Resilient SMEs: hannoverimpuls helps companies with crisis prevention

© hannoverimpuls GmbH

Rüdiger Eilers, your focus in the consultation appointments was on a future-proof and flexible CMS. Did the program bring you closer to the answers as to where the potential keys to making your company more resilient lie?

Yes, absolutely. Through the program - as a project team with our three managing directors, a sales employee and myself from marketing, we have had regular consulting appointments since January - we have not only recognized the potential of a future-proof CMS, but have also been given the opportunity to implement this potential directly in order to improve our resilience. The new content management system has now been introduced and is noticeably improving performance.

What prompted you and CONTECHNET Deutschland GmbH to take part in hannoverimpuls' new "Resilient SMEs" program?

As we deal with cyber attacks on a daily basis, we know how important adaptability is. We also analyzed that our old content management system offered a potential attack surface that we absolutely wanted to close. Our development department has been working successfully with hannoverimpuls for years, which ultimately drew our attention to this offer - fortunately. We also received financial support to make us fit for the future!

Now that you have participated in the program, do you feel that the company is fit and prepared for potential crises?

We have been able to reduce our potential risks on the web thanks to the newly introduced content management system. Our data is even more secure and we are more flexible and adaptable online. So, to answer the question, with the hannoverimpuls program we have been able to create a foundation to be prepared for potential attacks.

hannoverimpuls GmbH

Would you also advise other SMEs with perhaps completely different problems to take part in this program?

Absolutely. In my experience, it is often SMEs that give less thought to their resilience. In our day-to-day work, for example, we often hear statements such as "Oh, it won't happen to us!" or "We're so small, why should we be attacked?" and many other careless statements when it comes to IT contingency planning.

But we should all know better. It's no coincidence that the media is full of reports from companies that have suffered damage. So it's no longer a question of if it will happen, but when. We should all be aware of this - and take precautions and prepare for crisis situations!

What was the most important experience for you in this program?

It was incredibly exciting to be shown all the facets of corporate resilience through an online check and to discuss the aspects relevant to us with the experts from hannoverimpuls. My conclusion: you should definitely be open to new technologies and opportunities for adaptation and not be afraid to break new ground. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank digit.ly GmbH, who supported us throughout the entire process and gave us excellent advice.

What wishes do you have for yourself and your company regarding the topic of resilience in the future?

Education about resilience is important - definitely more of it! We are currently experiencing many different crises. Not only we, but also all other organizations and companies must be able to act flexibly and react quickly if Hanover and Germany want to remain fit for the future.

You too can make your company fit for the future - and as a first step, take advantage of the free resilience check from hannoverimpuls. If a need for action is identified, e.g. in the areas of knowledge management, personnel or product diversity, simply send your request automatically to the consulting team and the experts will be happy to assist you.