Thăng Long Packaging Production and Import-Export JSC in Bắc Ninh Province has invested in digital transformation to improve operation. — VNA/VNS Photo

BẮC NINH — Bắc Ninh Province is accelerating digital transformation among its small- and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness and enable integration into global supply chains.

Thăng Long Packaging Production and Import-Export JSC in Từ Sơn Ward is implementing a smart factory model to improve management and production. Bùi Tuấn Ngọc, head of the smart factory project, said the company invested VNĐ1.2 billion (US$45,800) in 2023 for initial platforms and nearly VNĐ3 billion in 2024 for software upgrades.

Transitioning from manual Excel entry to an Internet of Things system has allowed real-time tracking of output, machine status, and maintenance, speeding up management decisions.

The firm also standardised its data and production processes and trained staff to adapt to the new digital workflow. It is planning to invest an estimated VNĐ5 billion to expand this system also to its plastic packaging factory.

Meanwhile, Ha Thanh Fashion JSC in Hoàng Vân Commune is prioritising automation. The company has invested VNĐ18 billion over three years in nearly 100 machines, including automatic fabric cutters and spreaders.

​Nguyễn Văn Thao, a manager in the cutting and finishing department, said programmable machinery reduces manual labour, increases accuracy, and enables faster order processing.

​The company’s general director, Lê Xuân Tráng, said upgrading technology is essential to meet strict product standards from European partners. With these improvements, the company targets a 7.1 per cent sales increase to VNĐ600 billion by 2026.

​Small- and medium-sized enterprises account for around 95 per cent of the province's 54,000 businesses. 

However, Vũ Văn Cường, deputy director of the Bắc Ninh Department of Finance, pointed out that many firms struggle with accessing supportive policies, complex administrative procedures, and high borrowing costs, and these often lead to fragmented or ineffective technology investment.

​To address this, the province has provided nearly VNĐ4 billion for 1,734 SMEs to create digital signatures.

By 2030, Bắc Ninh aims to help at least 15,000 SMEs assess their digital readiness and assist 8,000 in adopting digital platforms and artificial intelligence.

It is implementing the Politburo's Resolution 57, which promotes the adoption of technology and digital transformation among organisations and businesses.

​Mai Sơn, standing deputy chairman of the Bắc Ninh People's Committee, said the province would provide targeted support based on industry needs, including funding for consultancy, the rental and purchase of digital solutions and interest on bank credit obtained for acquiring technologies.

​The province will also prioritise digital skills training for executives and workers and expand 5G infrastructure in industrial zones to facilitate broader technology adoption. — VNS