SMEs and the Internet: Partners in business growth

With the growing commercial use of the Internet, today’s market is creating more and more opportunities and competitive challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Without a doubt, the Internet is becoming an indispensable tool for business as it helps SMEs leverage technology to discover market information, link up with suppliers and sell to global customers.

Thus, high-speed connection to the Internet has become one of the primary factors where the success of Cebu-based Aerophone Cellphone & Accessories is anchored.

Aerophone started in 1997 and is now a fast-growing retailer and wholesaler of telecommunications products such as cellular phones, prepaid cards, MP3/MP4 players and accessories, and other related electronic gadgets.

The company has been online for around three years and is currently present in SM City Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Raintree Mall, Save More Mactan, and soon in Metro Manila.

Jason Tan, one of Aerophone’s proprietors, pointed out that the Internet makes communication easier and faster, not only internally but also with their customers.

"The Internet maximizes our time and effort in getting our work done. It minimizes our manpower and cost of doing business while at the same time, it increases the efficiency and productivity of our employees and provides for better inventory management," he said.

Tan admitted having fears at first regarding the reliability of the system, the ability of the people to adapt to new technology, the speed of connection and the troubles that may arise due to system breakdown or downtime.

However, the company decided to take the plunge as a result of difficulties it had experienced with the manual inventory system where chaos and big losses occurred.

"We knew very well, sooner or later, we will have to shift to a new system and adopt new technologies, so why not start now? We were able to cope with those apprehensions by carefully designing and developing our own system of software application and training as well as testing the system thoroughly before implementing it and putting up backups and contingency plans. After all, there is no harm in trying," he said.

Thus, Tan pointed out that a good supplier became a must if Aerophone would like to have the services that would fit its systems and requirements.

Among the criteria laid down by Aerophone, according to Tan, were the status of the supplier, the kind of services it provides, reliability of service, technical know-how of its people, efficiency of the system, and service availability.

At present, Tan said Aerophone is using Globe Broadband for its Internet connectivity, a move which he stressed made a great impact not only on the business but on their employees as well.

"If I were to choose one technology, it would be Globe Broadband which is a big help to SMEs like us. I just can’t imagine life without the advancement of technology. Without Globe Broadband service in my business, I don’t think I can manage my branches’ operations effectively, and I can’t expand my business by opening more outlets," he said.

Tan said they are planning to bring new technologies to a broader market by providing quality and affordable products and services.

With the help of the Internet, he said Aerophone could further strengthen its presence in the market, institute constant improvements in its system and provide continuous training to its employees.

"Technology helps a lot in our business. It brings down our cost of doing business, expands our market, increases our sales, and makes our employees more satisfied with their work. Life is much easier and lighter with the new technology, and we could access our branches’ business activities wherever and whenever we wanted to," he said.

Tan added: "Definitely, I will recommend this to other business owners so they can also experience the gains I have had with the application of technology. Technology can only be advanced through sharing."