To demonstrate how small and medium-sized enterprises can utilize technology to solve operational challenges, Microsoft Philippines is holding the Microsoft SME Tech Series from June 21-23.The three-day program focuses on a particular industry each day: Manufacturing, Food and Retail, and Healthcare. Participants can also choose between the business and technical tracks, where they will be introduced to the latest economic and industry trends, as well as the latest IT solutions that address the business concerns of SMEs today.

“SMEs need to be competitive and one of their biggest concerns is how they can increase their productivity by saving time and money. The Microsoft SME Tech Series equips companies with the information that will help improve their operations,” said Dette Nacario, Director for SMS & P, Microsoft Philippines , during a press briefing.

Nacario added that other issues confronting businesses include tracking and managing cashflow accurately, gaining insight into the market, and reducing risks.

“Technology offers SMEs unique capabilities that will help them perform better. We are making available the solutions that enable these companies to save time and get organized, manage their investments, retain customers, and reduce costs and risks,” she said.

Through its IT offerings, Microsoft is giving businesses an opportunity to manage and run operations in a cost-efficient, organized and hassle-free way.

Sanitary Care Products Asia (SCPA) is one of the featured SMEs in the program. It is a local tissue manufacturer with seven branches and 13 office satellites nationwide employing over 500 Filipinos. SCPA has been offering a wide range of tissue products to local consumers since 1996 and because of this, the business collates its data through its main office in Manila; however, due to many purchase orders and account receivables, it usually takes them a long time to generate the needed information and deliver right on schedule.

“It’s been very hard for us to control information and manage data. We couldn’t process purchase orders and account receivables in real-time because it takes 2-3 weeks for all our branches and satellite offices to send to Manila . You can imagine how stale and irrelevant the reports were when we finally get them,” said Lea Sio, Marketing Communications Director, SCPA, one of the event speakers.

According to Sio, deploying mission-critical technology allowed the company to easily consolidate and analyze sales information and data daily, giving the team more time to focus on product improvements and innovations.

“Our previous IT solution could not cope with the growth of the business so we decided to switch to Microsoft Dynamics GP to link all our branches nationwide. Using Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition has helped us cut space and hardware costs by half and this makes data recovery easier in case of disaster. It likewise takes away any potential downtime that may happen,” she said.

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of integrated, adaptable business management solutions that enable people to make important business decisions with greater confidence. In addition to reducing risks inherent with implementing a new solution, Microsoft Dynamics solutions automate and streamline financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes in a way that ensures business success.

In addition to presentations from business experts, the SME Tech Series will also showcase real-life situations that SMEs find themselves in, as well as industry best practices. Event attendees will preview technical demonstrations and participate in hands-on laboratory sessions that will give them a deeper understanding of how the solutions work.

“Microsoft is committed to empowering SMEs by helping take care of their operations so they could focus on achieving their goals and implementing strategies. As these companies gain revenue and become more successful, they will also have a bigger and more positive impact on the national economy too,” said Nacario. “It is time to support SMEs and help them meet the increasing demands of their customers by providing them with the right tools to make it happen.”

Through the SME Tech Series, Microsoft is reaching out to educate, relate and collaborate with growing companies.

The SME Tech Series is only one of the activities Microsoft is initiating to empower Filipino businesses and ensure companies experience smoother operations through technology.

Photo above shows (L-R) Jerry Bongco, SMB & D Lead, Microsoft Philippines and Lea Sio, Marketing Communications Director, Sanitary Care Products Asia.