Why is going Digital so important?

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital across many businesses in Ireland and although the pandemic is over, the need for companies to transition towards Digital remains a priority as Digital Innovators are winning.

If you would like to reduce time spent on manual processes and/or the chances of human error, to make decisions based on real-time evidence through harnessing the power of data, ensure you are delighting your customer as you become open to the potential for digital products and services, and be as adaptable as possible in an uncertain climate taking steps towards your business’ Digital Transition is essential.

With the above in mind, it’s important to recofnise you must think beyond technology when considering your digital transition. Try imagining digital transition as business model innovation rather than technology-related change. Your strategy, people  & culture and internal processes are all critical elements of a smooth digital transition.

Digital Support Ireland

There is no denying that idea of Digital Transformation can send chills down the spine of whoever is footing the bill. However, technology is simply a tool in your business’ transformation and the idea that a large investment in technology may be the answer to all of your business problems is a common misconception. Your strategy, people and processes will all play critical roles in your Digital Transformation. That is why government agencies such as Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have created the offers to support you in accessing expert advice from experienced service providers like Jigsaw Better Business.

Digital Start

Digital Start is a pilot initiative from the Local Enterprise Office designed to give Local Enterprise Office funded clients that all-important digital edge – from exploring opportunities to optimise and automate processes and/or deliver a seamless digital customer experience, the aim of digital start is to help businesses prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business.

Our expert digital service providers are there to understand your current state and paint points, identify where you envision your business in the future and develop a unique digital action plan and strategy that will help you get there.

If you would like to learn more about how Jigsaw Better Business can partner with you to maximise your competitiveness, drop us an email below.

Digital Discovery

Digital Discovery is Enterprise Ireland’s digital strategy development offer aimed at incentivising and supporting Irish SMEs with their digital transition. The offer, in conjunction with qualified service providers like the team in Jigsaw Better Business, aims to support you in discovering your company’s digital potential by reviewing your existing systems, processes and capabilities, exploring new opportunities in an increasingly digital world and planning for a competitive future through the creation of a digital roadmap.

A typical Digital Discovery engagement runs over an 8-12 week period and consists of assessing your as-is state, exploring what’s possible for your business and co-creating a 12-18 month digital roadmap that is in line with your overall business goals.

If you are interested, please enquire below and together, we will scope out your Digital Discovery project by considering your current challenges, what actions could be take to improve or eliminate them as well as assessing the expected outcome(s) ahead of submitting your application.

Enterprise Ireland will provide grant funding for 80% of the project cost up to a maximum €6,300 (€5,000 grant).

Digital Process Innovation

Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Process Innovation offer aims to enable companies to implement a new way of working that would increase the quality, speed, dependability, or flexibility of the company’s operations resulting in increased operational effectiveness and greater productivity and competitiveness.

Projects typically include:

  • introduction of new or significantly enhance digital or automation technology systems for company operations and/or,
  • the introduction of new or significantly enhanced digital experience for customers (digital products or services), including new digital business models and/or,
  • the implementation of new production methods for enhanced sustainability including significantly reduced waste, emissions or increased materials reuse in terms of circular economy practices.

An example of process innovation in a manufacturing environment could be the implementation of new systems for automated inspection or quality management – e.g., Artificial Intelligence-based visual inspection.

In non-manufacturing environments, an example could be the introduction of new information management systems to inform and drive the business – including Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced visualisation systems.

A Digital Process Innovation project typically lasts between 12-18 months, with grant funding provided for 50% of the project cost up to a maximum of €300,000 (€150,00 grant).

Lean Digitalisation Business Offer

A funded training grant to aid client companies of the IDA looking to generate savings and increase their competitiveness through the adoption of methodologies.

This offer aims to create world class operations in Ireland through transformative Lean training plans resulting in:

  • Reduced costs
  • Streamlined services
  • Upskilled staff
  • An innovative approach to continuous improvement

Lean/DigitalStart

LeanStart programmes main aims are digitalisation targets achieved, Lean approach successfully piloted and Foundation for further Lean, productivity or digitalisation projects.

Eligible projects can be up to €6,300 with IDA funding support up to €5,000

Lean/DigitalPlus

LeanPlus projects main aims are significant productivity targets achieved, embedding of business improvement, digitalisation and Lean Culture within staff.

Eligible projects can be up to €60,000 with IDA funding support up to €30,000

Lean/Digital Transform

LeanTranfsorm projects aim to enact company-wide transformation in culture and performance and sustainable continuous improvement/digitalisation programmes established across the business and its supply chains.

Typical projects cost over €100,000 and funding support is on a case-by-case basis based upon: quality of application, need for financial support potential employment, sales and productivity gains, and an independent assessment of the viability of the project.

Lean For Global Business Services

A 50% funded training grant to aid client companies of the IDA looking to increase their performance and competitiveness through the adoption of Lean business principles and Automation.

This offer aims to create world class operations in Ireland through the Digitalisation of services resulting in:

  • Reduced costs
  • Streamlined services through the introduction of Digitalisation and Automation
  • Upskilled staff
  • Improved overall competitiveness
Business Asset Grant

Capital grant aid (to a max. of €150,000) to support client companies of the IDA to replace old equipment or acquire new technology upgrades. This grant aims to support small to medium sized companies that want to increase the ability to deliver more volume into new and existing markets resulting in:

  • Increased revenue streams
  • Improved potential for further expansion projects
  • Improved overall competitiveness