Smaller installers need to take more advantage of new technology says DTI
There is a 'digital divide' between large manufacturers and many of their customers, the smaller installers who are lagging behind in "e-technology" according to a new report on security from the Dept of Trade and Industry.

The report – in conjunction with UK online for business – reveals "missed opportunities for e-commerce in the security and fire protection industry".

Installers could improve their business processes through further adoption of e-commerce technologies – from simple email and web sites through to online transactions, customer Intranets and project Extranets.

Stephen Timms, Minister for e-commerce and competitiveness, said "The Security and Fire protection sector is making good progress on technology adoption. But there are still a number of opportunities not being exploited.

"E-commerce has the potential to enhance the efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of businesses whatever their size." He said it was essential for companies to harness these benefits.

The study worked closely with security and fire trade associations and a cross-section of businesses including installers, manufacturers and distributors.

The findings of the study, carried out by Strategem Ltd, reveal a number of opportunities for development through e-commerce, including:

  • Sector based trading sites to enable more interaction between installers, manufacturers and distributors ;
  • Links to construction initiatives, to help small and medium sized installers to compete with lager projects;
  • Extranets for small projects, "useful online project tools" ;
  • Contract notification, encouraging more contracts to be placed online;
  • Increased use of online services within product offerings;
  • Increased use in maintenance cycles ( e-technologies allow for remote monitoring and can allow automatic software updates).

The report shows a distinct difference in technology usage between large and small installers, with larger firms being more likely to make sophisticated use of technology to in their day-to-day activities. This discrepancy means that there is a potential 'bottleneck' in the adoption of e-technologies, with smaller installers not taking full advantage of the technology that is available to them. For example, 76 % of manufacturers and distributors have online catalogues, yet only 13% of installers actually use them to purchase products.

This study forms part of wider activity on e-commerce, by UK online for business, a partnership between Government and industry, led by the DTI, which promotes the use of e-commerce amongst UK businesses. A network of UK advisers is included in the Business Links section. They provide "down to earth, practical and impartial advice to small to medium size businesses on how technology can help them".

  • More details of the work of UK online for business, along with a copy of the report of the fire and security sector can be found at http://www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk/

    • Source

    Security Installer