Ralf Riethmuller
Heads the service department at KUMAVISION. In this role, the technology expert is also responsible for Cloud, Teams and office 365
Many medium-sized companies have difficulty finding qualified employees. This affects both technical professions and specialists in administration, sales and management. The job market is practically empty. Demographic change and rapid technological progress are further exacerbating this situation. And that is fatal, because if companies can no longer fill vacancies with suitable candidates, important work cannot be completed or cannot be completed on time and there is no time for innovation. In the medium term, this brings with it serious disadvantages such as loss of sales and competitive disadvantages.
Accomplish more tasks with fewer staff
But what can you do? In times when resources are scarce and demand is increasing, the digitization and automation of processes is more important than ever. SaaS solutions are setting new standards here, reducing manual effort and relieving employees of time-consuming routine tasks in day-to-day business such as appointment reminders, billing and documentation. On the one hand, this leads to higher productivity because employees can handle more processes. On the other hand, they also have more time for value-added tasks and customer service.
The seamless integration of ERP or CRM software with Microsoft applications such as Outlook and Teams plays an important role in more efficient processes. This enables a seamless flow of data between different business applications and thus creates a fully digitalized workplace. For example, an employee can access the ERP or CRM system directly from Outlook after receiving an e-mail request and, if necessary, ask questions, grant approvals or make requests via Teams. Particularly helpful: Information from the e-mail is automatically recognized, transferred to the business software and also displayed in the chat. In this way, everyone involved can edit the data directly without sending files back and forth via e-mail or switching applications.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers even more potential to optimize processes and at the same time compensate for the lack of well-trained personnel. For example, Microsoft has integrated Copilot, a powerful AI software specifically for companies, into its entire product portfolio – from Dynamics 365 about Office 365 to the Power Platform. The virtual assistant is currently the most powerful productivity tool in the world and can, among other things, pre-formulate emails, summarize conversations, create project plans, analyze Excel data and create reports, and answer customer inquiries.
Outsource IT services
Whether it's managing servers and networks or backing up data: By outsourcing these and similar tasks, the SaaS operator model also offers an answer to the shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector. Since the SaaS provider is responsible for maintaining and operating the infrastructure, IT staff are relieved of these routine tasks. This enables IT experts to meet the growing requirements in terms of compliance and the like and to concentrate on strategic and innovative projects. Companies continue to benefit from continuous availability of services 24/7, even when internal IT employees are sick or on vacation.
In addition, many SaaS providers offer not only the software itself, but also expert advice and support. These services represent a real relief for companies with limited IT resources and provide access to expert knowledge that helps build knowledge internally. In addition, SaaS solutions facilitate access to high-quality software without the need for specialized IT staff. This is particularly advantageous in areas where developing internal skills is time-consuming and costly. In addition, Cloud-Providers manage complex technology stacks, allowing companies to focus on their core competencies.
Finding and retaining qualified specialists
The competition for qualified IT specialists is intense, and medium-sized companies are in direct competition with large corporations for the best talent. An effective strategy for holding your own in this environment is to modernize your IT infrastructure. This gives you more room for value-added activities and customer service. This has been proven to have a positive effect on job satisfaction. But a company's IT landscape is also increasingly becoming a decision-making criterion for applicants. The so-called modern workplace, a workplace that impresses with innovative technology and seamless networking, is particularly attractive to the younger generation. Having grown up with smartphones, they are used to apps and easy-to-use interfaces and expect this convenience in the professional environment as well.
Companies can use these expectations to gain an advantage in the competition for sought-after specialists by offering modern workplaces with Microsoft applications. Microsoft products are highly recognizable because many young talents have already worked with them at school. This familiarity pays off: less training required, more efficiency right from the start and a higher acceptance of new functions. The seamless interaction with common Microsoft applications such as Outlook or Teams also promotes the exchange of ideas and fits perfectly into the digital world of Generation Z.
By implementing state-of-the-art SaaS solutions, companies create a flexible and modern working environment that enables modern working models such as workation. Thanks to the CloudTechnology means employees are no longer tied to a fixed location or specific hardware and can work from anywhere. This particularly appeals to younger generations and makes companies more attractive as employers.
