: IMDA launches new integrated digital solutions for SMEs in retail and security sectors
SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail and security sectors can tap integrated digital solutions from two new categories under the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) initiative. The two categories launched are omnichannel retail management (OCRM) for retailers and integrated security management (ISM) for security agencies, in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), respectively.
Both are sector-specific solutions that aim to help enterprises merge various business functions and allow seamless information flow across their operations, on top of yielding data analytics and insights.
IMDA’s ADS initiative was rolled out in 2020 to support SMEs in adopting integrated digital solutions aligned with the government’s industry digital plans. Eligible SMEs may receive up to 70 per cent funding support to onboard such solutions.
By leveraging the new OCRM solutions, retailers can deliver a unified customer experience across customer engagement touchpoints such as physical retail outlets, e-marketplaces and online channels.
At the same time, they can integrate operations across back-end functions such as inventory management and customer relationship management.
Jeannie Lim, EnterpriseSG’s assistant managing director of services and growth enterprises, noted that consumers now expect hyper-personalisation and smooth transitions across various customer touchpoints from brands.
“The support for OCRM solutions will help retailers navigate these demands and streamlining operations by providing a consolidated view of critical aspects like inventory and customer relationship management,” she said.
Meanwhile, small and medium-sized security agencies can adopt ISM solutions to elevate their operational capabilities and extend their service offerings beyond traditional security guard operations.
For instance, an integrated ISM platform is able to harness artificial intelligence capabilities such as computer vision, machine learning and deep learning. It can also be integrated with other systems to offer insights into integrated facilities management through a dashboard, as well enabling real-time monitoring, control and incident responses.
Harris Rusdi Chai, director of MHA’s security policy directorate, joint ops group, said: “There has been growing interest by the security industry to move towards a more streamlined and integrated model of operations, and the ISM provides a ready solution to do so.”
The OCRM and ISM solution categories will be piloted for a year and are expected to support 100 SMEs in deepening their digital capabilities.
IMDA said the solutions will be assessed on their suitability for SMEs’ mass adoption, before being scaled up through support such as the Productivity Solutions Grant.
Source: The Business Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
