The digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represents one of the major challenges of the Slovenian economy. While Slovenia is relatively successful in using robots, SMEs still make insufficient use of digital technologies. The problems stem not only from a lack of investment but also from a lack of knowledge and strategy.
Individual Applications Are Not Enough
Many companies use various digital applications to simplify specific parts of their business processes, such as tools for preparing offers or planning installations.
These are often solutions offered by different providers that meet the company’s needs to some extent. However, the issue arises because these applications are not interconnected and lack a unified data foundation or central data hub. Connecting applications into an integrated system is the key step that enables more efficient process management and the introduction of artificial intelligence.
At Kalmia, we observe a trend: a lack of applications that comprehensively support digital business operations. The biggest challenge is integrating existing applications into a unified system.
A Comprehensive Approach
With years of experience and expertise in digitalization, we tackle the problem differently than most. Our approach does not rely on a single specific product. As an agile company, we tailor solutions by integrating existing programs and connecting their data into a whole, while adding or developing any missing components.
Clients want solutions that are not just temporary but allow for future business growth and support increasing levels of digitalization. The process is not simple – first, we need to identify all existing programs in the company, examine their functionalities and integration possibilities, and then design the system architecture.
This is why we always start the process with a workshop to understand the company’s key challenges. Based on the analysis and gathered information, we prepare a digital strategy that serves as the foundation for further solutions. We always create the design together with the client, as in-depth knowledge of the company’s processes is crucial for successful collaboration.
Careful Introduction of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is not just a trend but a tool that can significantly simplify operations. Since Kalmia specializes in AI, we can offer clients a wide range of solutions, from chatbots and virtual agents to prediction and smart analytics tools. Here too, we always start with a workshop to identify so-called “quick wins” – areas where AI can deliver results the fastest.
The well-known phrase “Garbage in, Garbage out” illustrates that AI cannot perform well without properly prepared, high-quality data. A company’s central digital hub plays a crucial role in this, as it provides AI with consistent and reliable data. Many companies tend to overlook this part. At Kalmia, we treat it as a core element of successful implementation and focus on it from the very beginning of the project.
Small Steps for Big Results
Digitalization is not only a technological challenge but also an organizational one. It often happens that companies implement solutions that employees don’t use. Kalmia bridges this gap by tailoring solutions to users and starting with a smaller concept from which we extract best practices and gradually evolve them into a complete solution. This approach ensures better adoption and easier, user-friendly implementation.
Many SMEs are aware of the challenge posed by insufficiently digitalized business processes and are eager to make progress in this area. At Kalmia, we understand that implementation is not easy, so with our knowledge and experience, we help companies achieve big results through small steps. Only in this way can they remain successful and competitive in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
Author: Borut Terpinc
