Figures really do help to support a story about technology use at SMEs, from market size to fears and adoption trends, so as we have 10 months left of 2020, here are some figures that you can use in any upcoming stories of your own.
A new research report called State of Technology at UK SMEs from OGL Computer highlights concerns and priorities, newer technologies such as robotics and AI that SMEs plan to adopt, how SMEs are using technology to power remote workforces and what technologies they are adopting for growth.
To develop the technology survey OGL Computer, a nationwide IT services provider, surveyed technology decision makers in SMEs with 50-500 employees across a range of industries.
It's a pretty meaty report so I am not going to put all the great findings in this post, but here are some that you can use and download the report if you need more.
Key Findings:
Technology priorities and concerns
The survey established the technology priorities and concerns SMEs are expecting in 2020:
- The top three key technology priorities: increasing cyber security provision 39%, moving towards a more proactive IT strategy 39%, and increasing use of data and insights 37%
- The main technology concerns for 2020 were cyber security attacks 67%, data management 56%, and a lack of technology-savvy workers 54%
- 57% of respondents said that increasing the use of cloud computing is planned, to drive business efficiencies and profitability
- 92% of SMEs are planning to spend more on cyber security and IT in 2020
Cyber security trends
Cyber security features heavily in the report with respondents revealing attack frequency, cyber strategy status and employee training to combat hackers.
- The vast majority of SMEs confirmed that they were increasingly worried, with 81% more fearful of a cyber-attack or data breach
- 81% of UK SMEs confirmed that they had suffered a data breach or cyber-attack
- Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) IT decision-makers surveyed have no cyber strategy in place
- 76% agree that they are nervous about moving from an on-premise IT infrastructure to a cloud infrastructure due to fears of data security
- 98% of IT decision-makers in SMEs educate employees about how to identify a cyber threat, with the most popular approach being a combination of external and internal training (32%)
- SMEs in the financial sector were more likely to suffer 3 or 4 breaches than any other sector at 50%, while healthcare and IT & Telecoms sectors were most likely to suffer 2 breaches at 75%. The report also helpfully explains why these sectors are targeted so often.
Emerging technologies adoption
SMEs have long recognised the opportunities technology provides to foster growth and improve profit margins, so appetites for new and emerging technologies are strong. The top five technologies SMEs plan to adopt are:
- 5G 59%
- Robotics 55%
- Automation 39%
- AI 39%
- Blockchain 37%
Cyber security threats were the main reason for the adoption of new technology 51% – ahead of enabling easier communications with customers 40%.
Remote working
Building a remote workforce can slash overheads, increase productivity, and improve employee efficiency, as well as boosting employee job satisfaction levels. This, in turn, can translate into better customer experience and increased profits.
- 94% of SMEs are seeing a growth in the number of remote workers employed
- With 50% of the respondents currently using technology and 34% planning to adopt technology that enables remote working.
There's info in the report re cloud computing trends and other IT solutions too, tips and case studies.
Download the full report at www.ogl.co.uk/SOTreport2020
