Is your business lagging on tech adoption?

Collins Hume
18 hours ago
3 min read

Why tech adoption matters

Running a small or medium business is often a juggling act – staff, customers, compliance, cash flow.

For many owners, finding the time to step back and invest in digital transformation feels impossible. But technology adoption isn't just about keeping up with the times. It's a direct pathway to improved efficiency, stronger competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The Technology Gap Holding Back Australian Businesses

Research from CPA Australia shows a clear divide: only 26% of Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) invested in profitable technology last year, compared to 56% across the Asia-Pacific region¹. While Australian owners are busy staying afloat, our regional counterparts in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam are harnessing digital tools to expand sales, sharpen operations and reach global markets.

The consequences are already visible. Just 55% of Australian small businesses expect growth in 2025, well below the regional average of 71%¹. That gap highlights the risk of delaying technology adoption – while competitors are building resilience, many local businesses remain vulnerable.

Why Digital Transformation Matters for SME Business Owners

For business owners, the benefits of technology aren't abstract. They're practical, measurable and directly linked to profitability:

Improved productivity: Cloud accounting, AI assistants and automation help reduce admin load, freeing owners and teams to focus on revenue-generating work^2,7
New revenue streams: With 67% of regional businesses earning over 10% of revenue online versus just 39% in Australia, digital channels remain an untapped opportunity³
Smarter decision-making: Tools like digital financial reporting and AI-driven analytics help give real-time clarity on cash flow, customer behaviour and profitability⁴
Resilience in tough markets: Inventory systems, supply-chain platforms and collaboration tools help businesses pivot quickly when conditions change⁵
Stronger talent attraction: Today's workforce expects digital workplaces – falling behind risks losing talent to more modern competitors⁶

How to Start Tech Adoption without the Overwhelm

You don't need to overhaul your business overnight. Start small, focus on quick wins and scale with confidence:

Adopt simple cloud tools: online booking systems, digital payments and customer relationship apps deliver immediate impact⁷
Seek expert advice: only 18% of Australian SMEs use IT consultants, but the right advice can save costly mistakes¹
Use available incentives: government rebates and tax deductions often support digital adoption when available⁵
Share knowledge with peers: collaborating through networks or advisors can shorten the learning curve and help spread best practice⁶

Technology adoption isn't optional anymore. It's the difference between standing still and building a business that can adapt, grow and thrive in the years ahead.

Forward-thinking owners who embrace digital transformation will be the ones driving competitiveness and seizing new opportunities, both locally and globally.

Ready to explore what digital adoption could mean for your business?

Collins Hume ‘s Strategy360 business advisory team helps business owners cut through the noise, identify the right tools and implement technology strategies that support long-term growth. If you'd like to discuss where to start, we're here to guide you.

Contact Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you. — Contact **Nathan McGrath** on **02 6686 3000** for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you.