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IMDA Digital Solutions for SMEs in Retail & Security to Scale Up

IMDA launches two new digital solutions with up to 70% funding support to help retail and security SMEs modernise their operations.

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Daily.SG Newsroom
Archive · 16 Jul 2024
IMDA Digital Solutions for SMEs in Retail & Security to Scale Up
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KEY POINTS

  • ●IMDA rolled out Omnichannel Retail Management (OCRM) and Integrated Security Management (ISM) solutions on 16 July 2024 under its Advanced Digital Solutions scheme
  • ●OCRM helps retailers manage inventory and customer relationships in one place; ISM uses artificial intelligence for real-time security monitoring and faster incident response
  • ●The government will fund up to 70% of adoption costs for eligible SMEs
  • ●A one-year pilot project will test the solutions with 100 SMEs to measure benefits
  • ●Solutions are developed in partnership with Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Home Affairs

IN SIMPLE TERMS

The government is offering new technology tools designed specifically for small retail shops and security companies to run their businesses better. It will pay for most of the cost — up to 70% — so these businesses can afford to upgrade without spending all their money.

WHY IT MATTERS

SMEs in retail and security can compete more effectively by adopting modern digital tools at lower cost.
Heavy government subsidy (up to 70%) reduces financial barriers for small businesses to go digital.
AI-powered security systems allow agencies to respond faster to incidents and streamline operations.
Retailers gain better visibility into inventory and customer data, improving service and efficiency.

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Do you think subsidising 70% of digital tool costs is the right way to help Singapore's SMEs stay competitive?

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The Full Story
  1. New Advanced IMDA Digital Solutions launched.
  2. Omnichannel Retail Management and Integrated Security Management to benefit SMEs.
  3. Funding support for up to 70% of digital solution adoption costs.

A well-planned move by IMDA brings in new digital solutions, improving Singapore’s SMEs’ edge in the market.

Empowering SMEs with IMDA Digital Solutions

New efforts by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) promise to update small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

On 16 July 2024, IMDA rolled out new categories under its Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) scheme.

IMDA, along with Enterprise Singapore, is bringing in Omnichannel Retail Management (OCRM) and Integrated Security Management (ISM).

These are specially made to support SMEs in the retail and security industries.

This plan will pay for up to 70% of the costs for SMEs to use these digital solutions.

It fits perfectly with the industry’s digital plans.

Tech-savvy SMEs can now update with less money worry.

This support aims to push digital change in two key sectors.

Here are some key points to note:

  • OCRM helps give steady customer experiences.
  • ISM uses Artificial Intelligence for smooth operations.
  • Pilot project to check benefits on 100 SMEs over one year.

Retail and Security Industries Get a Digital Upgrade

According to Leong Der Yao, IMDA’s Assistant Chief Executive, “The new solutions are pivotal within our DEB strategy to digitise SMEs.”

The Omnichannel Retail Management solutions are a team effort with Enterprise Singapore.

This partnership boosts customer engagement and inside processes for retailers.

Security agencies will see a lift in operation through the Integrated Security Management solutions.

Made with help from the Ministry of Home Affairs, these use artificial intelligence.

The new platform mixes real-time watching and AI for quick incident response.

It helps in changing old security services.

Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:

Advanced Digital SolutionFocus Industry
OCRMRetail
ISMSecurity
Funding SupportUp to 70% coverage
Project DurationOne-year pilot

Driving Growth and Competitiveness

Ms Jeannie Lim of Enterprise Singapore highlights the impact on retailers.

“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 mentioned.

Harris Rusdi Chai, from the Ministry of Home Affairs, welcomes the ISM introduction.

“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.” he adds.

As digital horizons grow, IMDA’s quick response ensures Singapore’s SMEs stay at the front of innovation.

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