In work Package 4 Smart SMEs project expanded the scope of previous activities addressing the hurdles and drivers to foster digitalization of the whole value chain rather than focusing on the single SME. We also investigated the transferability of the results of previous WPs to other value chains, related to the natural fibres ones, namely wood, agri-food and textile. Details about these value chains and relevant digitalization examples can be found in the report on best practices for the digitization on the wood and agri-food supply chains of SMEs.
Digitalization of the whole value chain puts the whole process a step forward, pushing systemic transformation and allowing SMEs to benefit of a fairer, more transparent and dynamic environment where to make business and grow.
The use of technologies to connect and manage value chains cannot be postponed any more due to the increasing complexity of value chains in terms of network, processes, products, demands and organization capacity.
It offers several advantages making the whole value chains making it faster, more flexible, more customized, more accurate, more efficient.
Focusing on the value chain related dimensions, digital innovation can bring several advantages in terms of end to end visibility, new customer experience, supply chain synchronization, improved logistics and storage management. Data collection and analytics can create new opportunities for data driven services and business models.