Digital Transformation of SMEs in the Energy Sector to Survive in a Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

This chapter emphasizes the digital transformation of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the energy sector that specifically engage in the business of solar water heaters (SWH) to survive and even to stay competitive in the post-COVID-19 era. A novel framework is suggested for digital transformation of SMEs. This framework first divides the major activities into layers, analyses the needs of customers, suggests a stage-wise transformation, and provides ample opportunities for development of smart applications. With this approach, SMEs can significantly automate their processes and thus stay relevant in the challenging times that are likely to occur in the post-COVID-19 era. Digital transformation process will pose its own challenges to SMEs as they lack financial resources and skilled workforce. A few suggestions have been made to mitigate such challenges, and then prospects for further work are provided.