Tag: Business

Harnessing the power of AI: a new era for business productivity and efficiency

The technology landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, comparable in impact to the rise of smartphones in the mid-00’s. While we’ve had a constant stream of technological advancements since then, none have had the same transformative impact as the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI isn’t just another tech trend or ‘phase’; it’s a fundamental reshaping of the way in which we live and work. Tara Gale, Client Solutions Country Lead, Dell Technologies tells us more

The transformational impact of AI has been recognised by Government in its National AI Strategy and National Digital Strategy which aims to have 75% of enterprises in Ireland using AI by 2030.

For businesses, embracing AI is no longer optional and empowering workforces to adopt it into everyday practices is crucial. But success really hinges on providing them with the tools they need to harness its full potential. Refreshing PC estates across organisations is essential for achieving this and this promises multiple benefits from enhanced productivity and efficiency to ensuring competitive advantage.

Analysts are predicting that with an AI-enabled PC, workers can benefit from tools that are more responsive to their needs than ever before. Technology providers too are promising that these devices represent a significant leap beyond traditional computing, offering a potent blend of processing power and intelligent features that can redefine and improve processes across organisations. A refresh cycle of this nature can offer workers an immediate, tangible benefit from incorporating AI into daily processes – all while leaders plan for more comprehensive AI strategies to drive long-term growth.

But despite the significant benefits that the devices have to offer, there is still hesitation among business leaders to fully invest. Looking into this more closely, we understand that there are numerous barriers to more widespread adoption.

Cost and investment justification

According to Dell Technologies’ latest Innovation Catalysts Study, the main barriers to adoption are uncertainty, cost concerns and the fact that established use cases are still in development. This has resulted in one in two Irish businesses struggling to keep pace with advancements in Generative AI (GenAI).

The novelty and rapid evolution of the technology can make long-term planning difficult, especially in cases where AI’s benefits aren’t immediately clear. This makes it difficult to justify the potentially substantial upfront investment without a clear and immediate return on investment (ROI).

At the same time, our own research has revealed a widespread awareness  that AI will play a transformative role in industries with 62% investing in AI-optimised technology to enhance the work experience. Businesses are accepting that integration of AI tools is soon to become inevitable and largely unavoidable. It also became apparent in our research that businesses in Ireland are broadly positive about the ability of AI-powered machines to significantly augment human capabilities.

As we look towards a future defined by AI, businesses must embrace change and seriously consider the transformative power of AI PCs to empower their workforce.

Enhancing Human Potential

AI-enabled PCs are not just about raw computing power. They are designed to amplify human ingenuity.

These devices act as intelligent partners that can streamline workflows, automate repetitive processes, and provide instant access to information. This allows more time for strategic thinking and creative problem solving, which are crucial for driving innovation and achieving business success in today’s competitive landscape.

Professionals can explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and actively develop cutting-edge solutions that drive competitive advantage. Increased productivity and efficiencies in this way lead to faster turnaround times, improve project outcomes and a better utilisation of the available resources.

Similarly, features such as Copilot+ embedded within AI PCs also provide instant access to information and insights that can help humans to make more informed decisions. It can quickly gather relevant data, analyse it, and present it in a clear and concise manner.

This empowers professionals to make smarter, data-driven decisions while mitigating risks and optimise outcomes.

Unprecedented Productivity Gains

Automating repetitive tasks and streamlining work also has the benefit of reducing the cognitive load on the workforce. This can lead to a reduction in stress levels and improved engagement for enhanced productivity and innovative thinking.

The seamless multitasking enabled by AI- PCs further empowers professionals to effortlessly juggle multiple tasks for uninterrupted productivity and enhanced focus.

AI-intensive tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning are particularly beneficial for professionals who need to work on multiple projects or applications simultaneously. For example, a designer can simultaneously edit high-resolution images, run 3D rendering software, and communicate with clients via video conferencing, all without experiencing any lag or performance issues.

