Here’s the translation to American English:
The Mexican consultant Héctor Manuel Montero Rodríguez has presented a detailed report on the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America, titled “Digitalization in Progress: Diagnosis and Opportunities for SMEs in Latin America.” This study is based on surveys conducted with over 120 entrepreneurs from Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, as well as official data from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America. The report reveals a mixed picture of technological adoption in the region.
Despite significant advances in some sectors, digitalization among businesses is described as uneven and fragmented. Montero emphasizes that “digitalization is not just about implementing technology, but about changing the mindset with which businesses are managed.” In this context, less than 28% of the SMEs surveyed have a clear digital strategy, while a concerning 63% still rely on manual tools like spreadsheets and paper. Only 19% of these companies have incorporated automation into their administrative processes.
The report highlights that the most digitalized areas are billing and communication with customers, while crucial aspects such as internal finances, inventory, and sales tracking still show significant lag. Montero notes that the main barriers to digitalization are lack of time, technological unawareness, and fear of change.
Moreover, these statistics are consistent with recent studies indicating that Latin America has the lowest level of digital maturity among OECD SMEs. Montero has used a methodology that combines online surveys, interviews, and analysis of real cases to provide a diagnosis that reflects both objective data and the concrete experiences of the entrepreneurs he has advised.
The report not only presents a diagnosis but also includes practical recommendations tailored to different types of businesses and sectors, highlighting free tools that can be implemented without needing advanced technical knowledge. Montero calls for action from local governments, support organizations, and business chambers to promote digital education for entrepreneurs and facilitate access to technology.
In conclusion, Montero states that digitalizing SMEs should not be viewed as a task for the future, but rather as a current urgency if they wish to compete in an increasingly digital global environment.
via: MiMub in Spanish
