By David Salcedo Hernández

One of the big challenges facing regional suppliers, given the arrival of new companies and their respective needs, is the acceleration of the adoption of digital technologies to join the Nearshoring wave.

Even though in 2022 the level of digital maturity of Mexican companies increased by 7% compared to 2021, national companies still need to adopt and adapt information technologies, according to a report. study produced by the Needed Education platform.

This paper highlights that businesses are already using technology for data-driven decision making and strategies, customer experience and marketing strategies.

However, cybersecurity, cloud services, software and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate processes, as well as custom platforms or applications in workspaces, are still pending in enterprises.

Trends that will shape the future

The USMCA is the first trade agreement that highlights and takes into account the digital services of the three countries; he Chapter 19 highlights the conditions necessary to include small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the global economy.

For example, it recalls the guidelines of information providers, digital maintenance, data services, among others.

According to Carlos Narváez, technology director of Honne Servicesa cloud computing services company, regional providers can take advantage of this situation to accelerate the adoption and implementation of digital solutions.

“The phenomenon of offshoring in other sectors outside of information technology – for example, manufacturing, logistics, HR services, among others – uses technological elements such as the cloud to carry out work remotely. distance or other tools that streamline processes,” he emphasizes. .

Currently, 63% of frontline manufacturing workers are excited about the job opportunities created by technology, from receiving to the production floor, as it not only streamlines processes but also helps them understand the digital transformation, according to Microsoft data.

“And the United States or Canada hires Mexican companies to support these technological services, taking advantage of our personnel and our proximity. And what we observe is that there will be more investments in the years to come to offer these services,” adds the spokesperson for Honne Services.

The main services that regional providers will need to adopt, according to experts, are:

• Cloud Services: mainly have infrastructure, platforms or software systems that host and make available to customers, suppliers and third parties, as well as production chain data in real time.
• AI and specialized software: Programs that identify losses, errors, processes, display data and interconnect different areas will be needed to streamline the chain.
• Cyber ​​security: Mexico ranks first in cyberattacks in Latin America, with 85 billion attempts in the first half of 2022, according to the platform IDCsuppliers must therefore strengthen their digital security.
• Internal applications or platforms: Supplier microsites or applications help operational and administrative areas certify information and keep all employees informed in real time.

According to Carlos Narváez, although digital transformation or adoption can take six months to a year, depending on the size of the sector, its implementation is crucial to consolidate alliances with investors.

“The companies (that come to Mexico) are the first in the world and are used to these technologies, in this sense Mexican companies must be at the level to remain in the nearshoring supply chain,” emphasized the specialist.

Also read: SMEs can also board the Nearshoring boat