Maximising ROI with Enhanced Services

Knowing that return on investment after an AI PC refresh is a major concern, it’s imperative to prioritise a seamless transition that maximises value and minimises disruption.

Partners that facilitate connection to a wider ecosystem of software and expertise can be a huge support through the transition. They can assist with strategic planning and deployment, using their deep understanding of AI technologies and best practices to help organisations avoid common pitfalls and minimize any costly downtime.

Similarly, proactive monitoring and maintenance services provided by partners ensure optimal performance at all times. These services include regular software updates, hardware diagnostics, and remote support, ensuring that AI PCs are always operating at peak efficiency.

Dell Tech Forum 2024

The future of business lies in embracing AI, and AI PCs are essential to unlocking this future. By partnering with Dell, organisation can empower their workforce and fully harness the potential of AI PCs to drive business success.

The upcoming Dell Technologies Forum on October 8th in the Convention Centre Dublin will explore the transformative power of AI PCs, offering important and practical insights for organisations aiming to unlock the power of AI and enhance growth. Featuring a range of AI expert speakers and innovation specialists, the conference promises to help businesses across the country advance their AI journey and position themselves for future success.

To learn more and register for Dell Tech Forum, click here.

TCS to Fashion New Partner Landscape for Primark to Transform and Grow its Operations

(TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has extended its partnership with Primark, a leading international fashion retailer across 17 countries in Europe and the US. Over the next five years, TCS will help transform Primark’s technology operations to support the retailer’s ambitious plans for global growth.

TCS has been working with Primark since 2016, establishing itself as a trusted partner to the retailer. As well as driving business-critical integration programmes and stabilising core platforms for the retailer, TCS has also improved cybersecurity capabilities, improving stability and reliability of processes and systems.

As part of this expanded partnership, TCS will help transform Primark’s technology operating environment to make it more resilient, reliable, and efficient. By supporting Primark’s transformation journey, TCS will help reduce time-to-market for the retailer, aligning with its strategies for future growth. TCS will help Primark adopt a more agile and product-based operating model by enabling automation through intelligent automation and DevOps technologies. This new operating model will integrate and optimise application development, testing and maintenance processes.

Andrew Brothers, Chief Information Officer, Primark, said, “To help support our ambitious growth plans we’re expanding our partnership with TCS to build a robust, resilient, and reliable IT operating environment to become a more efficient, technology-led global organization with the agility to quickly adapt to changing demands and requirements in a fast-paced industry. Working with TCS will provide us with the ongoing operational stability and accountability needed to support our business to scale. This will allow us to respond to market trends and customer preferences in a timely manner, ensuring that we continue to deliver quality products at the best value for our customers.”

Primark’s new operating model will also be aligned to business functions and driven by their priorities, providing Primark with a comprehensive, real-time view of its technology, business systems and processes to enhance overall performance and enable the agile ecosystem required to support the organisation’s rapid growth plans.

Shekar Krishnan, Vice President & Head of Retail – UK and Europe, TCS, said, “The fashion industry is continually modernising its entire value chain—from conceptualisation, to design, to production and retailing – with innovation-led initiatives to achieve environmental, social, and governance goals. We’re thrilled to support Primark’s mission to offer affordable fashion for everyone and its global vision for growth.” 

TCS works with 200 of the region’s best-known and most-loved businesses, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Sainsbury’s, Nationwide, M&S, Asda and Boots. With its deep industry expertise and an employee strength of 23,000 people in the UK and Ireland, TCS holds a leadership position in software and IT services in the UK and Ireland market. Operating in Ireland since 2001, TCS services over 28 global and local clients from its Dublin headquarters and Global Delivery Centre based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Maximising Efficiency: Why Smart Business Operations Matter More Than Ever

In business, you are always looking for a competitive advantage. When people are discussing efficiency, it’s not just a transition — if you want to play and be competitive you have to have your business process as good as it can. You have to make money, to have a cost-effective, efficient, reliable business process. You can stay ahead by increasing sales, which you can achieve by getting the most out of the least. Whether you are a business owner, or a business fleet manager a good business process can help you get to the top!

