IMDA launches new integrated digital solutions for retail and security SMEs

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched two new solution categories under the Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) scheme that targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from retail and security industries. 

The two categories launched are omnichannel retail management (OCRM) for retailers and integrated security management (ISM) for security agencies.

The sector specific integrated solutions aim to help SMEs unify various business functions, allowing seamless information flows across their operations to better facilitate operations and enable data analytics and insights.

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"As SMEs grow their businesses and intensify their adoption of digital solutions, the need for seamless integration becomes an important consideration," said Leong Der Yao, assistant chief executive, sectoral transformation group, IMDA

"By leveraging these integrated solutions, SMEs are able to streamline operations, elevate their capabilities, and remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market landscapes," added Leong. 

The OCRM solution category was launched in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore and will help retailers to deliver a unified customer experience across customer engagement touchpoints, such as physical retail outlets, e-marketplaces and online channels.

At the same time, OCRM will also enable an integrated operations across back-end functions, such as inventory management and customer relationship management.

“How consumers shop and engage with brands has evolved significantly, with consumers now expecting hyper-personalisation and smooth transition between various customer touchpoints. The support for OCRM solutions will help retailers navigate these demands and streamlining operations by providing a consolidated view of critical aspects like inventory and customer relationship management,” said Jeannie Lim, assistant managing director, services and growth enterprises, Enterprise Singapore. 

Meanwhile, the ISM solution category is a collaborative effort between IMDA and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of small and medium-sized security agencies.

The model will focus on delivering specific outcomes or results and harness AI capabilities to empower security agencies to extend their services beyond traditional security guarding. 

ISM can also integrate with other systems to offer comprehensive insights into integrated facilities management through a user-friendly management dashboard.

Additionally, it enables real-time monitoring, control and incident responses via an operational dashboard.

“MHA welcomes this timely introduction of the ISM. There has been growing interest by the security industry to move towards a more streamlined and integrated model of operations, and the ISM provides a ready solution to do so," said Harris Rusdi Chai, director, security policy directorate, joint ops group, MHA.

"This will also boost ongoing industry transformation efforts to adopt smarter and more advanced technology to enhance productivity and security outcomes," he added. 

The ADS scheme was first announced in 2020 to support SMEs in adopting integrated digital solutions aligned with the government's industry digital plans.

Eligible SMEs may receive up to 70% funding support under the ADS grant to access the solutions. 

Earlier in February this year, IMDA and Enterprise Singapore unveiled the nation's first GenAI Sandbox for SMEs. 

The initiative is aimed at granting local SMEs greater access to GenAI and to build both agencies' ongoing efforts to strengthen AI development and the ecosystem in Singapore. 

The GenAI sandbox is expected to benefit 300 SMEs from sectors including retail, F&B, education and hospitality and will feature a suite of GenAI-powered enterprise solutions across marketing and sales, and customer engagement.

Solutions in the marketing and sales category will enable SMEs to generate varied and unique marketing content such as customised emails and social media posts that are tailored to individual campaign strategies. 

These solutions will allow SMEs to shorten their marketing preparation processes and harness GenAI capabilities to develop engaging content. 

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