The digital transformation is progressing, while companies are coming under increasing competitive pressure. SMEs in particular are facing a shortage of skilled workers and rising costs, which is prompting them to make greater use of the benefits of digitalization and automation. Nevertheless, only 60 percent of SMEs attach medium to high importance to digital technologies. On average, SMEs invest only 17,000 euros annually in digitalization. It is obvious that many companies still see digitalization as a necessary evil and are afraid of the associated costs. Yet this change is opening up numerous opportunities. The federal and state governments are providing support to overcome the cost hurdle. With various funding programs, they are making medium-sized and small companies fit for the future.

Companies are only moderately digitized

Only 52 percent of SMEs in Germany are digitized on average. It is also alarming that 34 percent of SMEs have no digital skills. These figures highlight the urgent need to drive forward the digital transformation, especially in view of the opportunity to compensate for the shortage of skilled workers and reduce costs by using digital technologies.

One example of how companies can increase efficiency is by implementing intelligent software solutions such as ZEUS^® Time & Attendance, ZEUS^® Staff Scheduling, ZEUS^® PDC and ZEUS^® HR-Management from ISGUS. Medium-sized companies must be aware that investing in innovative technologies is not only an adaptation to the times, but also a strategic decision for the future. SMEs should therefore make use of the subsidies provided by the federal and state governments to optimize processes and increase efficiency.

What types of funding are available?

• Non-repayable grants: SMEs can receive between 30 and 80 percent of the eligible investment amount. This depends on the respective program. These types of grants are particularly popular as no repayment is required.
• Loans: The federal and state governments offer low-interest loans with terms of up to 20 years. Some programs also allow liability exemptions or repayment subsidies.

What funding programs are available for SMEs?

• ERP digitalization and innovation loan from KfW: This KfW funding programme supports companies in financing digitization and innovation projects. It offers attractive interest rates and flexible conditions to promote investments in innovative technologies such as modern ERP systems and other systems.
• Go-digital of the BMWK: The “go-digital” funding programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection supports SMEs in the digitalization of their business processes. It offers financial grants for the implementation of new cloud solutions, investments in online marketing and IT security.
• BAFA funding for business consulting services for SMEs: The program of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) supports companies by providing financial grants for external consulting services. SMEs can apply for funding for advice on optimizing business processes, market development and other strategic issues.
• Go-Inno - BMWK innovation vouchers: This funding program from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection supports companies in implementing innovation projects. It offers financial grants for consulting services in the field of innovation, such as the development of new products or the optimization of processes.
• KfW loan for growth (290): KfW's promotional program provides companies with financial support for investments in their growth. This includes digitalization projects, such as the introduction of modern ERP solutions, as well as innovation projects to open up new business areas.

The funding allows you to drive forward your digitalization and put your company on a future-proof footing. At ISGUS, we support you in driving your digitalization forward. Our ZEUS^® Workforce Management solution offers modules for ZEUS^® Time & Attendance, ZEUS^® Staff Scheduling and ZEUS^® PDC. They enable both stationary and mobile data collection options. Our software solutions help to sustainably improve your database, accelerate processes and make well-founded decisions with the help of meaningful key figures.