The Importance of Streamlined Processes

Not only does streamlining your business process save you running capital, it’s also just a good idea for businesses, whether small or large. The more efficiently you operate, the faster your work gets done. Resources are put to their full potential and room for potential mistakes is greatly reduced. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity and will lead to better customer service ratings as well.

Leveraging Technology for Business Success

From automation to taking over repetitive tasks to powerful software that provides insight into performance, technology of any kind can make a big difference in achieving better efficiency and productivity. Just think what telematics can do for fleet managers!

Telematics provides real-time data on vehicle location, fuel consumption and driver performance which allows companies to plan better routes, save money on fuel and keep their drivers safe on the road. When companies in Ireland employ the services of telematics providers like those shown here https://www.radius.com/en-ie/, they can make all kinds of savings and improve the functionality of their business.

Adapting to Change with Flexible Strategies

The business world is an ever-changing place and those who can move with it are the ones who will do well. A business with flexibility in its strategy and in its workings will be able to shrug off changes in the market and from customers and changes in general circumstances. This is what is needed to stay the course and grow. On the other hand, companies with processes that are stagnant will be left behind to crumble. Without the ability to evolve with ever-changing situations, the world will move on without you.

The Human Element: Empowering Your Team

Efficiency isn’t about the kind of technology you are using, or what kind of systems you have in place — it is the people. Making sure the right team, right mentality, right training and right motivation, are in place to execute your operations. Investing in your people, training them and making sure they are in a good environment and that they are open when it comes to communication can dramatically make your business a whole lot more efficient. When your employees have their roles, have what they need, feel appreciated they are going to want to play their part, be a team. If they know you are a team player, they are going to want to step up their game to get you to your goal and help the company be more successful.

Final Thoughts on Operational Efficiency

In an ever-competitive world of winning customer attention, efficiency will always make your company different. There are areas in business that are mostly underlooked and companies streamlining with technology like telematics and having an efficient, adaptable labour force can combine to elevate your daily operation.

For businesses in Ireland, companies like Radius have the software and services to get you there. Tackle further challenges for optimal efficiency and you’ll be building much more than streamlined processes — you’ll be building a foundation for years of growth.

SMEs – sustainability can lead to cost savings in the long run

Pat Kane is a sustainability advocate and strategist, speaker, writer and the founder of reuzi, a business that has evolved to become a whole hub for environmental living and awareness. 

Here Pat writes about sustainability for SMEs – and while some SMEs may perceive sustainable practices as costly, the reality is that they often lead to cost savings in the long run.

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword reserved for large multinational corporations or niche industries; it is a critical business imperative that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford to overlook. As global awareness around environmental and social issues grows, SMEs are increasingly recognising that sustainable practices are not just ethically sound, but also economically advantageous. The integration of sustainability into the core strategy of an SME can unlock new opportunities, enhance brand reputation, and build resilience against future challenges.

The importance of sustainability for SMEs stems from several interrelated factors. First and foremost, consumers are becoming more discerning, favouring companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. This shift in consumer behaviour is not a passing trend but a fundamental change in how people choose to spend their money.

SMEs that fail to adapt risk alienating a significant portion of their customer base.

Regulatory landscapes are also evolving, with governments around the world implementing stricter environmental and social governance (ESG) requirements. SMEs that proactively embrace sustainability will find themselves better positioned to comply with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.

Another critical factor is the financial implications of sustainability. Although some SMEs may perceive sustainable practices as costly, the reality is that they often lead to cost savings in the long run. Efficient resource management, waste reduction, and energy-saving measures can significantly lower operating costs. SMEs that incorporate sustainability into their operations are more likely to attract investment, as investors increasingly prioritise companies with strong ESG credentials. These companies are viewed as lower risk, given their proactive approach to managing environmental and social issues, which can lead to better financial performance over time.

