Automation for SMEs: the new normal
Published:
Est. reading time: 4 minutes
Author: Ruth Kearney
SMEs are the backbone of our economy, but they have been worst hit by the pandemic. The lockdown has forced many of them to change how they operate and automation has played a key part. However, many small businesses are still apprehensive about taking the first steps and think that automation is only for bigger and scaling businesses. The GoSmarter automation toolbox has been developed to help SMEs kick start their automation journey, quickly and at a relatively low cost.
SMEs are the backbone of our economy, but they have been worst hit by the pandemic. The lockdown has forced many of them to change how they operate and automation has played a key part. However, many small businesses are still apprehensive about taking the first steps and think that automation is only for bigger and scaling businesses. The GoSmarter automation toolbox has been developed to help SMEs kick start their automation journey, quickly and at a relatively low cost.
Developed by Nightingale HQ, GoSmarter delivers 6 automation tools to SMEs to help them bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19. It is funded by Innovate UK and free to sign up. You can now visit the GoSmarter website to take a closer look at the tools we offer and register to the app to access the tools.
What's in the GoSmarter toolbox?
GoSmarter is a great starting point for SMEs looking to automate. Each of the 6 tools highlights an area where your business can apply automation, such as repetitive processes, brand management, sales, customer service, meetings and accounts payable. Then with support on installing and integrating the tools, you can be up and running in 30 minutes.
Process Automation Tool
Automate repeatable admin and business tasks at a fraction of the cost. Tasks such as inventory control, stocktaking for shops, or online booking tools for bars and restaurants can be easily automated. This tool is based on Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology, which is fast becoming something businesses of all sizes can make great use of.
Social Media Listening Tool
Monitor your brand across all social media channels, and better engage with your audience.
You can measure your brand impact by learning from online conversations and customer interactions. You will be able to monitor positive and negative feelings around your brand and respond more effectively. Many businesses use social media listening to support the customer service side of social media, but many also use it to find influencers and pick up on trends.
Supercharge Sales Tool
Make sense of customer data, boost sales leads and get actionable insights for your sales team.
This tool allows you to improve predictions, recommendations, and decisions in the sales pipeline. It identifies patterns based on past data and makes recommendations as to which deals to go after, and which to drop, based on likely conversions. It even picks up on sentiment in conversation and can highlight which styles to replicate and which to avoid.
FAQ Chatbot Tool
Now even a small business can assist their customers around the clock!
The FAQ Chatbot tool gives the power to customers to answer common queries for themselves quickly and easily. It also frees up time spent on answering the same questions, so you can focus on more complex enquiries. Your chatbot can be set up in minutes, and you can see the time and cost saving immediately.
Productive Meetings Tool
We all want to get more out of online meetings. This tools automatically generate text and audio recordings, so you can keep more accurate and searchable records - handy for anyone who could not attend the meeting. This technology also supports accessibility; helping participants with visual or hearing impairments. Saved records of meetings can be searched using a word, meaning you don't have to trawl through videos to find the section you want to refresh on.
Invoice Processor Tool
This is your opportunity to take back control of processing invoices with automatic flows that increase accuracy and save time. You can automate the process of gathering invoices from different sources, and keep your accounts up to date.
Join the GoSmarter Supporters network
The GoSmarter toolbox can make a huge impact on the 5.6million businesses impacted by COVID-19, and to help those businesses hear about how GoSmarter can help, we're looking for groups to join our Supporters network. Supporters can help us spread the word through sharing content, hosting informative webinars, or including us in value-add bundles for members.
If you would like to join our Supporters network, please get in touch.