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In a move to bolster the digital capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has introduced two new solution categories under its Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) scheme.
Launched as part of the broader Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB), these categories – Omnichannel Retail Management (OCRM) and Integrated Security Management (ISM) – aim to empower SMEs in the retail and security industries to scale faster and thrive in a digital economy. This initiative, running as a one-year pilot, seeks to equip 100 SMEs with advanced digital tools to enhance their operations, drive digital transformation, and build business resilience.
The OCRM and ISM solutions are designed to unify various business functions, ensuring seamless information flow and enabling comprehensive data analytics and insights. These sector-specific integrated solutions will be evaluated for their suitability for SME adoption before being scaled up with support from schemes such as the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). This approach ensures that more SMEs can benefit from these pre-approved solutions once they have been successfully piloted.
Leong Der Yao, Assistant Chief Executive of the Sectoral Transformation Group at IMDA, emphasised the importance of seamless integration for SMEs as they grow and intensify their digital adoption. He highlighted that the OCRM and ISM solutions, curated with selected solution partners, are integral to the DEB strategy, enabling SMEs to streamline operations, enhance their capabilities, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
As retailers continue to expand their businesses, the need for digital solutions that integrate and streamline operations has become increasingly crucial. The OCRM solution, launched by IMDA in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), aims to connect various customer engagement touchpoints and functional areas. This integration allows retailers to deliver a unified customer experience across physical retail outlets, e-marketplaces, and online channels, while also streamlining backend operations like Inventory Management and Customer Relationship Management.
Jeannie Lim, Assistant Managing Director of Services & Growth Enterprises at EnterpriseSG, noted that consumer shopping and engagement with brands have evolved significantly. Consumers now expect hyper-personalisation and smooth transitions between various touchpoints. The OCRM solutions will help retailers navigate these demands by providing a consolidated view of critical aspects such as inventory and customer relationships, thereby streamlining operations.
The ISM solution category, introduced through a collaboration between IMDA and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to enhance the operational capabilities of small and medium-sized security agencies. This move towards integrated facility management represents a shift from traditional security services to a more comprehensive approach that coordinates security with other facility management functions.
The ISM platform leverages AI technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning to empower security agencies to extend their services beyond traditional guarding. This platform offers real-time monitoring, control, and incident response through a user-friendly management dashboard, providing comprehensive insights into integrated facilities management.
Harris Rusdi Chai, Director of the Security Policy Directorate at MHA, welcomed the introduction of the ISM, noting the growing interest in the security industry to adopt a more streamlined and integrated operational model. The ISM provides a ready solution to achieve this, supporting ongoing industry transformation efforts towards smarter, more advanced technologies to enhance productivity and security outcomes.
By adopting ISM solutions, security agencies can elevate their capabilities and extend their service offerings, resulting in enhanced services for their clients and potential cost efficiencies. This also enables collaboration with other facilities management providers to deliver value-added services through a unified platform.
The ADS scheme, initially announced in 2020, supports SMEs in piloting the adoption of integrated digital solutions aligned with Industry Digital Plans. Eligible SMEs may receive up to 70% funding support under the ADS grant, reducing financial barriers and enabling access to these advanced solutions.