Starting on the sustainability journey might seem daunting for SMEs, especially given limited resources and expertise compared to larger companies. However, the key is to start small and gradually build upon those efforts. The first step is to assess the current environmental and social impact of the business. This could involve evaluating energy usage, waste production, supply chain practices, and community engagement. Identifying areas where improvements can be made will provide a clear roadmap for action.

Once the assessment is complete, setting achievable goals is essential. These goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the company’s overall business strategy. For example, an SME might commit to reducing its carbon footprint by a certain percentage within a set timeframe or to sourcing a portion of its materials from sustainable suppliers. These goals should be revisited regularly to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Learning from SMEs that have already embarked on their sustainability journey can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Take, for instance, the story of Innocent Drinks, a UK-based company that started as a small business and has grown into a well-known brand. From the outset, Innocent Drinks placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, using 100% recyclable packaging and committing to sourcing ingredients ethically. Their approach to sustainability is deeply embedded in their brand, which has resonated with consumers and contributed to their success.

Pat Kane

Patagonia is another great example that, while larger, offers lessons in transparency and ethical business practices. They started with small steps like using organic cotton and recycled materials, which over time evolved into a comprehensive sustainability strategy. SMEs can take inspiration from Patagonia’s gradual, transparent approach to incorporating sustainability, understanding that the journey does not have to be perfect from the outset but can develop and improve over time.

Finally, it is important to remember that sustainability is not just about environmental impact; it encompasses social responsibility as well. This means that SMEs should consider how their operations affect employees, communities, and society at large. Building a sustainable business model involves fair labour practices, community engagement, and contributing to the broader social good.

I think it’s fair to say that sustainability is crucial for SMEs not only to stay competitive and compliant in a rapidly changing world but also to ensure long-term viability and success.

Starting with a clear assessment, setting realistic goals, and learning from those who have successfully integrated sustainability into their business practices can set SMEs on the right path. The shift toward sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that offers SMEs the chance to innovate, build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders, and contribute positively to the world.

Pat Kane bio

Pat Kane is a sustainability advocate and strategist, speaker, writer and the founder of reuzi, a business that has evolved to become a whole hub for environmental living and awareness.

reuzi exists in both the real and virtual worlds, with pop-ups, some very exciting in-store concessions and a busy online presence.

Pat’s mission is to inspire and empower individuals and businesses to drive positive impact through a wide offering of sustainable products and strategic services.

Pat is also a partner and Chief Sustainability Officer for environmentally-focused consultancy, Pragmatica. Pragmatica aims to support organisations from family businesses to SMEs to large corporations, on how to improve their green credentials.

For more see: https://www.instagram.com/iampatkane/

HRLocker awarded Business All-Star Customer Success Company of the Year by AIBF for its unwavering commitment to excellence

HRLocker, a leading provider of human resource (HR) solutions based in Co. Clare, today announced it has been awarded the prestigious Business All-Star Customer Success Company of the Year 2024-25 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). The honour recognises HRLocker’s unwavering commitment to empowering HR professionals, enhancing workplaces, and boosting the employee experience.

Celebrating over two decades of delivering innovation and excellence in HR technology, HRLocker has solidified its position as a leader in the field and consistently demonstrated its dedication to customer success. Founded by Adam Coleman in 2004, HRLocker has grown from a local HR consultancy to a global leader in cloud-based HR management tools.

The company’s platform offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to automate essential HR tasks so organisations can focus on more strategic growth and employee engagement. It serves customers in more than 55 countries, enabling them to drive efficiency and foster a more productive work environment.

“I am delighted to commend HRLocker as the Business All-Star Customer Success Company of The Year 2024-25,” said Kieran Ring, deputy chair of the AIBF adjudication board. “This award recognises HRLocker’s dedication to customer success, showcased through their exceptional support, user-friendly solutions, and significant contributions to their clients’ organisational achievements.”

