Small but smart: How MSMEs are using digital self-assessments to boost productivity

For many of the UK’s small manufacturers, the road to success is often a tough one. Limited resources, high competition, rising costs, and the constant pressure to keep up with industry changes make it a real challenge to thrive in today’s market. For many, it’s not just about improving efficiency anymore — it’s about making smarter decisions that help ensure long-term survival and growth. However, with all these hurdles, many small businesses struggle to gain clarity on how to truly improve their operations and plan for the future.

The problem is simple yet widespread: small manufacturers often lack the strategic insight they need to make the right decisions. Many are caught up in the cycle of short-term fixes — focusing on keeping costs low, staying competitive, and meeting immediate production goals — but without a clear understanding of what’s working and what’s not, it becomes difficult to break out of that cycle and create real, lasting improvements.

And that’s where the bigger issues come in. Without proper data-driven insights into their operations, many small manufacturers unknowingly leave critical opportunities on the table, missing out on chances to:

• Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks that slow down production
• Optimize workforce management, ensuring the right skills are in place
• Keep up with technological changes, ensuring they don’t fall behind competitors
• Plan for sustainable growth, aligning their operations with future market trends

While it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, the failure to address these strategic gaps can prevent small businesses from reaching their full potential.

The solution: Taking control with digital self-assessment

What if small manufacturers could get the insights they need to solve these problems without needing to invest in expensive consultants or take up valuable time that they simply don’t have? That’s where a digital self-assessment tool can make a real difference.

Imagine having a tool that could instantly show you where your operations are falling short, help you benchmark your performance against industry standards, and guide you with a personalized roadmap that takes you step-by-step toward improvement. This is exactly what modern self-assessment tools like OPERI are designed to do.

 

With OPERI, small manufacturers can now easily identify the areas of their business that need attention. In just two hours, users can complete a self-assessment that provides them with:

• A 30+ page automated report that highlights strengths and weaknesses across key operational areas like production efficiency, workforce management, and digital capabilities.
• A Star Emblem rating system that allows manufacturers to benchmark their performance against industry peers and understand how they measure up.
• A customized transformation roadmap that guides them through the next steps for improvement, whether it’s adopting new technology, optimizing production processes, or developing a more effective workforce strategy.

Traditionally, assessments like this could take weeks of consulting time, which would likely cost a small fortune. With OPERI, businesses can access the same high-level insights for just €32 (local terms and conditions apply, e.g., taxes). The affordability and efficiency of this solution make it an ideal option for time- and budget-constrained manufacturers looking to grow.

This tool is built to give small manufacturers the insights they need to make data-driven decisions without overwhelming them with complex reports or long processes. It’s designed to be quick, practical, and accessible, making it a powerful yet easy-to-use solution for time-poor business owners who need to see results fast.

For business owners, the beauty of this approach is that they don’t need to be experts in every operational area to get started. The tool does the heavy lifting, offering them clear recommendations based on solid data and industry best practices.

By providing a simple, scalable solution, OPERI levels the playing field for small manufacturers, allowing them to operate with the same strategic insights as larger corporations — without the hefty price tag or the need for external consultants.

In the UK, where there are over 100,000 small manufacturers, tools like OPERI are more than just useful — they are essential for staying competitive in an increasingly complex market. With the tool already available in English and plans for nine other languages, OPERI is helping manufacturers across the world take control of their operations and prepare for the future.

The OPERI app is now available for download on iOS and Android. To celebrate the launch, early users will receive a 60% discount on assessments, priced at €32 for a limited time.

Small businesses don’t need to keep guessing where they stand. With the right insights, they can identify what’s working, what’s not, and make smart, informed decisions that drive real, lasting growth.