Building Value from Business Intelligence and Analytics in SMES

Abstract

Analysis of BI and A use in small and medium-sized businesses is the subject of this paper, which summarizes the findings of an exploratory study (SMEs). A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were performed with BI & A professionals. According to the experts, SMEs need to examine a number of crucial factors."Start Small, Think Big" was highlighted as a suitable investment strategy for SMEs in order to (1) gain value from both "quick wins" and long-term assets and impacts, (2) consider BI & A investment without implementing a traditional data warehouse, and (3) consider an automated data warehouse approach. Additionally, experts emphasized the critical nature of data stewardship. We employed a well-established value framework from the literature to make sense of the data. BI & A can be enhanced in small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) by shifting away from a "waterfall" strategy and toward an iterative and agile one. Future research should include investigating SME preparedness and capacity for BI & A. Additionally, the special decision-making requirements of SMEs must be considered.