As noted by the AIBF, the HRLocker’s approach goes beyond improving HR operations to fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement, making it a trusted partner for organisations seeking to enhance their HR capabilities and employee experience.

In reaction to the award, HRLocker founder and CEO Adam Coleman said, “Our customers are at the heart of our business, and their success is our driving force. We prioritise quality and trust in all our relationships and work diligently to provide exceptional service. I want to thank our valued customers for their continued support and our dedicated team, which has been instrumental in achieving this honour.”

The AIBF is an autonomous national accreditation body that promotes best-in-class Irish businesses. Its rigorous assessment process provides a measure for hundreds of companies across the republic. AIBF Managing Director Kapil Khanna explains, “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors,”

“We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

HP Wolf Security study finds growing concern about attacks on hardware supply chains as one in five businesses impacted

HP released the findings of a global survey highlighting the growing concern over nation-state threat actors targeting physical supply chains and tampering with device hardware and firmware integrity. The study of 800 IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs) responsible for device security highlights the need for businesses to focus on device hardware and firmware integrity, with attacks on hardware supply chains and device tampering expected to increase.

Key findings include:

  • Almost one-in-five (19%) organisations surveyed say they have been impacted by nation-state threat actors targeting physical PC, laptop or printer supply chains. In the US, this figure rises to 29%.
  • Over a third (35%) of organisations surveyed believe that they or others they know have already been impacted by nation-state threat actors targeting supply chains to try and insert malicious hardware or firmware into devices.
  • Overall, 91% believe nation-state threat actors will target physical PC, laptop or printer supply chains to insert malware or malicious components into hardware and/or firmware.
  • Almost two-thirds (63%) believe the next major nation-state attack will involve poisoning hardware supply chains to sneak in malware.

“System security relies on strong supply chain security, starting with the assurance that devices are built with the intended components and haven’t been tampered with during transit. If an attacker compromises a device at the firmware or hardware layer, they’ll gain unparalleled visibility and control over everything that happens on that machine. Just imagine what that could look like if it happens to the CEO’s laptop,” comments Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher in the HP Security Lab.

Holland continues, “Such attacks are incredibly hard to detect, as most security tools sit within the operating system. Moreover, attacks that successfully establish a foothold below the OS are very difficult to remove and remediate, adding to the challenge for IT security teams.”

Considering the scale of the challenge, it’s unsurprising that 78% of ITSDMs say their attention to software and hardware supply chain security will grow as attackers try to infect devices during transit.

Organisations are concerned that they are blind and unequipped to mitigate device supply chain threats like tampering. Over half (51%) of ITSDMs are concerned that they cannot verify if PC, laptop or printer hardware and firmware have been tampered with during transit. A further 77% say they need a way to verify hardware integrity to mitigate the risk of device tampering.

“In today’s threat landscape, managing security across a distributed hybrid workplace environment must start with the assurance that devices haven’t been tampered with at the lower level. This is why HP is focused on delivering PCs and printers with industry-leading hardware and firmware security foundations designed for resilience, to allow organisations to manage, monitor and remediate device hardware and firmware security throughout the lifetime of devices, across the fleet,” comments Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation, HP Inc. Security Lab.

In recognition of these risks, HP Wolf Security is advising customers to take the following steps to help proactively manage device hardware and firmware security, right from the factory:

  • Adopt Platform Certificate technology, designed to enable verification of hardware and firmware integrity upon device delivery.
  • Securely manage firmware configuration of your devices, using technology like HP Sure Admin (for PCs) or HP Security Manager (Support). These enable administrators to manage firmware remotely using public-key cryptography, eliminating the use of less secure password-based methods.
  • Take advantage of vendor factory services to enable hardware and firmware security configurations right from the factory, such as HP Tamper Lock, Sure Admin, or Sure Recover technologies.
  • Monitor ongoing compliance of device hardware and firmware configuration across your fleet of devices.

