Socialization of Strategies for Utilizing Technology and Applications to Enhance Productivity and Sustainability of SMEs in Pematang Serai Village, Langkat Regency

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the utilization of technology and digital applications by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pematang Serai Village, Langkat Regency, with the goal of improving their productivity and business sustainability amidst an increasingly digital market competition. The primary focus of the research is on training for the use of e-commerce platforms (Shopee) and digital payment systems (QRIS), which are expected to help SMEs expand their market reach and facilitate transactions. The methods used in this study include surveys and questionnaires to assess the development of digital skills, as well as hands-on training through direct guidance on using digital platforms. The findings indicate a significant improvement in the understanding and use of digital applications among SME actors, with the majority of participants successfully implementing digital technology in their daily business operations. SMEs were able to use e-commerce to market products online and leverage QRIS for digital payment services, ultimately supporting their efficiency and accessibility to broader markets. However, the study has several limitations, including a focus restricted to one village location and a short training duration, which may affect the scope and generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, this research provides a valuable contribution to the development of SMEs in the field of digital empowerment, particularly in local economies and business management. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for SME digitization initiatives in other areas and to enhance their competitiveness in the digital era.