away from the office. Encouraging mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can help employees manage stress more effectively.

Create Meaning Through an Actionable Plan

Consultants can help organizations make actionable career plans for employees, offering training and upskilling opportunities to expand employee’s roles and improve job satisfaction.

Acknowledge Good Work

Consultants can help working teams develop key performance indicators that will allow companies to recognize good work. In this way, top performers can be rewarded for their achievements.

Consulting firms in the Philippines offer practical solutions to boost employee performance and achieve higher productivity and professional growth. Businesses can overcome limitations and achieve sustainable growth and success by working with consultants.

A consulting firm that can craft a custom strategy can improve your company’s efficiency. Our team of experts has a proven track record of success in helping organizations like yours improve performance and gain a competitive advantage. We will work closely with you as your partner to drive growth and transformation, and we are committed to your success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organization thrive.

6 Key Phases of an ERP Implementation Plan

6 Key Phases of an ERP Implementation Plan

6 Key Phases of an ERP Implementation Plan

When you have a major undertaking such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, it’s better to approach it strategically to minimize the mishaps and maximize the gains.

ERP systems support and automate various functions across your business, including financial management, human resources, sales, and manufacturing. The process of implementing an ERP system typically takes several months and can be quite complex. 

Ideally, this complex phase will come in 6 phases as outlined below.

    1. Discovery & Planning. This includes researching and selecting a system, setting up a project team and defining detailed system requirements.
    2. Design. This includes designing new, more efficient workflows and other business processes that take advantage of the system.
    3. Development. This involves configuring and, where necessary, customizing the software to support the redesigned processes.
    4. Testing. This involves implementing initial tests internally first before fully unleashing the new system in public. Testing and development may occur concurrently with other phases.
    5. Deployment. Finally, the phase when you publish your system. 
    6. Support and Updates. Phase’ focus will shift to listening for user feedback and adjusting the system accordingly after your system is live.

Simply creating a phased implementation approach isn’t enough to guarantee success. It’s important to follow ERP implementation best practices within each phase.
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* Leads Resources can assist you in developing a program to help you re-evaluate your vendor relationships. Contact our team for more information.

Unlocking Success in Digital Transformation

Unlocking Success in Digital Transformation

Digital transformations are complex and challenging to implement successfully, even more so than traditional change efforts.

Digital transformations are complex and challenging to implement successfully, even more so than traditional change efforts. Many companies are currently pursuing some form of change to leverage emerging trends or simply stay competitive. In fact, over 80% of organizations have failed with only 20% succeeding on such endeavors.

The most successful transformations are those that leverage technology to drive meaningful change, differentiating them from other change efforts. Here are 5 factors that can improve the chances of success.

1. Having digital-savvy leaders in place is crucial. Leaders who are knowledgeable about technology can steer the organization towards the right changes, ensuring that the transformation aligns with business objectives.

2. Building capabilities for the future workforce is equally important. Equipping employees with the right skills and training is critical for long-term success.

3. Empowering people to work in new ways is essential. This means enabling employees to take advantage of new technologies and work practices to increase efficiency and productivity.

4. Upgrading day-to-day tools with digital capabilities can unlock new efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

5. Effective communication is essential. Frequent communication through traditional and digital methods can keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the transformation journey.

Learning and adapting strategies from success stories can better insure your business transformation’s success. It’s time for organizations to reimagine their operations, leveraging the latest technologies to drive meaningful change and remain competitive.

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* Leads Resources can assist you in developing a program to help you re-evaluate your vendor relationships. Contact our team for more information.