Watch this space: Further findings from the study will be shared later this year.

Irish businesses continue to face challenges in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation

Irish businesses continue to face challenges in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), six years on from its introduction, according to new research. The findings were presented by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP in their latest joint survey, “GDPR and Digital Legislation: A Survey of the Impact and Effect on Organisations in Ireland”.

The research, which was conducted by Ipsos B&A, found that just 15% of businesses consider their organisation to be ‘fully compliant’ with the legislation, which is billed as the toughest privacy and security law in the world. A further 58% of respondents indicated their organisation was ‘materially compliant’, and 25% say their organisation was ‘somewhat compliant’. In order to achieve their compliance targets, half of the businesses surveyed believe they need more resourcing, financial investments or further expertise in this space.

The research also found that 82% of respondents believe the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, with respondents citing ‘reputational risk’ as the most important factor in determining an organisation’s data protection risk appetite, followed by ‘fear of fines’. Eight in 10 (81%) of the businesses surveyed say they intend to improve their compliance status.

This is the eighth edition of the Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP annual survey on the impact of GDPR on organisations in Ireland. As well as examining the latest perceptions among Irish businesses regarding GDPR compliance, the report also assesses awareness and readiness for a wave of new legislative developments from the European Union in response to rapid technological changes.

Findings show that 60% of those surveyed are concerned about the impact of new digital legislation on their organisation, which includes DORA (the Digital Operational Resilience Act), the AI Act, the Data Act, the Data Governance Act, the Digital Services Act, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the Digital Markets Act, the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) and the Cyber Resilience Act. There is also a high degree of uncertainty regarding the new legislation with many respondents being unsure of their applicability to their business, which suggests further education and awareness is required within organisations.

Key Findings:

  • 82% of respondents agree that the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, up from 70% in last year’s survey.
  • 81% of respondents intend on improving their compliance status.
  • 59% of respondents are concerned about the prospect of being fined for GDPR non-compliance, compared to 58% in last year’s survey.
  • 47% of respondents agree that working to comply with GDPR has delivered many benefits for their organisation, up from 34% last year.
  • Over half of the respondents (52%) say that the CEO of their organisation is strongly engaged in GDPR compliance and data privacy, compared to 50% in 2023.
  • Six out of 10 respondents are concerned about upcoming digital legislation.
  • 63% of respondents indicated that the AI Act will apply to their organisation.

Liam McKenna, Partner in Consulting Services at Forvis Mazars, said: “This survey underscores the essential need for organisations to remain up to date with both current and forthcoming regulations in the digital space. Irish businesses must diligently maintain their compliance initiatives, particularly amid the significant financial and reputational risks at stake.

“Although GDPR regulations were implemented in 2018, that only 15% of Irish companies are fully compliant is a concern for Irish business, particularly in light of further digital legislation coming down the tracks including the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act, among others. Irish companies therefore need to urgently focus on GDPR adherence, while actively gearing up for new legislative requirements.”

Paul Lavery, Partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP, added: “The effectiveness of the GDPR as one of the toughest data privacy laws in the word is perhaps evidenced by the fact that organisations are still actively working on improving their compliance six years on. It is much more than a tick the box exercise and staying on the right side of these complex requirements will require ongoing attention and focus by Irish organisations.

“The good news is that this experience will serve businesses well as they prepare for new legislation coming down the track from the European Union. Legislating for rapidly changing technologies such as AI is no easy task, and we can expect regulations around data, AI, cyber resilience, information security and digital services to continue to evolve in the coming years.”

The report was launched this morning by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP, joined by Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission, at the offices of McCann FitzGerald LLP. It can be read in full here.

PayPal study: SME owners in Ireland are prioritising tech investments to drive growth

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland that sell online appear to be experiencing a growth period, with 96 per cent seeing an increase in online sales over the past 12 months. A similar proportion (95%) are feeling optimistic about the growth of their business over the next year.

