Know what you want to achieve for your business - this is the starting consideration for any small & medium enterprise (SMEs) embarking on an infocomm project.

For example, the goal of a retail shop in Ang Mo Kio is to increase the visibility of the shop and grow its sales by 20 per cent.

A trading company may want to increase productivity of its sales force by 50 per cent while a small factory may aim to achieve just-in-time goods delivery.

To begin with, it is very important to understand what one's goals are. Even if one is unaware of the need for a good Point-Of-Sales (POS) or more sophisticated modules, at the very least, one must know what one wants to achieve from the business.

With the business objectives clearly defined, the next step is to find out how infocomm technology can help one achieve one's goals. This is where many SMEs are facing challenges.

In particular, most SMEs are at a loss as to how infocomm technology can help them or how to implement infocomm solutions. Moreover, a lot of SMEs cannot afford a dedicated IT staff to guide them. The result is often a painful process of trial and error.

One SME that managed to overcome this initial barrier is HMF Asia, a company providing hydrotherapy systems for home spas.

Its director, Tay Geok Khoon, was registering his business at DP Bureau when he came to know about the new one-stop SME Infocomm Package (SIP.)

'I'm hoping to expand my business in the region, and I believe having a web presence can help to bring more visibility to my business. Through SIP, I was able to receive sound expert advice and purchase the infocomm products and services that I need, all under one roof. The experience has saved me much time and effort in trying to source from among different providers,' said Mr Tay.

Launched officially in June this year, SIP allows SMEs to pick from a range of infocomm packaged solutions offered by the three consortia that have been selected as part of this IDA led venture.

The consortia are led by DP Bureau (www. dpbureau.sg), iCELL Network (www.icellwireless.net/sme) and SingTel (www.singtel.com/sme/idasip).

The packaged solutions are bundled with one-stop customer support and depending on the needs of the SME, may comprise any combination of infocomm items such as hardware, software, connectivity, web content development, hosting and maintenance, as well as generic or sector-specific applications.

As an extension of the SIP service, DP Bureau and iCELL Network also offer non-infocomm services such as BizFile-related processing; application of licences and trademarks; accounting services; auditing; tax compliance; corporate secretarial services; GST reporting; financial assessment and financing matching.

More advanced consultancy services are also available on a project basis where a customised system is required.

The charges for these services and solutions will depend on the size of the project and the scale of the implementation.

Consultancy has become a very important aspect of IT implementation in businesses because it provides the added confidence that what you buy will actually meet your needs. This is relevant for SMEs as they need experts who can provide good advice and packaged solutions for them.

It is also ideal for SMEs to try out the solutions for themselves.

To provide this hands-on experience, the three consortia have set up walk-in centres where solution demonstrations allow SMEs to try out what they plan to buy.

This article is contributed by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).

SIP subsidises 1st timers

SME Infocomm Package (SIP) is a one-stop service packaged solutions hassle-free experience.

Under SIP, an SME's purchase will be subsidised up to S$1000 if this is the first time you are developing a web presence for your business.

The subsidy is available to 5,000 SMEs on a first-come-first-served basis.

The subsidy criteria are:

• You are a local SME with:
  1) at least 30 per cent local shareholding;
  2) less than S$15 million fixed assets; and
  3) less than 200 employees (applicable to non-manufacturing sector only)
• You do not already own a website
• Your purchase includes the development of a website or webpages for your business
• You have not claimed under this initiative before and you are entitled to a one-time claim.

Find out more about SIP at www.ida.gov.sg/sme or email: ida_sme@ida.gov.sg.

This article was first published in The Business Times on 1 July 2008.