Cloud tools: how they could enhance your efficiency and profitability
If 10% more Kiwi businesses adopted cloud tools, we’d see a 3.5% lift in average firm productivity. We highlight four key areas where cloud and AI could be helping your efficiency.
The recent Going Digital in 2025 report from Xero highlighted that if just 10% more Kiwi businesses adopted cloud tools, we’d see a 3.5% lift in average firm productivity.
That’s an impressive jump in productivity for NZ companies that, if put into action, could translate to a potential NZ$8.6 billion uptick in GDP. But is the average Kiwi small business doing enough to embrace cloud tools, digital solutions and artificial intelligence?
Four areas where cloud could make a difference for your business
1. Cloud-based enterprise systems
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems help you centralise several essential functions – such as planning, inventory, HR, finance and customer data – into a single, accessible platform.
Using an ERP system helps eliminate outmoded spreadsheets and manual entry, keeping all your key data in one centralised cloud location. This reduces administrative errors and gives you real-time visibility into key areas like cashflow, operational health and performance metrics.
2. AI and data analytics
AI business tools are transforming the way the average business functions. AI agents can help to automate many of your low-level tasks, while AI analytics give you incredibly powerful analysis and insights into your financial, sales, customer and operational data. This allows for precise forecasting, tailored pricing strategies and personalised marketing campaigns, all of which helps you target campaigns, reduce waste and drive higher profit margins.
3. Integrated eCommerce platforms
Integrating the entire sales process – from online storefront to payment processing and fulfilment – gives you an incredibly effective, integrated way to sell your products.
Using an eCommerce platform, like Shopify or WooCommerce, helps your company reach a national or global market 24/7, making it easier to grow your online shopping presence and reach whole new customer segments across the world.
4. Digital automation tools
Many business solutions now have automation tools built in as standard. In addition, you can use a solution like Zapier to automate even more of the tedious, repeatable tasks, like sending follow-up emails, generating invoices or posting social media updates.
By automating workflows, you free up time for your team to focus on customer service and strategic business growth, making your people more productive and more engaged.
Let’s talk about improving your efficiency and productivity
With such a huge range of cloud and AI tools available, there’s real value in updating your app stack and bringing the power of automation and digital connectivity to your business.