PayPal’s 2024 ‘Business of Change Report’* revealed that on average, SMEs selling their products or services in international markets generated €240,605 in the last 12 months. Those surveyed that don’t currently sell internationally, but are planning to do so in the future, estimated that the move would generate €122,728 annually for their business.

Cross border trade a catalyst for growth

Further exploration into the prevalence of international commerce uncovered that half (50%) of SMEs in Ireland are presently engaged in international sales, with an additional 30 per cent intending to do so within the next year. Among those already selling internationally, 77 per cent have experienced a surge in international sales volume over the past three years.

The primary impetus behind international expansion is the belief that Ireland is strategically positioned to seize opportunities in global markets (41%). However, a significant 31 per cent of those surveyed indicated that their survival hinges on international expansion.

Not surprisingly, 34 per cent of SME owners prioritise delivering an improved customer experience as a crucial factor for business expansion—second only to providing high-quality products or services, which garnered 38 per cent. Rounding out the top five priorities were adopting emerging technologies, utilising online marketplaces, and ensuring affordability of products or services, each at 32 per cent.

Concerns and challenges

While there is a general feeling of optimism, almost a quarter of SME owners (23%) cited poor purchasing processes for customers as a top barrier to future business growth. Meanwhile, more than a fifth (22%) identified that they lack the skills or resources to fully leverage online platforms.

 As well as internal factors, external trends most impacting SMEs in Ireland that sell online are:

  • A rising demand for more payment methods (such as buy now pay later and digital wallets like PayPal) – 40%
  • More people wanting discounts, promotions and deals – 38%
  • Customers wanting more convenience (such as click and collect, and package tracking) – 37%
  • Three in 10 (30%) are concerned with the trend that fewer people are converting at checkout – more browsers than buyers.

SMEs prioritise tech investments for future growth, eyeing AI, VR experiences

Looking forward, the vast majority (92%) of SME owners prioritise technology investment for their business’s future growth. Nearly a quarter (23%) desire to allocate resources to Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning, while 21 per cent plan to invest in Virtual Reality experiences.

Regarding specific areas earmarked for investment within the next year to bolster expansion, 38 per cent plan to prioritise enhancing their online presence. Following closely are investments in marketing (33%), additional shipping/delivery capabilities (32%), team expansion (32%), and social commerce (31%).

Moreover, 27 per cent intend to invest in ecommerce capabilities, with secure payment methods and international sales processes on the agenda for 26 per cent of SME owners surveyed.

Jonas Breding, General Manager, PayPal Northern Europe shared, “For over twenty years, we’ve been a trusted partner for Irish entrepreneurs and ecommerce businesses. We recently launched PayPal Complete Payments, our most advanced offering in the market. Our comprehensive solution fosters growth, provides advanced fraud protection, and streamlines cross-border trade, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.”

For more information, visit https://www.paypal.com, https://about.pypl.com/ and https://investor.pypl.com/.

Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly: 7 Key Benefits of Outsourcing IT Management

In today’s digital age, technology is the backbone of almost every business. From keeping customer data secure to ensuring smooth network operation, a robust IT infrastructure is crucial for success. However, managing this infrastructure in-house can be a complex and demanding task, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This is where outsourcing IT management comes in.

What is IT Management Outsourcing?

IT management outsourcing involves delegating the responsibility of overseeing your company’s IT infrastructure to a qualified external provider. This provider, often referred to as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), becomes your trusted partner, handling everything from network maintenance and security to user support and disaster recovery planning.

Why Outsource IT Management?

There are numerous compelling reasons why businesses of all sizes are increasingly turning to outsourced IT management solutions. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:

 

  1. Cost Efficiency and Predictable Expenses

 

One of the primary benefits of outsourcing IT management is cost efficiency. Maintaining an in-house IT department can be expensive, involving costs related to salaries, benefits, training, and equipment. By outsourcing, businesses can convert fixed IT costs into variable costs, allowing them to budget more effectively. This model also provides predictable monthly expenses, helping organizations manage their finances better.

