Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that make effective use of the Internet and computer technology tend to be more competitive than those that do not, according to the interim results of the SME Survey 2007.
The survey, now in its fifth year, is conducted by World Wide Worx and sets out to identify the business-enabling technologies which successful SMEs use to increase their competitive-edge.
The SME Survey 2007 is backed financially by Standard Bank and Fujitsu Siemens Computers.
A random selection of 5 000 decision-makers at SMEs, the majority being financial decision-makers, were interviewed for the survey. The survey began on 2 April and will conclude on 31 July.
"Technology is a real business-enabler," says Steven Sanders, distribution channel manager of Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "Today, companies are far savvier about technology and constantly seek to optimise their business efficiency through harnessing the opportunities that technology brings them. The business world has reached a level of IT maturity, with IT playing a core role in enabling the company to deliver on its strategy."
"The interim results already indicate there are common IT-related factors that astute business owners take advantage of to improve the performance of their company," says World Wide Worx MD and principal researcher of the survey, Arthur Goldstuck.
High-speed Internet connectivity, mobile solutions, including WiFi, multifunction devices, and the services of specialist software and hardware companies, contribute to improved competitiveness, he says. "Companies that use these resources consistently fare better than those that do not."
The claim of vendors and solution providers, particularly with regard to Internet connectivity and mobility, appear to be valid at the interim stage of the survey. "These technologies increase productivity and contribute to more competitiveness in the SME environment.
"It also affirms the need for low-cost connectivity as a resource for improved business performance. Any use of the Internet tends to make a company more competitive. Those using the emerging services like VOIP are significantly ahead.
"Over the past four years, the SME survey examined areas that cause SMEs to regard themselves as competitive. This year's survey differs because one of the primary intentions is to create something of a blueprint on what makes an SME highly competitive," Goldstuck says.
The interim results are not a blueprint for success, but rather an indication of what smart companies use, he adds. "There is no substitute for a great idea backed by sound business principles. We're identifying what the entrepreneur needs to support their good idea and increase success."
The highest correlation between competitiveness and any one of the factors mentioned in the survey is 90%: "This indicates that 10% of competitive companies do not necessarily rely on advanced technology for their competitiveness; it is possible to run an effective company without these tools, but using them where appropriate definitely appears to support improved productivity and competitiveness," says Goldstuck.
The final findings will be released in October.
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