K. Vanoirbeek
Digitalization Expert
Digitalisation sounds expensive. But what does it actually cost? And what does it deliver? This article gives an honest, transparent cost overview for Belgian SMEs that want to digitalise, including what you earn back and when.
The biggest reason why SMEs postpone digitalisation is the fear of costs. Understandable: you hear stories of large IT projects with six-figure price tags. But for a Belgian SME with 5 to 50 employees, the reality is much more accessible.
What does a basic digitalisation cost?
A typical digitalisation project for an SME consists of three components: software licences, implementation and training. The total cost depends heavily on the scope, the tools chosen and the complexity of your processes.
- CRM implementation (e.g. HubSpot Starter): €1,500 – €4,500 one-off + €50-150/month
- Process automation (e.g. Make or n8n): €1,000 – €3,000 one-off + €20-100/month
- Full digital transformation (audit + roadmap + quick wins): €3,000 – €8,000
- Integrations between existing systems: €500 – €2,500 per integration
What do you earn back?
The ROI of digitalisation is concrete and measurable. Our clients achieve on average:
- 40% time saving on administrative tasks (= 6-15 hours per week per FTE)
- Average payback period under 6 months
- 340% ROI after 12 months (based on time savings alone)
- Fewer errors, faster delivery, higher customer satisfaction
Hidden costs to watch out for
- Recurring licence costs that add up if you choose too many tools
- Training time: plan for 2-4 hours per team member
- Maintenance and adjustments when processes change
- Integration costs when connecting new tools to existing systems
Tip: start with one process that costs the most time or causes the most errors. A targeted quick win of €1,500-3,000 can already save €800-1,500 per month.
How do you start without overspending?
The DigiTest maps where your business stands on digitalisation in 5 minutes. Free, no obligations, immediate result. Based on your score we identify which step delivers the most ROI first — without unnecessary detours.
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