Outsourcing eliminates the need for significant capital investments in IT infrastructure. Instead, businesses can leverage the infrastructure and resources of the outsourcing provider. This approach not only reduces costs but also ensures access to the latest technology without the burden of ongoing upgrades and maintenance.

 

  1. Access to Expertise and Advanced Technology

 

Outsourcing IT management provides businesses with access to a pool of experienced professionals with specialized skills. These experts stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices, ensuring that your IT infrastructure is managed efficiently and effectively. This level of expertise is often difficult and costly to maintain in-house.

Moreover, outsourcing providers invest in state-of-the-art technology and tools to deliver their services. By partnering with a reputable provider, businesses can benefit from advanced technologies without the need for significant upfront investments. This access to cutting-edge solutions enhances operational efficiency and competitiveness.

 

  1. Focus on Core Business Activities

 

Managing IT infrastructure can be time-consuming and distracts from core business activities. By outsourcing IT management, businesses can free up valuable time and resources, allowing them to focus on their primary objectives and strategic initiatives. This shift in focus enables companies to enhance productivity, innovation, and overall performance.

Outsourcing IT management also reduces the burden on internal staff, who may be stretched thin trying to handle IT issues alongside their regular responsibilities. With IT management in the hands of experts, internal teams can concentrate on their core tasks, leading to improved efficiency and job satisfaction.

 

  1. Enhanced Security and Compliance

 

In the digital age, cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Data breaches and cyberattacks can have devastating consequences, including financial losses and damage to reputation. Outsourcing IT management to a specialized provider ensures that your IT systems are protected by robust security measures and monitored around the clock.

Outsourcing providers implement stringent security protocols, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about emerging threats. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of cyberattacks and ensures that your data is secure. Additionally, outsourcing providers are well-versed in industry regulations and compliance requirements, helping your business adhere to legal and regulatory standards.

 

  1. Scalability and Flexibility

 

Business needs and technological requirements can change rapidly. Outsourcing IT management offers the flexibility to scale services up or down based on your organization’s needs. Whether you’re expanding your operations, launching new projects, or experiencing seasonal fluctuations, outsourcing providers can adjust their services to meet your demands.

This scalability eliminates the need for businesses to invest in additional resources or infrastructure during peak times. It also ensures that IT support is available when needed, without the delays associated with hiring and training new staff. The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances gives businesses a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.

 

  1. Improved Uptime and Reliability

 

Downtime can be costly for businesses, leading to lost revenue, decreased productivity, and frustrated customers. Outsourcing IT management to a reputable provider ensures that your IT systems are monitored and maintained for optimal performance. Providers offer proactive maintenance, regular updates, and prompt troubleshooting to minimize downtime and ensure reliable operations.

Many outsourcing providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee specific performance metrics, such as uptime and response times. These agreements provide peace of mind, knowing that your IT systems are managed by professionals committed to maintaining high levels of reliability and availability.

 

  1. Access to a Broader Range of Services

 

Outsourcing IT management provides businesses with access to a comprehensive range of services that may be difficult to achieve in-house. These services can include network management, cloud computing, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, helpdesk support, and more. Having a single provider manage multiple aspects of your IT infrastructure simplifies operations and ensures seamless integration of services.

Additionally, outsourcing providers often have partnerships with leading technology vendors, allowing them to offer exclusive solutions and services that might not be available to individual businesses. This access to a broader range of services enhances your organization’s technological capabilities and supports its growth and innovation.

Conclusion

Outsourcing IT management offers numerous benefits, from cost efficiency and access to expertise to enhanced security and scalability. By partnering with a reputable outsourcing provider, businesses can focus on their core activities, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that their IT infrastructure is managed effectively. In an increasingly complex and competitive business environment, outsourcing IT management is a strategic move that can drive growth, innovation, and long-term success.